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Crystal Palace: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

Recently voted the best place to live in London, Crystal Palace is buzzy, green and full of good places to eat. I went to school just down the road, so I have many a memory here from my childhood, but food options were few and far between (for gluten free people at least). My husband to be and I moved back here earlier in 2022 so I’ve had the chance to rediscover the area and have put together this handy guide for anyone visiting/living locally. From cannoli to gluten free onion bhajis, Crystal Palace has a lot to offer the gluten free community!

Brown & Green

Crystal Palace’s perfect brunch spot luckily has more than one branch! Here at Brown & Green you can get your hands on gluten free breakfast sandwiches! Pick from several flavours and the lovely team will toast and prep your bread separately. I always have the bacon, halloumi, rocket and avocado sandwich and wash it down with an Americano. A number of egg dishes can also be adapted to be gluten free if you’re eating in. These guys sometimes have a gluten free cake on display in the cake counter, so keep your eyes peeled.

Where?

99 Church Road
London SE19 2PR
Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Park
Thicket Road
London SE20 8DS
Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Station Road
London SE19 2AZ
Crystal Palace

Urban Orient

This local Vietnamese restaurant has been a family favourite for many years. Most of the pho soups are gluten free while others can often be adapted to be coeliac safe so please ask the lovely team upon arrival. I always start with the summer rolls here, which are made freshly on the premises and never disappoint. This place is very budget friendly and the service is speedy and friendly. Booking advised, especially on weekends.

Where?

74 Westow Street
London SE19 3AE
Crystal Palace

Roasted Bean

This cafe is my go-to coffee spot in Crystal Palace. To prevent cross contamination, the team here will thoroughly wipe down the coffee machine upon request and wash jugs in the dishwasher before serving me my flat white. I am always impressed by how friendly the team are and by the fact that there are always gluten free cannoli on display! While we can’t enjoy most of the other cakes, who needs more than cannoli anyway?!

Where?

23 Westow Street
London SE19 3RY
Crystal Palace

Timur

The ONLY Indian restaurant I have EVER been to that serves gluten free onion bhajis – surely that’s enough to convince you to book a table?! The lovely team here serve up Indian and Nepalese cuisine – a lot of which is street food inspired. If you’re coeliac, you can ask the kitchen to fry you up a fresh batch of poppadums to avoid cross contamination and then choose from an array of gluten free curries and sides. Timur serves up some of the best Indian food I’ve had in ages – couldn’t recommend it enough!

Where?

17 Westow Street
London SE19 3RY
Crystal Palace

Chuckling Wings

This gluten free fried chicken stand will absolutely blow your mind at the weekly Sunday Crystal Palace Farmers Market. You can find these guys serving up insane gluten free fried chicken in an array of sauces and fries most Sundays. They don’t shout about the fact that all their chicken and fries are GF so it’s incredibly satisfying to just be able to swan up to the stand and order without issues. Obviously we can’t have the buns on offer, but everything else is fine and the team are very allergy-aware.

Where?

Crystal Palace Farmers Market
Bottom of Haynes Lane/Top of Bedwardine Road
London SE19 3AP
Crystal Palace

Craft & Courage

This local craft beer shop and bar has several gluten free beers available to either drink in or take away. The selection can vary depending on when you choose to pop in but it’s so great to have this spot nearby! Their garden is also lovely when the weather is nice and makes a great pre-dinner drinking spot.

Where?

28 Westow Hill
London SE19 1RX
Crystal Palace

Westow House

Ever miss ordering an actual pint of beer? Well, at Westow House you can usually do that as they often have local Gipsy Hill Brewery’s Bandit gluten free pale ale on tap! I’ve only eaten here once and it was tricky to find many GF options so would advise just sticking to beer for now, but it’ll soon be time for me to enquire about the menu again so watch this space!

Where?

79 Westow Hill
London SE19 1TX
Crystal Palace

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Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) with a Whipped Cheese and Chive Dip

I am not a baker at heart so when I first came across these doughy, cheesy balls of goodness in Latin America and realised how easy they were to prepare, I could have jumped for joy (in fact I think I did). This naturally gluten free recipe calls for tapioca/cassava flour, which comes from a root widely used in Latin America in a multitude of dishes and its texture when baked together with the rest of these ingredients makes for the most moreish treat. Originally from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, this bread is eaten for any meal of the day, although it absolutely steals the show at breakfast time, accompanied by a coffee and some fresh fruit. It’s commonly served with a creamy cheese spread (known as requeijao), which I’ve adapted below for dipping. Enjoy this recipe – once you try it, I guarantee you’ll be making it on repeat!

