Gluten Free Chinese? No Way!!!

Yes way, my friends  

A mere 15 minutes by train from Waterloo lies a mythical and never before seen wonder - a gluten free Chinese restaurant.

Steamed dim sum platter

Given that “Gluten” isn’t even a known word in Chinese, it’s no wonder trying to communicate a gluten allergy or coeliac disease is near impossible, let alone trying to figure out what ingredients may contain it. Given the ever-present pest that is soy sauce, let’s just bet on it being none. Enjoy that plain bowl of steamed rice Jimmy. Have fun while we all munch down on some delicious Dim Sum and dumplings Jimmy. 

Well no longer!

Deep fried calamari

Naturally Chinese was founded by Aime and her husband, who is also the chef. Aime wanted to create great tasting natural Chinese food, without using MSG. This led her down a path of discovery that led to her really understanding her ingredients. It also a gained her a loyal following of customers with allergies that struggled with communication and the lack of appreciation of allergens in Chinese restaurants. She was really surprised to learn that no UK Chinese restaurants were catering to coeliacs and decided to contact Coeliac UK for training. And we should all be so thankful she did!

Rice paper spring rolls

THE FOOD!!!!!! I haven’t eaten dim sum since I was fifteen. I used to love it. I have food memories of it. I haven’t had anything that has even come close over the years.

Pan-fried turnip cakes

To be able to eat the most delicate handmade, flavourful prawn dumplings - I could have cried! Food memories came rushing to the fore of the food present, and man was I happy.

I promptly ordered as many dim sum as I could eat, and then Aime added on several more for good measure.

Steamed crystal prawn dumplings

I absolutely adored the turnip cakes, an old favourite that I can't have because of cross contamination issues in normal Chinese restaurants.

There is also an extensive menu of other items - soups, noodles, meats and fishes. I just went for what I missed most.

And of course, that means that I have an excuse to go back again sometime very soon.

I would talk more about it, but I think that is enough said!

Gluten Free Knowledge: ★★★★★
Gluten Free Range: ★★★★★
Taste: ★★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★

Verdict: If you want amazing, gluten free Chinese food, make your way to Waterloo pronto. You won’t be sorry.