Going to live in Shanghai

[paulc]

Hi

I am going to live in Shanghai from January and am concerned about what I'll be able eat in restaurants. Chinese restaurants in England are difficult enough ! Does anyone have experience of living for long periods in China and how did you manage? I'm quite happy to cook for myself most of the time, but would like not to worry about going to eat out.

Is there much cultural understanding of coeliac disease? I've heard that the condition is almost unheard of in Chinese people.

Any help or advice would be gratefully received

Paul

[aklap]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the board! Wow - how exciting!!

We have one gal here that is going soon maybe she'll have something to offer - Amooliakin is her user name. While looking for info I came across this from another board:

http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/lofiversion/index.php/t25993.html
http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/lofiversion/index.php/t2688.html


I would think MSG and soy sauce would be some of the biggest offenders.

Good luck and safe travels!!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[paulc]

hi,

thanks for your prompt response. the info has been very helpful and I've emailed a couple of people who may be able to give me some advice.

regards
Paul.

[Fidissimus]

This is also a good thread to read:

http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/index.php?showtopic=3590

And you might also want to look into purchasing Triumph Dining Cards in Chinese. I think this may help you at first... but it's still pretty risky to eat out in some restaurants. By the way avoid the street venders if at all possible - not just because of gluten, but there's a high risk factor for getting ill due to sanitation. Trust me - you'll save yourself a lot of grief (no matter how good it smells!)
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Cheers!
Jenn

GF BD: Feb. 2001
Free of wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, dairy, eggs, almonds, pineapple and brewers yeast.
http://graindamaged.blogspot.com/

[Amooliakin]

Yes - we are going on Thursday for a week in Shanghai and a week in Hong Kong. Luckily my spouse grew up in China, has relatives there (some of whom manage a restaurant) and of course, speaks the language.

Nevertheless we are still quite nervous. We are packing 4 suitcases of clothing and personal items for the 4 of us in the family plus one more suitcase just for GF food for our daughter.

I assume that suitcase will be filled with souvenires when we get back...

Gosh I wish this forum had spell check!

I will certainly let you know anything and everything we learn about Shanghai and GF sources of food when I get back.

I have heard it is a great place to live.
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Amy - Mom to two kids, one with Celiac, and assorted pets including 9 mice

[Amooliakin]

Hi Paul - we are back from our China trip..... We were in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Let me know if you are still around and I can share my wisdom (ha ha).
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Amy - Mom to two kids, one with Celiac, and assorted pets including 9 mice