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GLUTEN FREE GUIDE: Metro Manila (Makati and BGC)
I have been traveling to the Philippines yearly since 2007, as well as staying there over longer periods of time. It is a country that is difficult to eat cheap in with a restrictive diet, unless you are okey with rice and grilled chicken every day. If you have access to a kitchen, you could cook at home, but if you are staying in Metro Manila there are more and more places with allergen knowledge. Below are some inside tips when it comes to the Philippines and being gluten free in Manila and other Filipino cities:
Gluten is an unfamiliar term in general in the Philippines. You will therefore risk getting many stares of wonder if you ask about a dish containing gluten. It is strongly encouraged that you follow up with questions about the ingredients of a dish, primarily if it contains “harina” (flour), “toyo” (soy sauce) or oyster sauce. You should also ask if the meal contains pasta or bread, andif it is fried. Do note that soy sauce is widely used in Filipino dishes, as is flour and pasta.
You may also need to underline to staff that cross contamination is a health risk to you as well.
When you receive your dish, feel free to follow up again to confirm that the dish is without X mentioned ingredients.
Filipinos are extremely service oriented and will do their utmost to make sure they do not disappoint you. This means that you may experience that your waiter does not ask you what you mean when you mention gluten. You may therefore risk having servers informing you that a meal is gluten free when it may in fact not be gluten free. This does not come from a place of malice, and is why asking additional questions is advised to avoid misunderstandings. I would also recommend stating you have a serious allergy to underline the severity of your condition.
One reason why some waiters may inform you that the meal is/is not gluten free when it may be the opposite, is that there is something called “glutinous rice” in the Philippines. I have seen it fairly often, and it has nothing to do with gluten. Thus, always ask about ingredients.
When you order cocktails, make sure to also double-check the ingredients. I have ended up with drinks that are supposed to be gluten free, but had beer added.
All of the fast food chains will be off limits for any Celiac, except the ones selling grilled chicken. I have never had any reactions at Mang Inasal nor Bacholod Chicken Inasal, but as recipes could change you should always confirm the ingredients.
There is a brand of soy sauce in the Philippines, the cheapest you can find and widely used, which based on the ingredient list is gluten free. As you may know, Asian products often have incomplete ingredient lists, and I have never been given any feedback when contacting the company producing the soy sauce. The brand is called Datu Puti. I cannot recommend it as being Celiac safe since it doesnt specifically say it is gluten free, but hardly any Asian products will have such a marking. At the same time, I am an extremely sensitive Celiac and have been using the brand for years without any reactions.

GLUTEN FREE IN MANILA (MAKATI AND BGC)

100 % Gluten Free

There are no 100% gluten free cafes nor restaurants in Manila, Makati nor BGC. If you find one, do let me know! There are, however, some gluten free online bakeries where you can order gluten free bread and pastries. One of them is the following:
Amores Gluten Free Manila
Celiac safety: 100% safe
I messaged the bakery on Facebook and they informed me the following: “we bake our products in a fully gluten free environment. So no risk of cross contamination”. They delivery within Metro Manila. More details here.

PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE ON THE MENU
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

HAPPY GARDEN CAFE
56 Jupiter, Makati, 1201 Metro Manila
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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An excellent restaurant in Makati for any Celiac. The staff is aware of allergens and the menu is clearly allergen marked. The variety and options of gluten free dishes is fantastic, and the food itself is really good. This is also a place where you can try out classical Filipino dishes made with gluten free ingredients. More details here or click the address above to map it.

THE WHOLESOME TABLE
Ground Floor Greenbelt 2 Esperanza St, Cor Greenbelt Dr, Ayala Center, Makati
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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This has to be the restaurant I went to the most during my last visit to Metro Manila. They have branches in Rockwell, BGC, Makati and other cities. This means that there will always be at least one restaurant nearby with gluten free options at hand. The menu is clearly marked and the staff are also aware of what gluten is and how to make certain gluten containing dishes gluten free. The food is good, but is a little on the pricier side. More details here or click the address above to map it.

CORNER TREE CAFE
150 Jupiter, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I have eaten at Corner Tree Cafe many time without any problems. The menu is clearly marked with allergens. You should, however, note that the staff may not necessarily be fully aware of the various allergen markings (which is common in the Philippines as gluten is not a known term). It is therefore recommended that you emphasize that the meal needs to be gluten free and without bread if you order soup. More details here or click the address above to map it.

