So at the beginning of 2019, I decided to challenge my foodie-self by changing my diet to be gluten-free despite not being gluten-intolerant. Initially apprehensive at the idea of a life without cake, I soon realised that a gluten-free diet could be, and is, just as mouth-watering as a normal diet – especially when you’re living in Asia!

Before the switch in diet, I was unaware of the fact that many of my favorite dishes in Malaysia, and from around Asia, are actually gluten-free. Due to the convenience of being able to devour delectable dishes, I felt that I needed to share this goldmine of information – not only for my Asian readers but also for my non-Asian readers as to ‘level up’ your (gluten-free) diet.

Gluten-free food in Malaysia

• Fried Bee Hoon; made with rice noodles or rice vermicelli 
• Thosai; made with rice flour
• Appam; made with rice flour
• Mee Hailam; made with egg noodles
• Loh Shu Fun; made with rice noodles
• Kuey Teow; made with rice noodles
• Char Hor Fun; made with rice noodles
• Curry Mee; made with bee hoon
• Assam Laksa or Laksa Lemak; made with rice noodles or rice vermicelli
• Kolo Mee; made with egg noodles
• Yam Cake; made with rice flour but may contain other types of flour so do double-check
• Radish Cake; made with rice flour

Gluten-free food around Asia

• Thailand: Pad Thai; made with rice flour
• Vietnam: Pho; made with rice noodles
• Japan: Soba; made with buckwheat
• Korea: Tteokbokki (Korean rice-cakes)

Besides wanting a challenge, I had also read about the detrimental health effects of (over-consumption of) gluten. For example, research has shown that blood-flow to the frontal cortex of the brain is affected; if you’re interested to learn more, this website is a good place to start. Honestly speaking, I suffer from severe menstrual cramps but noticed a decrease in pain upon becoming vegetarian and again, upon going gluten-free so if you suffer from the same problem, definitely try this change in diet.

And remember, the list provided above is just a glimpse into the world of gluten-free food!

“Gluten free pizza elicits the same response at a Hollywood party that a pile of cocaine did in the 80’s.” Natasha Leggero