SUSHI IS NOT GLUTEN FREE
Just when I thought that Japanese food was safe for celiacs, a number of reasons for why I should quit eating sushi arose. It goes without saying that this made me food-strated. Extremely food-strated.
Here's a list of some of the foods and products that you may need to steer clear of, as they tend to contain gluten (even though they do not list it as an ingredient in their label).
Tempura
This is a no brainer: first, it is fried (high risk of cross contamination) and food is wrapped in wheat flour.
Sushi
The vinegar used in sushi usually contains gluten, as the rice vinegar is blended with barley malt.
Fake Crab
Beware california-roll-lovers, this ingredient is pulverized fish mixed with a binder (wheat).
Includes soybean and wheat as basic ingredients.
Consomme
This very popular soup base among Japanese contains processed meats and wheat flour.
Miso
Made from fermenting rice, barley or soya beans.
Miso
Made from fermenting rice, barley or soya beans.
A word on distilled vinegar: it is not safe, so stick to balsamic, apple cider and wine vinegars.
There is really no need to feel bummed out after reading this. Every single Japanese dish can be made gluten free! Plus there are Japanese foods that are already naturally gluten free.