5 OF THE BEST GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

There’s no need to go with the grain when you can be spoiled for choice at these five eateries, writes Sally Coates

MARIE ANITA’S 2364 GOLD COAST HWY, MERMAID BEACH

The only 100 per cent gluten-free cafe on the Gold Coast, Marie Anita’s know a thing or two about that wheat-free life. “We’re passionate about wholesome, natural food, yet if you have dietary issues your choices are usually so limited,” the eatery’s Maz James explains. “Gluten’s main source is wheat and wheat is so excessively over-refined and chemically treated that it’s bad for us, so it’s a matter of avoiding foods that are processed. In an effort to get out the wholefood experience to more people we cater to those who usually have difficulty getting out and enjoying wholesome, natural food.” Indulge in everything from wraps, salads and dippy eggs for breakfast to spaghetti bolognese, wild-caught fish and mung-bean burrito for lunch. Nothing’s off the table!

JIMMY WAH’S 1724 GOLD COAST HWY, BURLEIGH HEADS

Vietnamese fare may be the holy grail the gluten-free crew have been searching for. “A lot of people don’t realise that Vietnamese is great for coeliacs and gluten-free people,” Jimmy Wah’s owner Jake Cooley says. “It’s to do with using rice flour instead of wheat flour. Vietnamese food is all about freshness and flavour and colour — there’s not a lot of gluten anyway.” That means you can indulge in crispy spring rolls with nuoc cham, Vietnamese pancakes with prawn, lettuce and herbs, and tempura oysters. Around half the menu is gluten free.

GIRI KANA 82 MARINE PDE, SOUTHPORT

Most dishes at this Southport health cafe are gluten free or can be made that way without compromising the flavour. For breakfast try the lentil-loaded kitchari, the tofu scramble, organic pancakes, organic bircher, organic acai or the big breakfast. For lunch and dinner there’s a range of rotating hot dishes, many of which are gluten free, as well as the vegie burger and tofu burger. If you’re feeling a salad, the roast pumpkin pepita salad, sesame tofu salad and tangy veggie kofta salad are all safe. It doesn’t stop there, though, with a range of sweet treats.

RABBATH 7A/2 THE ESPLANADE, BURLEIGH HEADS

Rabbath owner Patrick Rabbath says traditional Lebanese cuisine is largely gluten-free. “The introduction of gluten in Lebanese food is actually a modern take because restaurants wanted to find a faster way to cook. So recipes such as the falafel or kafta do involve egg and flour to bind, but we’ve found a way that uses herbs and extra virgin olive oil to bind. Our tabouleh traditionally uses a cracked wheat called burghul that is naturally low in gluten, and we have had people try it with no problems.” Rabbath also offers a wheat-free version of flatbread.

BSKT CAFE 4 LAVARACK RD, MERMAID BEACH

Started in 2013, the BSKT ideology has always been a dedication to health food and wholefood, as well as busting the myth that vegan and paleo fare can’t be delicious. That’s why they invented CocoWhip, an ice cream alternative that’s not only gluten free but also dairy free, vegan and made from natural ingredients. There are stacks of gluten-free options on the regular menu too, from the Healthy Benny to the Navajo Native Breakfast on native flatbread. For lunch, grab a glutenfree vegan pad Thai, 12-hour sticky pork or house-smoked lamb backstrap.