GREEN PASTURES
Net Square Building, 1634 28th St, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
This restaurant is located in BGC, but may have branches elsewhere by the time I am writing this. The menu is allergen marked and staff friendly. I did have an “incident” here, when I ordered breakfast without toast. The waiter was about to place bread on my plate when I got the plate from the kitchen, as he assumed the kitchen had forgotten it. I had to run over to stop him. The waiter was not the same one as took my order, so it was just an example of being very service oriented. More details here or click the address above to map it.

PEOPLE’S PALACE
Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Located in Greenbelt, this has been one of my to-go-to restaurants as it has been around for many years. Due to the sheer number of expats going here, they are fully aware of gluten and has an allergen marked menu. The food is good, and while it is a little on the pricier side it is worth it for the security and ambiance. I would recommend sitting outside. More details here or click the address above to map it.

Places with Gluten Free Options when you Ask
At these places, there menus did not have any information on allergens or ingredients, but staff was able to assist when asked about gluten free options (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

WILDFLOUR + BAKERY
V Corporate Center, Salcedo Village, Ground Floor, 125 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
WILDFLOUR + BAKERY has some gluten free pastries to chose from. They are clearly marked on the menu and they are displayed on a separate tray (at least at the branch I went to). As cross contamination may be an unfamiliar term, it is recommendable that you inform you “have an allergy” and that the pastry has to be taken out using a new set of utensils. This cafe has many branches in Rockwell, BGC, Makati and other cities. More details here or click the address above to map it.

BACOLOD CHICKEN INASAL
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I love grilled/BBQed chicken, and Bacolod city is famous for this. The fast food chain Bacholod Chicken Inasal therefore has such chicken as its specialty. I inquired about the ingredients while there, and they use a special marinade consisting of vinegar and oil (meaning it is gluten free). If you go, please feel free to ask again as recipes may change from time to time. This restaurant has many branches in Rockwell, Manila, BGC, Makati and other cities. More details here or click the address above to map it.

MANG INASAL
140 Jupiter, Makati, Metro Manila
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Mang inasal is the cheaper and faster fast food chain when comparing with Bacolod Chicken Inasal. It has always been my safe bet when eating on a budget in the Philippines, but I have never been able to get a confirmation of the ingredients used in the marinade. I have till this day never been sick/had any reaction from eating there, but if you are Celiac you have to make your own risk evaluation. Mang Inasal has branches in Rockwell, Manila, BGC, Makati and other cities. More details here or click the address above to map it.

PHO HOA
Various branches
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Vietnamese food – in particularly pho – is normally a safe choice for Celiacs. I have eaten at Pho Hoa at least 10 times over the last years, and I have never encountered any issues. Do ask about the ingredients when you order though. You can find branches all over Manila, Makati, BGC and other cities in Metro Manila and the Philippines in general. Read more here.

MANAM
Central Bus. Dist. Unit 105 G/F Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St. cor. Greenbelt Dr.
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Manam actually hardly have any gluten free options and you will not really get a clear answer if you ask what is safe to eat or not. The only reason why I mention it here, is due to the only gluten free dish I dared trying – the famous bulalo. If you do go here, make sure to double check the ingredients in case they have changed. More details here or click the address above to map it.

CYMA RESTAURANTS
G/F Greenbelt 2 Ayala Malls, Makati City, Philippines
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
CYMA is located in Greenbelt in Makati, but may have branches elsewhere. They offer gluten free pasta, but you need to make sure that it is prepared using new water to avoid any cross contamination risk. More details here or click the address above to map it.

STEAK/BEEF RESTAURANTS
International food is quite popular in the Philippines, and most American and Argentinian restaurants serve beef, steak and other grilled meats. Some examples are Thank God it’s Fridays, Outback Steakhouse, El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse, Wolfgang’s steakhouse among many. These can easily be prepared gluten free, but be aware that the cost for beef/steak in the Philippines is quite high.

GLUTEN FREE IN GROCERIES/STORES

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HEALTH STORES
HEALTHY OPTIONS (Ground Floor, Glorietta 2 Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati)
Healthy Options has many branches in Rockwell, BGC, Makati and other cities. It is a health focused outlet that sells vitamins, sugar free products and, most importantly, a lot of gluten free items! For Christmas I even saw them promoting a gluten free holiday basket. You will be able to find gluten free bread, pasta, cookies and more. Some of the branches have a frozen section with gluten free items as well. Is it expensive? Yes. Are there many other options around? Definitely not.

