ASIA . JAPAN
Kyoto
Gluten-free places we’ve tried!
Year after year, the gluten-free options in Kyoto keep increasing.
Of course, you’ll need to pay special attention to cross-contamination (soy sauce and shared kitchens with gluten-containing foods), but with a little caution it’s possible to enjoy ramen, okonomiyaki, gyoza, daifuku (my passion!) and gluten-free fried chicken!
Click on the arrow to learn more!
Kyoto Engine Ramen
Located near Nishiki Market, this place is the go-to spot for gluten-free ramen in Kyoto!
It’s a fairly touristy restaurant with a young, international staff. The perfect stop to recharge after a loooong walk exploring this magnificent city. They offer regular, gluten-free, and even vegan options.
Senza paura recommends: Try the gyoza soup in addition to the ramen!
Downside: It’s a bit touristy and you’ll likely find a bit of a line. Just grab your number—your turn will come up quickly!
RAMEN
Loco-Chicken
Without a doubt, the juiciest fried chicken I’ve ever eaten!
This teeny-tiny Hawaiian (yep, not Japanese!) restaurant serves up a combo of gluten-free chicken nuggets, out-of-this-world sauces, and fries that are totally safe for celiacs!
Senza paura recommends: Don’t miss the honey mustard sauce!
Downside: There are only 6 seats—choose your timing wisely!
FRIED CHICKEN
Teuchi Toru
Slightly outside the city center, but a gem you can’t miss if you want to try 100% buckwheat soba.
The restaurant perfectly embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics: minimalist but incredibly refined. You sit at the counter and watch the chef prepare each dish. The menu is small (just a few options, but all amazing—like most Japanese places), and everything is outstanding.
Senza paura recommends: Try the cold soba dipped in soy sauce with daikon and wasabi—unreal! And absolutely drink the cooking water broth at the end of the meal.
Downside: Pay attention to closing times and arrive early—it’s really tin
SOBA
Ikkakuju Karasuma
Every time I think of okonomiyaki, this place comes to mind (and makes my mouth water).
They use rice flour, which means even we celiacs can enjoy this delicious dish! Head downstairs and enjoy this glorious, savory pancake cooked right in front of you.
Senza paura recommends: Don’t miss the one with pork, seafood, and cheese (+ yakisoba, also gluten-free!)
Downside: It wasn’t easy to find. It’s located on a basement floor—just take the stairs and enjoy the fun on level -1!
OKONOMIYAKI
Sugarhill Kyoto
This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist.
They have a dedicated gluten-free menu available (in English). The owner was super friendly—we really enjoyed chatting with him!
Senza paura recommends: The teriyaki chicken with potato and mustard salad is divine!
Downside: Maybe not the most traditional place, but a warm and welcoming spot for tourists.
JAPANESE FUSION
Cafe & Bar Maru
Located in one of the little alleys in the city center, in one of the most charming neighborhoods at night,
this bar/restaurant serves delicious gluten-free options in a modern and stylish atmosphere.
We had dinner at the counter chatting with the bartender (a Colombian guy who came to study Japanese!) and sipping my beloved Shochu Lemon (made from sweet potatoes or rice).
Senza paura recommends: Try the breaded and fried pork cutlet!
Downside: It’s on an upper floor above street level—look carefully for the sign, take the elevator, and enjoy your evening!
BAR & GRILL
Nishiki market
Kyoto’s covered market full of stalls and packed with delicacies.
Personally, to avoid contamination, I’d go almost daily just to indulge in daifuku—mochi filled with sweet red bean paste (azuki) and the juiciest, most delicious strawberry you can imagine! Don’t knock it till you try it!
Senza paura recommends: Look for a little corner shop that sells only daifuku—you won’t regret it!
Downside: Be mindful of cross-contamination risks from soy sauce, tempura, and other gluten-containing ingredients that may affect sushi, fish, and meat.
SUSHI
Attention!
In Japan, celiac disease is not as well-known as it is in Italy.
As a result, the risk of cross-contamination is always something to keep in mind.
No worries: I suggest showing restaurants this gluten-free card wherever you go.
I’m confident they’ll do their best to help you out!
Alternatives for celiacs we haven’t tested
The names listed below are the result of a loooong research through different websites (especially Gluten-Free in Japan) and Instagram pages. In short, I did the hard work of digging so you don’t have to 😊
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to try them ourselves, but maybe they’ll still be a helpful starting point!
