staying paleo in Japan?

[gutsybynature]

My husband and I are taking a trip to Japan in a couple weeks to visit friends and site see. Curious if we have any forum members in Japan or who have visited there and have advice for me?

I do eat white rice, so that helps a great deal, but I am very gluten sensitive and do my best to stay away from soy. 

[JoanL]

Hi Jaime, I've spent time living in japan. It can be hard to go gluten free cos of all the soy sauce used but recently japan has taken to labeling most of their food to indicate the presence of 7 top allergens including gluten. So one good way when you're in a supermarket or looking through the menu is to look out for the word 小麦 (pronounced komughee) Anything with this word means the presence of gluten. I've found it really helpful to identify hidden gluten in food that we otherwise may think is gluten free.

In terms of eating out, Ootoya is a family restaurant chain in japan and they have the allergen indication on their menu. Their grilled fish (without the side of hijiki) is gluten free and their seaweed salad is also good (without dressing). They also have a shiokouji beef and pork which is gluten free and served with a salad. You can find them almost everywhere in Tokyo. You can also visit yakitori places 焼き鳥 and ask for skewered chicken or chicken parts grilled with just salt. Make sure you tell the servers you just want it grilled with salt. If not they usually dunk it in a soy sauce based gravy たれ (pronounce talay). Shabu shabu and other hot pot places are also good options cos the stock is usually made without soy sauce. Sashimi are also good options and if you eat rice then of course sushi is a good option at supermarkets and convenience stores.

For me, I usually just like to go to ootoya and also visit supermarkets and buy fresh fruits and vegetables from there. There's a burgeoning organic local food movement in japan. If you have time, you can also visit the farmer's market on weekends at the UN campus at Shibuya. It is very interesting.

[gutsybynature]

Thank you! This is super helpful!! We leave on Friday... Getting excited!


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[JoanL]

You're welcome! Have lots of fun!