I am intolerant of gluten products and therefore not able to eat foods containing wheat. I would appreciate your advice on whether gluten free meals are available in major cities Vietnam?

Thank you for reaching out to us. Gluten-free travelers will find it relatively easy to navigate dining options in Vietnam as the staple in Vietnamese cuisine is rice rather than wheat (learn more about the role of rice in Vietnam). Signature dishes like "Pho" (beef noodle soup) and "Nem" (fresh spring rolls) are primarily made from rice.

While gluten allergies and the concept of gluten-free meals are still not widely recognized in Vietnam, you can find gluten-free products in certain expat neighborhoods, particularly in Hanoi (around Xuan Dieu Road) and Ho Chi Minh City (Pham Ngu Lao Street).

We recommend verifying with your hotel and restaurants to ensure that ingredients do not contain wheat (bot my in Vietnamese). If you're staying at upscale hotels in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, speaking with the hotel chef or restaurant manager will help ensure a gluten-free dining experience.

Here are some common foods that typically contain gluten which you should avoid (this may assist you with Vietnamese vocabulary):

- Any food containing "banh" (includes baguettes, baked goods, etc.)
- Any food with "my" (includes egg noodles, instant noodles)
- Any food with "quay" (refers to fried fritters)
- Any food made with "tam bot" (Vietnamese term for fried fish or meat coated in flour)

We hope this information proves useful to you and your family. Happy travels!