GROCERIES
In the past, I would hardly be able to find anything gluten free in Filipino groceries. Lately, things seem to have changed. I have now spotted gluten free cereals, candies, pasta and cookies in both SM mall groceries and Robinson’s mall groceries. It is up to each branch what and how much they will order of gluten free options, so if you find very little in one grocery you can try another one.

FINAL NOTES
These are just some of the many places offering meals when you are eating gluten free in Manila. There are many more places that can serve you gluten free meals, so get ready to explore. Just remember – ask about ingredients in addition to underlining that you are “allergic to gluten”.
DISCLAIMER: THE ABOVE IS BASED ON THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND OPINION OF A CELIAC TRAVELER. FOR EATING PLACES, YOU SHOULD STILL INQUIRE ABOUT THE GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS AND INGREDIENTS AS RECIPES, KITCHEN ROUTINES, STAFF AND MANAGEMENT MAY HAVE CHANGED. THIS POST IS NOT SPONSORED AND THERE ARE NO AFFILIATED LINKS.
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GLUTEN FREE GUIDE: Singapore
GLUTEN FREE IN SINGAPORE
100 % GLUTEN FREE
There are two 100% gluten free spots in Singapore (let me know if you have found more)! One is a cafe and the other is a restaurant. These places you can happily eat at without any worries, as there are no gluten to be found in any of the dishes nor in the kitchens.

THE BUTCHER’S WIFE
19 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168650
Celiac safe: 100% safe

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This is a chic restaurant, but don’t let that scare you. The prices are a tad high, but so are most places in Singapore. The quality you get, though, is superb. There is even a lunch deal that lowers the cost a little. The whole menu is gluten free, so you can dine without worries. The staff is also very attentive and accommodating. More details here or click the address above to map it.

TIANN’S
71 Seng Poh Rd, #01-35, Singapore 160071
Celiac safe: 100% safe

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Not far from the Butcher’s Wife you will find the cafe Tiann’s. It is a little tucked away, but once you find it you will not regret the search. It is a gluten free heaven, with pastries and other delights awaiting you. A great place to grab a coffee, eat lunch or even work from . More details here or click the address above to map it.

Places with Gluten Free Options on the Menu
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

BAKER & COOK
Chip Bee Gardens 44, 01-56 Jln Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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There is no particular allergen marking at Baker & Cook, but they have a note in their menu stating that you can order sandwiches with gluten free bread. I ate at this cafe twice, and I had no issues. However, I did see the need to check with the staff that the bread would be toasted in an environment free from breadcrumbs. I am not sure if they would have done so if I did not mention it. They also have standard breakfast options, such as eggs. For Celiacs, I would say eat with precaution as cross contamination awareness was not too high. More details here or click the address above to map it (note that they have several branches in Singapore).

MY AWESOME CAFE
202 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068639
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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Their menu did specify gluten free options, but they were all warm and cold salads. Not the most exciting options. At the same time, the staff was extremely helpful and managed to get me a siding of gluten free chicken meat to go with the salad. The cafe is quite cozy and brimming with life as it is very popular. More details here or click the address above to map it.

KITCHEN BY FOOD REBEL
28 Stanley St, Singapore 068737
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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This is a little cafe that provides gluten free breakfast and lunch options. Staff was very helpful and accommodating, but one thing to note is that the portions are a bit small for what you pay. The menu is allergen marked, not only for gluten but also dairy and other allergens. More details here or click the address above to map it.

CORIANDER LEAF
12 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069692
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

A romantic restaurant that has an allergen marked menu. The number of gluten free options are not plentiful, but sufficient to keep you struggling to decide. The staff also seems knowledgeable about gluten. They have two branches in Singapore and the food is quite tasty. More details here or click the address above to map it.

Places with Gluten Free Options when you Ask
At these places, there menus did not have any information on allergens or ingredients, but staff was able to assist when asked about gluten free options (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

THE COCONUT CLUB
28 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069708
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

Coconut Club does not have an allergen marked menu, but their menu does state “Gluten-Free version available upon request”. When checking what dishes I could order, the staff was quick to point out what was safe and not safe. I was able to order one of their specialty dishes – nasi lemak – in a gluten free version. It was a rather tasty dish! When trying to order dessert as well, the staff did not recommend ordering this at their restaurant as they could not confirm if it would be gluten free. Read more here or click the address above to map it.

