Tips for Enjoying Asian Food Restaurants

Want lactose free foods? Think East Asian: Thai, Chinese, Korean, Japanese.  Why you ask?  The answer is simple, because lactose intolerance is common amongst people of Asian descent, the ethnic foods of the area typically don’t contain dairy.  The key term there however is “typically” .  Some Asian restaurants in the US have adapted to the audience and have developed some foods with dairy in them – they’re not plentiful but they’re out there.  As such here are some tips when dining out…

… Stay clear of the cream cheese filled Crab Rangoon; instead get your crunch from an egg roll or spring roll.

….When ordering sushi, avoid anything labeled “Philadelphia” style or “Cream cheese.” If you want something extra added to your roll, go for a little spicy sauce which is mayonnaise based.

….In Thai foods, coconut cream and coconut milk are common ingredients – these are dairy free, so feel free to enjoy. 

….Desserts are always problematic and that is true even in Asian restuarnts.  Be on the lookout for dairy filled desserts including ice cream and baked items that could have milk. Your best bet if you’re looking for dessert is sorbet and/or consulting with the chef on your options.

….The ginger salad dressing commonly found in Japanese and Korean restaurants may look creamy, but it’s dairy free –

…and as always, use common sense and consult with the chef on any questions or concerns you have.

Now go ahead a share…what’s your favorite Asian food and dish? Do you love all the dairy free options?

Tips for Dining Out: Breakfast

What’s the first thing that comes to mind at the thought of breakfast? Eggs and bacon? Muffins? Pancakes? Yum! But, you might forget foods that could contain lactose.

Problem: Scrambled eggs – a lot of people scramble their eggs with a splash of milk to make them fluffier.
Solution: If your less sensitive ask the server if cream could be substituted, if more sensitive either decline the milk altogether or see if there is a lactose-free alternative.

Problem: Waffles and Pancakes – both most likely have milk in the batter.
Solution: If the batter is not already pre-made ask if cream, water, or a lactose-free alternative

Problem: Whipped Cream – although there is less lactose in cream than in milk there are still traces.
Solution: Skip it altogether if you are very sensitive to lactose.

Problem: Hot Chocolate
Solution: Unless you’re at a super swanky breakfast or brunch joint that offers dark hot chocolate I suggest avoiding it altogether, even with the dark chocolate version I would tread lightly…

Problem: Breakfast Sandwiches – the cheesy goodness that sticks the egg to the meat and bread option.
Solution: Skip the cheese if you’re super sensitive. If you simply cannot do without the cheese, ask for a harder cheese such as cheddar since the harder the cheeses, the more they’ve aged and the less lactose remaining.

Problem: Omelet – same issue as scrambled eggs and egg sandwich.
Solution: Same as scrambled eggs, but you can also ask for egg whites only with no milk or ask for egg beaters which have minimal traces of lactose if any. As far as the cheese goes it’s simply the same as the breakfast sandwich.

Problem: Muffins and baked breads – there’s the potential for traces of lactose to be left in the baked good if milk was used.
Solution: Chances are the lactose is slim; however, to be on the safe side ask if there was a soy alternative or just avoid the baked goods.

Tried and true go-to breakfast or brunch options:
- Eggs: over easy, over hard, sunny side up
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Fruit salad
- Bagels
- English muffins
- Corned beef hash
- Toast
- Cereal: dry or with lactose alternative to milk
- Home fries