In February, I went on a fabulous 6 week trip to India. I knew it would be tough to stay on my diet on this trip for a few reasons. India has amazing food - not to mention an abundance of great gluten-filled foods such as naan, rotis, somosas and phrontay (naans filled with potatoes). I knew I wasn't strong enough to not at least try some of these foods.
While staying in the village, I found it easier to stay on my diet as my aunt made my mum and I corn roti's...now these were great but not exactly gluten free as my aunt wasn't able to prepare the food cautiously and without contamination. I felt sick almost every day we were there - which could have been due to several reasons.
While we travelled around, we found that restaurants in northern India carried the corn option, which was great. Once again, people in India are not educated on Celiac disease and restaurants can't guarantee there will be cross-contamination, so really you have to take your chances. When we travelled to Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra (to more central parts of India), we found no restaurants offered a corn option at all. My mum and I were stuck eating rice with a sabhji (vegetarain dish) or a dhaal (soup) or not stick to the gluten free diet at all. I found it very tough and definately paid the price. I came back feeing pretty unhealthy and ten pounds lighter from constantly getting sick.
So while the food was absolutely delicious - it is almost impossible to be gluten free in India.
I do have to add a comment about the amazingly fresh fruits and veggies in India. Vegetarian dishes are much tastier in India - for example, the carrots are almost a shade of red which made the carrot dish much yummier. Cauliflower sabhji was fabulous as well. Okra, which is my favorite dish, was to die for in India. The fruit - watermelon, apples, guavas are delicious! You will see many stands that sell fresh fruit juices. The best fresh fruit juice I tried was at the rock garden in Chandigarh - which is a must see site.
PS. You can get the most delightful cup of chai in India :)
PS. You can get the most delightful cup of chai in India :)
Nothing to do with India, but I was in Pricesmart, Langley yesterday, and found Udi's Hamburger and Hot dog buns tucked away in their gluten free freezer by the bakery! I hadn't thought these gems had made it to Canada yet!
ReplyDeletewow i never really thought about it but i can totally see why it would be hard! but that aside, India would be an incredible place to travel to!
ReplyDeletexoxo <3