A Gluten Free Guide to Canberra by Laura Eash
As a seasoned Canberra expert, Laura Eash gives us the scoop on Canberra’s top gluten free locations
GUEST BLOG: Laura Eash
In 2019, I moved to Canberra from a US metropolitan area with over three million residents. I was concerned about finding gluten-free options in a smaller city, but over the years I’ve been able to curate this list - in no particular order - for delicious and coeliac safe gluten free food.
NOTE: All images courtesy Laura Eash @canberra_coeliac
Indian-Fijian at Rama’s
Rama’s is my go to for coeliac-safe Indian dishes. Items that contain gluten are clearly marked on the menu. My favourite dishes are chicken korma, palak panir (which is also vegetarian) and Madras fish curry. The atmosphere is comfy, the service lovely, and you can BYO wine for free! Bookings recommended.
Chinese at Bambusa
Try the Lemon Chicken and Salt & Pepper Squid at Bambusa
I am spoiled having a safe Chinese restaurant near me. Gluten free dishes are available on request; options are clearly labelled on the menu. Want fried food? I suggest the salt and pepper squid as well as the honey or lemon chicken, depending on your sauce preference. I also love the special fried rice (or the vegetable fried rice for a vegetarian option). The excellent Paperchain independent bookstore is next door. Bookings recommended.
Coyote Cafe
Coyote Cafe’s Honey Prawns with Fried Rice - yum!
I eat at Coyote more than anywhere else in Canberra. Originally started by a dairy-free coeliac, Coyote is almost all gluten free with all day breakfast, lunch and baked good options. Each week features new specials including a pizza with unique toppings like beef brisket or chicken tandoori. Seeking more standard cafe fare? I recommend the all day breakfast baguette or the chicken schnitzel roll. Coyote is kid-friendly. Bookings recommended on Saturdays.
A Night Out at Queenies
Queenies in Kingston is an excellent spot for a date or night out with friends with a lovely atmosphere. Queenies menu is 100% gluten free; the full bar offers a completely local wine list and local gluten free beer Wild Polly. My favourite dishes are the fried eggplant chips and the tuna tartare. Queenies is also a great option if you are seeking an event venue.
A Day Trip to Belconnen
Dig into a delicious bowl at SpudBAR in Westfield Belconnen
Need to get some shopping done? I often shop at Westfield Belconnen due to its proximity to several dedicated gluten free eateries. In the shopping centre food court on the top level is SpudBAR, the only Canberra location of a 25 year old chain that serves bowls of mashed potatoes or rice with your choice of warm and cold toppings. My go to is the Butter Chicken bowl. Their Nutella brownies are delicious, too.
In the vicinity of Westfield are two 100% gluten free businesses: Gluten Free Cafe and Sweet Business Healthy Living. Gluten Free Cafe has two locations (the other is on Canberra’s southside in the Woden Valley) and is affiliated with EightyTwenty, a local cafe chain. Both Gluten Free Cafe locations offer a range of cafe standards - brunch options, burgers, salad - as well as packaged items to take home like frozen bread, pasta and pies. Sweet Business Healthy Living is located in the Capital Food Market and offers gluten and sugar free freshly baked goods. I especially like their breads.
Pizza at Solita
As a coeliac the only places I trust for pizza are the aforementioned Coyote Cafe and Gluten Free Cafes - and Solita in the CBD. Solita has many gluten free pizza options (as well as pasta, which I have not tried). Make sure to let them know you are a coeliac and they will take great care of you. Bookings are recommended.
Japanese at Iori
Don’t miss out on Iori’s matcha cheesecake
My partner and I celebrate special occasions at Iori, a Japanese restaurant located in Canberra’s city centre. We almost always order the Pescatarian Degustation, a multi-course meal that includes sashimi, sushi and tempura. If you have room for dessert, I recommend the matcha cheesecake. Bookings are recommended; note that gluten free preparation does have an upcharge.
A Stroll Through Braddon
Directly north of Canberra’s CBD, the suburb of Braddon is very walkable and has several coeliac safe dining options along its main Lonsdale Street. For breakfast or brunch, visit EightyTwenty for a range of options that can be made gluten free. Craving a burger or fried chicken? Fricken and Grease Monkey are casual establishments with these and other gluten free items like fries on offer.
Craving Mexican? Drop by Jarochos for affordable, fresh tacos from their completely gluten free menu. Bookings aren’t necessary for these eateries in Braddon. For nearby shopping, check out POP Canberra (open daily) and the Haig Park Markets (Sundays). Another great Mexican spot can be found at Tacotento.
High Tea at The Marion
For a sweet snack or a hearty meal, Canberra has you covered for all things gluten free
Canberra is lucky to have a fabulous high tea spot in a beautiful location next to Lake Burley Griffin. Gluten free high tea can be provided with advance notice via a booking. In their own words, “The kitchen requires 24 hours’ notice for allergies/dietary requirements to be accommodated.” I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy The Marion’s high tea several times.
Extra Gluten Free Canberra Spots to Visit
Thankfully there’s more to discover for gluten free delights in our nation’s capital city. Find a number of local, dedicated gluten free food stalls or trucks for a delicious quick snack. Some of my favourites include Happy Time Donuts, W Patisserie and Sylvie and Bruno for all your coffee and treat needs.
Join the Coeliac Travel Community
Link up with fellow coeliac travellers on Facebook
I am one of four coeliac friends running the Celiac Travel Facebook Group of nearly 50,000 members. A gluten-free travel community for people with coeliac disease and gluten intolerances founded in 2018. This original Facebook group is your ultimate resource for traveling internationally and locally with coeliac disease.
Come join us and talk travel with coeliac disease!