LEGENDARY
154 Rangoon Rd, Singapore 218431
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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This is an excellent place to try the local delicacy bak kut teh. While the staff speak limited English, I went there with others that spoke Chinese. The staff confirmed to them that the broth is naturally gluten free and that soy sauce is placed on the table for you to add yourself. My recommendation is only for the bak kut teh as other dishes may contain gluten. I have to add that I understand why the restaurant is called Legendary – the bak kut teh was incredibly tasty! More details here or click the address above to map it (note that they have two branches in Singapore).

MEI HEONG YUEN DESSERT
63-67 Temple St, Singapore 058611
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

This place offers a variety of desserts – in which not all are gluten free. Snow ice in itself should normally gluten free, but be careful with which topping you choose. You can ask when you order, but the staff may not always be fluent in English. With that said, this dessert place had some really delicious snow ice (the best I have ever had!). Read more here or click the address above to map it.

HAWKER CENTRES
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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There are numerous of hawker centres around Singapore. One thing they all have in common in that there is always at least one stall selling Hainanese chicken rice. This is basically steamed chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth. It should be gluten free – but you have to ensure to tell the vendor “no sauce” as this is normally splashed over the dish before handing it to you. Always double check with the vendor before ordering what the ingredients are.

NIGHT MARKET AT LAU PA SAT
18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

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Every evening there is a night market outside the Lau Pa Sat hawker centre. It is a great experience and a little out of the ordinary. There are numerous vendors selling BBQ sticks and grilled prawns. Many of these are marinated in gluten free spice mixes, but you need to double check with the vendors. Instead of asking if they contain gluten, simply ask what the ingredients are for simplicity (as gluten may be an unknown term to many vendors). Read more here.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Celiac safe: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk

I went to Universal Studios one day, and found it to be very difficult finding any place that served gluten free food. I ended up at an Indian canteen style restaurant. If you are Celiac, you know that Indian food is normally among the safest cuisines when in doubt. I was a little unsure if it would be safe, having cross contamination risks in mind, but it was okay. If you are desperate at Universal Studios, look for the Indian restaurant located in the Ancient Egypt section.

Gluten Free in Groceries/Stores

GROCERIES
You can find gluten free products in groceries, such as cereal and bread, but you need to expect an extremely high cost. One grocery I came across which had a gluten free section the chain FairPrice (don’t let the name fool you).

Final notes
These are just some of the many places offering gluten free meals in Singapore. There are many more places that can serve you gluten free meals, so get ready to explore.
Disclaimer: The above is based on the personal experience and opinion of a Celiac traveler. For eating places, you should still inquire about the gluten free options and ingredients as recipes, kitchen routines, staff and management may have changed. This post is not sponsored and there are no affiliated links.

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GLUTEN FREE GUIDE: North Macedonia
I spent 10 days eating gluten free in North Macedonia, visiting the cities of Ohrid, Struga and Skopje. My experiences are based on observations made in all three cities, which makes it likely that it is similarly in other cities as well. I had no experiences of being “glutened” on my trip and enjoyed the food scene in the country. However, much of this is also due to me taking several safe measures (read: ordering grilled chicken/fish) instead of giving deliciously looking local dishes a try. These are some of the reasons for this:
Menus
In North Macedonia, a large portion of menus have no allergen markings. The country is not part of the EU, so there is also no legal requirement for this. However, a surprising number of restaurants do have allergen indicators that makes it easier to navigate, while still actually posing a risk.
Ingredient listings
Many restaurants list the ingredients of the dishes. This means that you can look through a menu and easily find for instance “flour” indicated to separate the no-go meals for you. While this is a great way to find out what you cannot eat, it does not mean that those without those ingredients listed necessarily are gluten free. Many menus I saw had dishes lacking all of the ingredients (such as dishes I know have flour, but did not have this listed). This means that such menus are useful and better than no indicators, but cannot be fully trusted.
Allergen markings
Many restaurants in Skopje had allergen markings on their menus, primarily for gluten, lactose and nuts. This was an amazing discovery once I arrived, but as I flipped through several menus I also noticed inconsistencies. Dishes containing couscous and soy sauce were for instance seldom marked as containing gluten, along with other dishes where gluten seemed to have been forgotten on the allergen list. Again, this is thus useful to see what dishes you clearly cannot eat, but when ordering it would be required to ask the staff to clarify if a dish really does not contain gluten.
General understanding of gluten
From my conversations with restaurant staff, those that did know what gluten was either knew really, really well or had a general understanding of gluten being flour, bread and pasta. As gluten free meal restrictions may not be too common in North Macedonia, I hold nothing against staff that are not fully aware and I know I have to take responsibility of ensuring my own safety.
The love for french fries
French fries is a favorite at North Macedonian restaurants, even at high end ones. This is normally included with your meal (and is not necessarily mentioned on the menu). You thus need to indicate that this is a cross contamination risk for you and order something else. I tried ordering boiled potatoes everywhere I went, but instead always got baked potatoes.
Grilled bread
Your best bet in North Macedonia for gluten free safe food is grilled meat and fish. Meat can be a bit expensive, but the fish is superb. At the same time, you should note that many restaurants offer grilled bread on their menus. This is thus a cross-contamination risk to consider if they use the same grill as for meats.
Now that you are aware of some precautions to make, here is a list of places I went to that I can recommend when eating gluten free in North Macedonia.
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GLUTEN FREE IN NORTH MACEDONIA

