Rice at Oriental Restaurants?

Rogerandrew · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1

Although discussion of GF problems usually mentions soy sauce or cooking oils, rice itslef may be a problem. I have been told by my Philipina daughter in law, a nurse who does a lot of oriental cooking, that types of rice used by oriental cooks frequently contain some gluten, to make the rice more clumpy.
Has anyone encountered or looked into this?
Roger

aklap · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 8602 Location: WI, USA

Hi Roger,

Welcome to the board!

Might she be thinking of Glutinous Rice? It does not contain gluten...it's called that because it's sticky. It's also called "sweet rice". Rest assured, Glutinous Rice is gluten free Smile

The bigger problem is soy sauce and cross contamination issues. Even if they cook w/o soy sauce, their woks will be contaminated. Typically Asian restaurants do not clean their woks as it destroys the seasoning of them. Most celiacs or gluten intolerants stay away from Asian places. PF Changs (a chain restaurant) does offer a GF menu in which they use GF soy sauces and dedicated woks for such cooking.

Of course...if you have an intolerance to rice...that's a different story...it will bother you then.

Here are some references for you:

http://www.csaceliacs.org/gluten_grains.php
Glutinous rice The term glutinous refers to its sticky texture when cooked. White, brown, or black rice characterized by broad, short grains that stick together during cooking; mainly used in Asian sweet snacks; also known as sweet rice, sticky rice, or waxy rice.

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/Food_Guide/Glutinous_Rice.htm

http://www.asiafood.org/glossary_1.cfm?alpha=R&wordid=2629&startno=1&endno=25

I hope this helps!
_________________
Al

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

Shiloh · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 113 Location: Northern Virginia

Unless you order fried rice, the rice won't be cooked in a wok. It will be cooked in a rice cooker and should be safe as long as they don't put any sauce on it. Same as if you order steamed veggies, they should be fine too. So, you can have rice and steamed veggies. UGH! I'd rather get my wok out and cook myself a great oriental meal! With wheat free Tamari sauce and gluten free hoison sauce, etc. Wink

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gf since 3/27/04

Linda · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:41 am Post subject:

Shiloh · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 113 Location: Northern Virginia

I ordered it over the internet. I either got it from Gluten Free Mall or Gluten Free Pantry. I am pretty sure it's made by Premiere Japan or something. I also got teriyaki sauce from them. I ordered sweet and sour sauce and then found out that La Choy sweet and sour sauce is gluten free. Have fun!
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gf since 3/27/04

Judy · Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Posts: 235 Location: Massachusetts

Shiloh, thanks for the tip on teriaki sauce. My husband LOVES teriaki and now he can have it again.
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Judy

The Edifying Conscience · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 2437

edwardandsons.com make a GF hoisin called Premier Japan.

My body cannot tolerate the tamari made by Eden Organics. I get a severe gluten reaction...FYI.

Thaikitchen.com also has some GF products.

Shiloh · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 113 Location: Northern Virginia

Yes, I see the GF Mall and Pantry no longer carry the hoisin and teriyaki sauces but you can order them direct from Edwards and Sons.
I have heard the Eden tamari sauce contains barley and thus is wheat free but not gluten free... I use San-J wheat free Tamari sauce which you can buy at Whole Foods. Whole Foods has their own brand of wheat free soy sauce but it is never in stock. Crying or Very sad

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gf since 3/27/04