Ingredients

Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
200g x Free Tapioca Flour
140ml x Almond or Gluten Free Oat Milk
50ml x Water
1 x Large Egg
3 x Tablespoons Good Quality Olive Oil
50g x Parmesan/Italian Hard Cheese (grated)
50g x Mature Cheddar Cheese (grated)
2 x Garlic Cloves (Minced)
1 x Teaspoon Sea Salt
Extra grated parmesan for the garnish

Whipped Cheese and Chive Dip
100g x Philadelphia Full-Fat Cream Cheese
1 x Teaspoon Good Quality Olive Oil
1 x Heaped Teaspoon Dried Chives
1/3 x Teaspoon Garlic Granules
1/3 x Teaspoon Sea Salt
2 x Teaspoons Fresh Chives (Finely Chopped)

Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) – Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (fan) and line two baking trays with parchment/baking paper.
  2. Place the tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  3. Heat the milk, minced garlic, water, oil and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
  4. As soon as the liquid comes to a boil, remove from heat and add to the bowl with the flour and mix until combined (either by hand, using a good wooden spoon or in a standing mixer).
  5. Now add the egg and mix well. The texture will seem very uncooperative at first and the mixture will appear to not be combining but do not give up! After enough mixing, the mixture will all come together to form a sticky dough.
  6. Please note that the dough should not have a liquid-like consistency as it needs to hold together in small ball-like form on the baking tray. Sometimes however, depending on the temperature of the room and if the mixture has been “too mixed”, the dough will not appear sturdy enough. If this is the case, feel free to add a dusting of additional tapioca flour before adding the cheese and mix again, repeating this step until you are happy with the consistency.
  7. Now using two large spoons, place the dough onto the baking trays in small ball-like shapes. The perfect ball shape is very hard to achieve by hand, so do not fret if they look more like blobs!
  8. Bake immediately for 15 minutes until the breads are golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and quickly sprinkle the extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the breads and bake for another 5 or so minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  10. Remove from the oven and leave the bread to cool for 5 minutes before enjoying warm with a cheese and chive dip (please see recipe below).

Whipped Cheese and Chive Dip – Method

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. This can be done either by hand with a regular spoon or with a hand-whisk, if you’d like a fluffier texture.
  2. Serve immediately either as a spread or a dip for your Pão de Queijo and enjoy!

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Lyon: The Mini Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

Known as the culinary capital of France, Lyon is an absolute dream destination for any gluten free foodie. I spent a weekend here earlier this year and fit in as much food as I could in the space of 48 hours but would definitely love to head back for an extended stay. Top tip: grab a gluten free croissant and coffee to go from one of the city’s gluten free bakeries and soak up the local architecture – it reminded me so much of Paris. Bon appetit!

Les Gasteliers

What I can only describe as THE gluten free place to be in Lyon, this beautiful 100% GF bakery has it all. Incredible sandwiches, fresh bread, pizza, croissants and stunning patisserie-style cakes. These guys even have eclairs and the wonderfully almondy, elaborate Paris-Brest pastries. Whatever you do, make sure you grab one of the chocolate and custard Brioches Suisse and have a coffee before departing with a bag full of goodies for the road.

Where?
123 Rue de Sèze
69006 Lyon, France

L’Avocat Café

This cute little café is not only 100% gluten free, but both lactose and refined sugar free too. Perfect for a weekend brunch, smoothie session or a sit down with a coffee and cake in between all the sightseeing. This place is famous for its vegetarian Croque Monsieur however so you might want to get your hands on one of those! Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Where?
19 Rue Cuvier
69006 Lyon, France

Chez Grégoire

Another wonderful 100% gluten free spot, this small bakery is also entirely lactose-free. There’s a beautiful selection of delicate cakes on offer to enjoy with your coffee either there or to go. I opted for a chocolate and praline tart, which was like a work of art. There are also quiches and a selection of gluten free baking products. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Where?
6 Rue Constantine
69001 Lyon, France

