{"id":30614,"date":"2018-11-12T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-11T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=30614&preview=true&preview_id=30614"},"modified":"2025-04-22T15:20:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T05:20:26","slug":"travelling-food-allergies-south-east-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/travelling-food-allergies-south-east-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"What it’s like travelling in South East Asia with food allergies"},"content":{"rendered":"

South East Asia\u2019s<\/a> relaxed food regulations, combined with language barriers, can make it a daunting destination for those who suffer food allergies.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The idea that a trace of peanut or cashew is enough to kill an allergy sufferer is absurd to some people, but believe me,\u00a0 it can. I know this from personal experience; if I ingest an allergen, I\u2019ll go into anaphylactic shock within minutes, requiring an Epi-Pen and immediate medical attention. If I don\u2019t receive help in time, I could die.<\/p>\n

Traveling with severe allergies presents unique and stressful challenges. There have been times when I\u2019ve skipped meals while traveling, because I didn’t feel certain that something is safe. I\u2019ve relied on others to explain – in a foreign language – my allergies. And I\u2019ve picked through meals before eating them to check for peanuts.<\/p>\n

\"An

A local who understands your allergies can help with what you can eat.<\/p><\/div>\n

None of these challenges mean you shouldn\u2019t travel, or limit where you go. If South East Asia is calling to you, go for it! When you do, keep the following tips in mind.<\/p>\n

1. Do some research before you travel<\/h3>\n

Before you head to South East Asia, read up on the region\u2019s local cuisine and food practices. You will want to research the specific country you\u2019re visiting, as food culture varies across this region of the world. Look up the primary dishes and ingredients used to see how prevalent your specific allergen is. This will give you an idea of specific dishes to avoid.<\/p>\n

South East Asia is known for their use of nuts, making it a challenging destination for nut-allergy sufferers. The good news is that nuts are typically used as a garnish, so they can usually be omitted from dishes. In Vietnam<\/a>, I was often able to eat pho, as long as I ensured they left off the peanut garnish! In Cambodia<\/a>, I ate dumplings and noodles, because peanuts weren\u2019t prevalent in those dishes either.<\/p>\n

CHECK OUT INTREPID’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN ASIA NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Beef

It\u2019s lucky I\u2019m a big fan of pho!<\/p><\/div>\n

Another reliable trick is to research what fast food chains and restaurants are available in your destination; when I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I ate McDonalds. At that point, it felt safer to eat dishes that were familiar to me, than to eat street food.<\/p>\n

Another element of research before you travel is medical attention. Look up the names of hospitals, emergency phone numbers, and availability of ambulances. In some cases, taking a taxi might get you to a hospital faster than an ambulance. In some regions of South East Asia, private hospitals are available to foreigners, offering English-speaking doctors and faster treatment; it\u2019s wise to look up the names and address of these hospitals before you go. Keep this information close to you \u2013 on a piece of paper in your wallet, or in your phone.<\/p>\n

RELATED: VEGAN? VEGETARIAN? GLUTEN-FREE? HERE\u2019S YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EATING IN VIETNAM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Let your fellow travelers know<\/h3>\n
\"Girl

Finding this egg coffee in Hanoi was a delicious highlight!<\/p><\/div>\n

Traveling alone with food allergies can be scary. I have found that traveling with other people who know about my allergies helps immensely, which is why my first trips were done through group travel!<\/p>\n

A group travel leader can\u2019t take ultimate responsibility for your safety (that\u2019s all on you), but they can generally assist in managing your restrictions while traveling. In my experience, group travel offered a sense of security and mental support that I wouldn\u2019t have had traveling on my own. I\u2019ll never forget one particular day with a group in Northern Thailand<\/a>. I had ordered a meal, but when it arrived I saw it had peanuts crumbled on top. My new friends saw my dismay and all offered me portions of their food that were peanut-free; with a bit of effort, I was safely fed! It was calming to know that my fellow travelers and leaders were aware of the unique challenges I faced, and would be there should anything go wrong.<\/p>\n

Whether traveling with a friend or as part of a group, it\u2019s important to let people know of your specific allergies, the medications you carry, what kind of medical attention you need in the event of a reaction, and how to identify a reaction. Those around you can only help you if you\u2019ve given them the tools to do so.<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID\u2019S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL STORIES, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Prepare yourself for challenges<\/h3>\n

Before traveling, make sure you have packed everything you might need to make your experience safe and enjoyable. My prep list always includes extra Epi-Pens (in case you lose one); I generally keep one of them on me, and one in my luggage. I always pack antihistamines to ease any minor reactions I might have, and if you have a medic-alert bracelet, wear it throughout your trip as an extra precaution.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also recommended to have your doctor\/allergist write you a medical note, in the event that airport security personnel question your medications. I carry translation cards which explain my allergy, and the medical attention required for it (you can buy these online).<\/p>\n

\"Fruit

Stock up on fruit and you\u2019ll always have an allergen-free snack.<\/p><\/div>\n

I also try to bring my own food, where possible. While traveling around South East Asia I always <\/em>carried snacks with me: safe granola bars from home, protein powder, and locally sourced fruit. By arming myself with snacks, I ensured I had something to eat in the event that I wouldn\u2019t be able to find a meal that I felt was safe to eat. Snacks are a must for flights as well, because many airlines still serve allergen foods, and don\u2019t offer safe meal options to allergy sufferers.<\/p>\n

Flights can sometimes be an exceptional challenge; I have spent entire flights with a scarf wrapped around my face to avoid inhaling the smell of peanuts. But hey, it gets me to my destination safely!<\/p>\n

RELATED: 4 REASONS NOT TO TRAVEL \u2013 AND WHY I IGNORED THEM ALL<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Lastly, your preparation should include travel insurance. Make sure to inform your insurance company of any allergies ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Traveling South East Asia with food allergies can be a bit nerve-wracking and scary, and your experience will be very different to those who travel without restrictions. A food allergy means you may not be able to eat some of the street food, or try a few local delicacies. But when you find something that you can <\/em>eat, it will be elating!<\/p>\n

As frustrating as traveling with allergies might be, remember that South East Asia has so much to offer; food is only one element of that. You\u2019ll also get to experience the culture, nature, history and adventures, and you\u2019ll be so glad you did.<\/p>\n

Travelling with a food allergy or intolerance? Let your agent know when you’re booking, and tell your leader when you arrive. Check out our range of small group adventures, led by expert local leaders, in Asia now<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

All images by Erin Hynes.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Don’t let your food allergy stop you from travelling; here’s how to stay safe in foreign countries. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16140,"featured_media":30617,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,9],"tags":[180,385],"class_list":["post-30614","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-food","tag-asia","tag-south-east-asia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Travel With Food Allergies in South East Asia | Intrepid Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Traveling with food allergies and intolerances can present some unique and stressful challenges, but don't let them ruin your plans to see the world. 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