100 % Gluten Free
Unfortunately, there were no 100% gluten free restaurants in Skopje or Ohrid when I was there. I searched high and low, both online and in the city itself, but could not find a single such place. If you do come across one, do let me know!

PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE ON THE MENU
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

SKOPJE: MARKT KITCHEN
Naum Naumovski Borche bb, Skopje 1000

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Fortunately for me, this cafe was located just minutes from where I was staying in Skopje, which means I went there enough times to feel at home. The menu clearly states what dishes are gluten free, with many also being possible to have made gluten free with other ingredients. It is only a cafe, so the selection is not the widest. They have breakfast and lunch offers, while being open all day for the lunch meals. They also have take out options and great coffee. Do note that you should mention that you are Celiac if that is the case. More details here.

PLACES WITH INGREDIENTS LISTED ON THE MENU
At these places, there were menus that listed the ingredients or notified which allergens were in the dishes. I have not put these under the above category simply because they do not specify gluten free dishes and the menus were not always consistent. So you will definitely need to either order safe meals or specifically ask the staff to confirm (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

SKOPJE: CARPE DIEM
MK, Кеј 13-ти Ноември, Skopje 1000

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I went to this restaurant twice, where I ended up having the same risotto (I am a sucker for risotto). The restaurant has a fancy indoor seating area but also a lovely patio by the river. The restaurant is located near Bridge of Art, so you have great views while eating. The menu here contains both ingredients and allergen marking, but you should know that it is not precise. I saw items on the menu that contained gluten but were not marked as containing this, so you do need to inform the staff if you are Celiac and ask them specifically about the dish(es) you want to order. More information here.

SKOPJE: PELISTER
Boulevard Macedonia, Skopje 1000

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A restaurant located next to the Alexander the Great statue, meaning in a very touristy area. What lured me in was the allergen marked menu and good online reviews. While the meal was okay and I didn’t have any gluten issues, I did notice inconsistencies with the allergen markings on the menu. In other words, do not trust it blindly, but consult the staff. Also, service was not the best when I was there, and at that time it was off season and very few people there. You may have a different experience, though. Read more here.

OHRID: DVA BISERA
Lagadin

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If you are living at the outskirts of Ohrid, along the lake towards Lagadin, this is an option for gluten free meals. The menu contains information on ingredients, but I would still recommend asking the staff to confirm if a meal is gluten free or not, as the menu may not contain every ingredient. I ate here twice, having their chicken risotto, fried chicken with rice (and fries that I did not eat, although I asked to not have this included), grilled vegetables and Greek salad. The staff was friendly and I had a good experience. Read more about the restaurant here.

SKOPJE: SQUEEZE ME
Vasil Glavinov br.14, Skopje 1000

This is a little juice and breakfast place next to Markt Kitchen. Before going there, I saw a Google review where they informed that they cannot guarantee that their meals do not contain gluten as they have such a small kitchen. I went there and ordered fruit bowl and fresh juice, while I had a smoothie another day. So for that purpose, it was safe for me as a Celiac.

Places with Gluten Free Options WHEN AskED
At these places, there menus did not have any information on allergens or ingredients, but staff was able to assist when asked about gluten free options (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).

SKOPJE: SKOPSKI MERAK
Ul, Debarca St 51, Skopje 1000

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I e-mailed this establishment in advance and asked if they had gluten free options, which they confirmed. When I went there, the menus were not allergen marked and no ingredients listed, but I relied on the waiter to assist me. I decided to get a salad and grilled meat, just to be on the safe side. The food was good and I did feel safe there. The waiter went to the kitchen to confirm that what I wanted to order was indeed gluten free, which put me at ease. I actually went back again and ordered more grilled meat, and had no issues (note that I did not eat the french fries on one of the pictures above). The restaurant is located in the trendy area, about 20 minutes walk from Macedonia Square. Read more here.