Sans Gluten Pizza Epicerie

Lo and behold – the one and only fully GF pizzeria in the city of Lyon! As well as a selection of great gluten free pizzas, y’all will be ecstatic to hear that calzone is also on the menu here. There’s also a selection of gluten free flours to buy so you can try and recreate this wonderful spot’s gluten free pizza at home. Be sure to call ahead and book a table to avoid disappointment. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?
88 Gd Rue de la Guillotière
69007 Lyon, France

Epona

If you are looking for somewhere special to have dinner during your stay in Lyon, Epona is a lovely gluten free-friendly spot, located inside the stunning InterContinental Hôtel-Dieu in the city centre. This restaurant has many gluten free options on its menu and can also cater for lactose-free and vegan diets. There’s gluten free bread on offer to start, which is heated safely and separately. The menu changes seasonally and local produce is used for most of the dishes, which was a great touch. Booking a must.

Where?
Hôtel-Dieu
20 Quai Jules Courmont
69002 Lyon, France

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Torquay, Devon: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

This summer I took my first EVER trip to the UK’s beautiful South Coast and our first stop was the quintessentially British beach town of Torquay. This lovely seaside town is located along the English Riviera and home to an insane selection of gluten free hot spots and I felt absolutely spoiled for choice when eating out. From the freshest of seafood to one of the best gluten free bakeries ever, you’ll want to add Torquay to your destination list at any time of year!

Jacksons Gluten Free Bakery

Tucked away in Torquay’s old market place, Jacksons Gluten Free Bakery is a family run bakery which has the most incredible selection of classic bakery style treats, including custard slices, deep fried doughnuts, Cornish pasties and award-winning loaves of gluten free bread. While these guys always have a selection on display to buy, I would recommend pre-ordering your treats online to avoid disappointment. I just wish I lived closer to this bakery! Open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Where?

Market Forum Market Street
Torquay TQ1 3AE

Hanbury’s Fish and Chips

This epic fish and chip restaurant has been serving up the goods for over three decades and it’s absolute music to any gluten free person’s ears that they have a dedicated fryer. Any fish can be fried in gluten free batter and comes with a mountain of crispy, fluffy chips. Be prepared to queue for your order as this restaurant gets popular, especially at dinner time! Closed on Sundays.

Where?

Princes Streetm, Babbacombe
Torquay TQ1 3LW

Kalipso Artisan Coffee

This delightful, independent coffee shop is a haven for coffee lovers in Torquay and also offers a lovely selection of gluten free cakes and sweet treats. We grabbed coffee and snacks to go and wandered to the seafront, which was the perfect pick me up!

Where?

45 Fleet Street
Torquay TQ2 5DW

On the Rocks

Located on the water front, this seafood brasserie has an extensive gluten free menu upon request and is home to the holy grail – A SEPARATE GLUTEN FREE FRYER! They offer lots of delicious seafood dishes including a Devon Crab Crumpet which blew my mind. Also available are gluten free burgers, pasta, gazpacho and more. All desserts can also be made gluten free. Highly recommend booking a table on the terrace if the weather is nice so you can take in the Riviera views with your meal.

Where?

1 Abbey Crescent, Torbay Road
Torquay TQ2 5FB

The Elephant by Simon Hulstone

Did someone say GLUTEN FREE TASTING MENU? Yes, you read right. This beautiful Michelin starred restaurant overlooking Torquay Harbour offers a gluten free version of their famous tasting menu and adapts all dishes so we get to partake in the fun too! Featuring eight courses of goodness with coffee and petits fours to finish, you will want to make The Elephant a location for a special occasion! The service is wonderful and the wine list fantastic. Booking well in advance is recommended to secure your table. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?

3&4 Beacon Hill
Torquay TQ1 2BH

Rockfish

Torquay is home to one of nine Rockfish restaurant locations and is somewhere you will want to visit over and over again. Accredited by Coeliac UK, this beautiful and casual seafood restaurant offers gluten free fish and chips, whitebait, fried squid and so much more (including dessert!). This eatery is located along Victoria Parade with views of Torquay Harbour, so if the weather is nice definitely grab a table outside! Closed on Mondays.

