Eating out abroad with a food allergy
How to order in a restaurant abroad with a food allergy: read the menu, spot hidden ingredients, ask staff in their language, and what to check every time.
Scan a menu free1. Know where your allergen hides
Peanuts in Thai and Indonesian sauces, fish sauce in Vietnamese and Korean food, sesame oil across East Asia, ghee and cashew paste in Indian gravies, egg in fresh pasta. Your Menu flags likely hidden ingredients, not just the listed ones.
2. Read the menu before you sit down
Photograph the menu outside or at the table. Dishes are sorted into Looks good, Ask first and Avoid for your allergies.
3. Ask in their language
Tap Ask on a dish for a question in the local language. Staff tap Yes, No, Can make it without, or Not sure, and the dish updates.
4. Cross-contact is the last step
For severe allergies, ask about shared fryers, oil and pans every time. Carry your medication, whatever the menu says.
Questions
Can an app tell me a dish is safe?
No app can. Your Menu reads the menu and typical recipes and tells you what to confirm. The kitchen is the final answer.
What if staff don't speak English?
Show them the question or allergy card in their language. Staff answer by tapping a button in their own language.