Recommendations for places (vegetarian coeliac) in Amsterdam, Barcelona and anywhere else?

I'm afraid to travel since going gluten free, as i don't eat meat or anything fried, or any deserts, etc.

I have a feeling it's going to be slim pickings.

Any recommendations? Obviously contamination is the main risk.

[Hidden]

Hya Bluedaffodil, here's a link to the Coeliac map:

coeliacmap.com/Map/2077

They have a few entries in Holland including ''Bagels and beans'' who have a few places in Amsterdam and they sound just your thing. Also if you come across anywhere interesting may be you could inform the coeliac map

And have a great holiday.

[KarenBC]

Hi Bluedaffodil

I'm just back from a holiday in Spain and went to Barcelona for a few days. I'm gluten, dairy anf fructose free and my daughter is also gluten free so was very concerned. I went in a self-catering apartment to reduce problems but decided I wanted to go the restaurant one day with all the family.

Spain was great for food. All the supermarket foods are clearly labelled. One restaurant was a bit funny so we went elsewhere and we had no problems in other restaurants. Where we went, she said, of course we'll cook in a different pan, you can't have chips because its fried in the same oil etc and we'll be careful with bread. Bliss. And at one of the lowest prices. Even on market stalls, things are labelled gluten free and dairy free.

We saw two vegan shops selling meals and sandwiches and one veggie restaurant. Otherwise in the restaurant you can ask for a salad or potato frittata although it is pan-fried and deoends if you do eggs. Fish is very popular and is pan-fried (which is what i had).

I live in France which is not as advanced as Spain and to eat in a restaurant without any problems, you have to generally eat in an expensive one that cooks everything fresh. Things aren't always marked so you have to read labels, which isn't easy if you are a foreigner! Added to that vegetarians still aren't catered for here either. There is a veggie restaurant in Lyon but that doesn't mean its GF.

We went to Italy last year and found that OK in supermarkets (although nowhere as good as Spain) but found restaurants more complicated but possible if you ask around and salads are easier to come by and more varied.

Whatever the country, we use self-catering. Generally its cheaper and takes the stress out of things.

Hope that helps

[SAMISARO]

We stayed at the Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy in Amsterdam this summer & and they had gluten free bread rolls and the chefs seemed knowledgable. Nearby within walking distance, there was a Health food store, so I bought some breads from there and used them for breakfast in the room. The reception staff all speak english and I am sure they would advise you if you phoned them before you book. The hotel is a really funky hotel in an old art deco type buding with art installations. Amsterdam well worth a visit. Don't let

your special diet stop you from travelling.

[Jacks]

Spain is great for gluten and lactose free - much easier than here. Supermarkets stock several types of lactose free milk and cheese (whereas we have the one brand). Unlike here, most places take it very seriously - from supermarkets to restaurants to pharmacists - they seem more clued-up too. Barcelona also has a manufacturing base for Scharr and some other gf bakeries.

[Hidden]

Italy is also very good for coeliacs..they are very clued up in restaurants and in their shops