Where?

Victoria Parade
Torquay TQ1 2BB

Number 7 Fish Bistro

Serving up some of the best seafood I’ve had in the UK, Number 7 Fish Bistro is a paradise for seafood lovers. Almost the entire menu can be adapted to be gluten free and the staff are incredibly helpful and re-assuring. The specials on offer are bound to tempt you too, and change on a daily basis. With gluten free bread on offer to enjoy on the side of your meal too, it’s an absolute win win situation. The restaurant has an extensive wine list too and a wine bar upstairs if you fancy a tipple before or after your meal. Closed on Sundays.

Where?

7 Beacon Hill
Torquay TQ1 2BH

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Wholesome white loaf by schar

Where from? Schar
Available in supermarkets and shops nationwide

Round of applause for Schar, who have developed an EVEN SOFTER recipe of their classic wholesome gluten free loaves. This sourdough-taste bread is perfect for sandwiches (I suggest a triple decker bacon, halloumi and avocado number!) and it doesn’t even need to be toasted! Added bonus of this bread is its high fibre content and the fact that the taste is so good, it makes you forget you are eating gluten free. This bread is now available in stores across the UK – what are you waiting for?

This post has been sponsored by Schar.

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Alfajores de Maicena (Argentine Sandwich Cookies)

I’m on a roll over here with my nostalgic Argentine recipes, and this one for Alfajores or sandwich cookies, I can confirm, is something you will want to try at home! I spent a lot of my time in Buenos Aires eating these cookies, which are sandwiched together by the most velvety Dulce de Leche (caramel). They are often served as an accompaniment to a cup of coffee or enjoyed as an on-the-go snack by people all over the city. The basis of this particular type of alfajor is corn meal and while it would make sense for them to just be gluten free, in Argentina they can sometimes contain hidden wheat flour or traces. I’m delighted to tell you however that this recipe is 100% gluten free, and you will absolutely not miss the gluten!

I was able to score a jar of imported Dulce de Leche for this particular recipe from a lovely Argentine food stall in Borough Market in London – La Porteña – but this decadently delicious spread is available in multiple retail outlets across the UK now and can be sourced online via the likes of Amazon. The corn flour I always go for meanwhile is Harina P.A.N. – a widely used Latin American white corn flour, which is available in food markets across London and in niche local grocery stores. Alternatively of course, this flour can be purchased online via multiple webpages – just be sure to check out the shopping tab on your Google browser for all your options.

Ingredients

150g x Unsalted Butter (softened)
4 x Large Egg Yolks
300g x Harina P.A.N. White Corn Flour
60g x White Caster Sugar
4 x Teaspoons Gluten Free Baking Powder
1/3 Teaspoon Sea Salt
250g x Dulce de Leche
20g x Gluten Free Plain Flour (for rolling)

Method

  1. Using an electric whisk or hand mixer, combine the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Sieve the corn flour into a separate bowl along with your baking powder and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the combined egg and sugar, using a spatula to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed (warning, this can take up to 10 minutes!).
  4. Using your hands, knead the mixture together for an additional 5 minutes until you have a bread dough-like consistency.
  5. Create a large ball with the dough, wrap in cling-film and place in the fridge to chill for two hours.
  6. Preheat your fan oven to 155 degrees Celsius and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  7. Sprinkle the gluten free flour on a dry surface and using a sharp knife, divide your pre-chilled dough into two portions for ease.
  8. Using a rolling pin, roll out each portion of dough until it has a thickness of around 1cm. With a small cookie cutter create alfajor shapes out of the dough. I prefer to use a small cookie cutter for dinky-sized alfajores but the diameter of the cutter is up to you (there are alfajores of all sizes in Argentina!)
  9. Bake the cookies in the oven for 8 minutes before removing to cool on the baking trays for up to 30 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. Create your alfajores by placing one tea spoon of Dulce de Leche in the centre of one cookie and placing another cookie on top. Lightly press down to bring the Dulce de Leche closer to the edges of the sandwich.
  11. Transfer your alfajores to a plate or container and chill in the fridge for up to an hour so the Dulce de Leche sets.
  12. Enjoy with tea, coffee or just simply on their own. Buen provecho!