SKOPJE: LA TERRAZZA
Plostad Makedonija, Skopje 1000

After walking by this restaurant and liking the ambiance, I returned and sat outside for a nice meal. The menu is not marked with allergens or ingredients, but the waiter assisted and confirmed the lack of gluten in the meal I ordered. Do note that if you eat outside, you are likely to be surrounded by a lot of smokers (as is with most outdoor seating in Skopje). I felt safe eating here, but I also ordered a pretty safe meal. Read more about the restaurant here.

SKOPJE: VODENCIA MULINO
Mitropolit Teodosij Gologanov 69, Skopje

I e-mailed this establishment in advance and asked if they had gluten free options, which they confirmed. In the end I did not end up going, as it turns out they are sadly closed on Sundays when I was planning to visit. However, reviews online show that the know of gluten and have been able to assist guests in finding safe meals. Do note that this restaurant is located a taxi ride from the center and is on the pricier side compared with other restaurants. Read more here.

OHRID: KAJ KANEVCHE
Kocho Racin 39, Kaneo, Ohrid 6000

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I went here to celebrate my birthday, and this restaurant was very knowledgeable about gluten and cross contamination. This is in fact the only place where I was told to avoid french fries as they did not have a dedicated fryer. I nonetheless still got french fries with my order, which I simply left on the plate. They also checked with the kitchen what desserts I could have, and even confirmed that their ice cream was not gluten free. I can highly recommend this restaurant if you are Celiac, but remember to inform the staff of this. Read more about the restaurant here.

OHRID: SUMMER GARDEN KANEO
Kocho Racin 43, Ohrid 6000

While I perhaps should not include this restaurant as I did not actually eat there, it was on my list as it has claimed on TripAdvisor to having gluten free options. It is located in a very nice area with a great view of one of Ohrid’s main attractions, and I was there for a glass of wine before my birthday dinner next door. Thus I could recommend going here to check out their menu, and if not suitable, have a glass of wine and go next door for a gluten free meal (see restaurant listed above). Read more about the restaurant here.

OHRID: TAVERNA MOMIR
Kosta Abras No.3, Ohrid 6000

On my first day in North Macedonia I ended up choosing this place as it seemed cozy. When ordering, I asked about the dishes I had chosen being gluten free or not, since there were no allergen indicators on the menu. The waiter responded saying “Yes, yes, no Mr Gluten in those dishes”. He further explained that he always called gluten for that, and it made it evident that it was not the first time he had been asked about allergies. Some bread came to the table, and he also indicated that those of course were not suitable for me. The food was good and staff attentive. Read more about the restaurant here.

Gluten Free in Groceries/Stores

GROCERIES
In Skopje city center, there are two groceries inside a little underground mall. You will be able to find gluten free products in Vero and another grocery located directly next to it. Photos above are from Vero. Click here for location. There is also a huge grocery inside the Skopje City Mall, but I was not able to explore any gluten free products there.
In Ohrid, I had a harder time finding any groceries, and the small ones I found did not have any gluten free items. This does not mean they are not there, I just did not find them.

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HEALTH STORES
Vitalia Health Store – Muesli Bar (SKOPJE) – I did not personally go in, but they have “gluten free” marked on the outside of the store. It is located in the same mall as the grocery mentioned above (ground level). Click the name of the store for exact location. There is also a branch inside the Skopje City Mall.
Healthy Food by Zegin (SKOPJE) – I did not personally go in, but I saw gluten free products from the window. It is located in the same mall as the grocery mentioned above (same level).
Markt Kitchen (SKOPJE) – Not only is this little cafe a gem for gluten free food in Skopje, but it also has a little market place (hence the name). They sell gluten free cookies, crackers, beer and other goodies.
BIOCOSMOS (OHRID) – This store was closed when I came across it, so I was only able to peek inside the window. They have gluten free products and a big gluten free sign outside. You can find the exact location by clicking the name of the store.

FINAL NOTES
Eating gluten free in North Macedonia was a little more challenging than expected, but it turned out fine and I had a great time. These listed here are just some of the many places offering gluten free meals in Ohrid and Skopje. There are many more places that can serve you gluten free meals, so get ready to explore!

Disclaimer: The above is based on the personal experience and opinion of a Celiac traveler. For eating places, you should still inquire about the gluten free options and ingredients as recipes, kitchen routines, staff and management may have changed. This post is not sponsored and there are no affiliated links.
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