Safety Tips for Traveling in Greece with Food Allergies Communication Creates Accessibility
- Erin Kay
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4
[Video Description: A video of Erin Founder of Claiming Disability and her husband at the sea in her electric wheelchair eating safe allergy friendly food in Greece with red texts that reads Take a food tour with me as a Disabled Person with Cerebral Palsy and Celiac's Disease in Greece]
Greece, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, is also a paradise for food lovers.
But what if you have allergies?
Don't worry, I also have food allergies due to long Covid-19
Greece, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, is also a paradise for food lovers.
But what if you have allergies?
Don't worry, I also have food allergies.
I have Celiac's disease due to long Covid-19 and Cerebral Palsy from birth, so finding safe and accessible food to eat was a constant worry.
Greece can still be an amazing culinary destination! Traditional Greek cuisine relies heavily on fresh, simple ingredients, making it easier to find allergy-friendly options.
Many classic dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be easily accommodated.
Think of grilled meats and seafood, vibrant salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta (hold the cheese if you're dairy-free like I am !), and roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
Many times I asked for a big Greek salad without cheese and they were happy to put in on the side when we shared meals family style.
I found safe accessible food everywhere in Greece..Fresh fruit /Fresh fish/ (not cooked in gluten)/Coffee with non dairy alternatives (sometimes with celiac's disease you can also struggle with lactose intolerance according to celiac.org)
Here's some tips to help while traveling with food allergies:
(Remember I'm not a medical professional, just a disabled traveler)
* Learn key phrases: Knowing how to say "I am allergic to..." and listing your specific allergens in Greek can be super helpful.
I went with an accessible tour group CareunderSun to ensure my dietary needs were met.
* Communicate clearly: Talk to your server or the chef about your allergies before ordering. Be specific about what you can't eat and ask about ingredients and preparation methods. In every restaurant we visited there were staff that spoke English and were incredibly attentive.
* Read menus carefully: Look for dishes with simple ingredients that are less likely to contain allergens. This was relatively simple considering most dishes in Greece were covered in olive oil not gluten.
* Ask about cross-contamination: Inquire about how the kitchen handles allergens to avoid cross-contamination.
* Consider ordering simply prepared dishes: Grilled meats, salads, or roasted vegetables are often safer choices.
* Carry allergy cards: Having a card that lists your allergies in Greek can be useful, especially if there's a language barrier. I didn't not have one but it's certainly a good idea.
* Be cautious with sauces and dressings: These can often contain hidden allergens, so ask about the ingredients.
* Stick to reputable restaurants: Choose well-established restaurants that are more likely to be aware of food allergies and have procedures in place to handle them. At one lovely restaurant we visited they had all the dining warehouse wrapped in plastic for safety and accessibility.
* Trust your instincts: If you're unsure about a dish or a restaurant's ability to accommodate your allergies, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose something else.
*Wear A Mask: Not only does it keep you safe from sickness but it helps with smells associated with food allergies such as severe seafood and peanut allergies
Send email an email at Erin erin@claimingdisabilityinc.org if interested in more information on accessible food tour to Greece!
[ ID: Multiple pictures from Erin Founder of Claiming Disability in Greece: A picture at the fish market with fresh sea food, a picture of Erin Founder of Claiming Disability in her electric wheelchair by the beach, a picture of the Aegean Sea, a picture of fresh fish and grilled mushrooms with no gluten just olive oil, a various fruit plate, fresh walnuts at the Greek market, olives, and fresh citrus at the Greek Farmers Market with a picture of Erin Founder of Claiming Disability and her husband wearing masks at the Acropolis Museum]
Send email an email at Erin erin@claimingdisabilityinc.org if interested in more information on accessible food tour to Greece!
When eating out, communication is key. Most Greeks are incredibly accommodating and willing to adjust recipes to suit your needs. Learn a few basic phrases in Greek to explain your allergies – it goes a long way!
Beyond the classics, explore regional specialties with a focus on fresh produce and local ingredients. Crete, for example, boasts a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, offering plenty of naturally allergy-friendly choices. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden culinary gems. With a little planning and communication, you can savor the flavors of Greece without compromising your health.
At one of the lovely restaurants we stopped at their dishes were wrapped in plastic for your safety and accessibility.
Here are some tips for dining out safely in Greece:
* Learn key phrases: Knowing how to say "I am allergic to..." and listing your specific allergens in Greek can be super helpful.
* Communicate clearly: Talk to your server or the chef about your allergies before ordering. Be specific about what you can't eat and ask about ingredients and preparation methods.
* Read menus carefully: Look for dishes with simple ingredients that are less likely to contain allergens.
* Ask about cross-contamination: Inquire about how the kitchen handles allergens to avoid cross-contamination.
* Consider ordering simply prepared dishes: Grilled meats, salads, or roasted vegetables are often safer choices.
* Carry allergy cards: Having a card that lists your allergies in Greek can be useful, especially if there's a language barrier.
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