Traveling abroad with certain food intolerances or allergies is never straightforward. Yet with proper planning, adapting and finding meals that suit you in China becomes increasingly manageable.

China now offers excellent restaurants and well-stocked international supermarkets to help you locate allergen-free foods. In recent years, numerous resources have emerged, making travel to China easier for people with allergies.

Understanding Chinese Cuisine

Before arriving in the country, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with Chinese cuisine characteristics, dining venues, and foods available in local groceries. Learning a few basic phrases can also prove invaluable. Unsurprisingly, many applications now exist to help you communicate effectively.

The English app EAT WELL CHINA provides extensive information for those with special dietary needs. The application offers lists of restaurants and even markets across major cities. It also helps you order dishes while explaining your restrictions, plus suggests recipes and lists of Chinese ingredients.

Create Your Own Glossary

Before departure, it's important to prepare your own glossary with ready-made phrases and key words that will help you communicate quickly, in case your smartphone fails. You can prepare phrases like "Is there fish in this dish?" and write them in Chinese characters on paper you keep with you at all times. Practice pronouncing these words so you can also communicate verbally.

If you have the means, consider visiting Select Wisely, which lets you prepare ready-made phrases, translate them into Chinese or any other language, and display them on an attractive card. The site is intuitive and can even be used by non-English speakers, though pricing is somewhat steep.

Ask Questions Before You Go

Don't hesitate to ask questions on blogs and forums before departure. This can answer many questions and help you travel with greater peace of mind. Forums like Le Routard, Bonjour Chine, and others host discussions about allergies. If you have a specific question, don't hold back—these China forums are very active.

You can also consult your doctor, who can suggest solutions to prevent allergy-related problems.

Most Common Allergies in China

Most people with allergies who travel abroad know which foods to avoid and what treatments to follow if problems arise. However, it's sometimes worth recalling the main allergens found in China.

– Peanut oil is a very common cooking oil used in practically every preparation. Peanuts or cashews are also very present in Chinese dishes, sauces, and dessert fillings.

– Gluten is present in most vegetarian restaurant products, in rice breads or rice paste-based desserts, as well as in Baozi-style buns.

– Shrimp paste or dried shrimp are frequently used to enhance the flavor of numerous seafood-based dishes. It's always wise to inquire beforehand with servers to avoid complications.

Prepare Yourself for Emergencies

While we hope your stay in China is successful and complication-free, it's best to prepare for any unexpected situation.

Healthcare quality in major Chinese cities can rival what you'd expect at home, but it's important you bring all your medical documents plus emergency treatment such as an auto-injector or antihistamines.

If you need rapid medical care, major cities typically have emergency services for foreigners, staffed with expatriate personnel able to provide quality treatment. In any case, it's obviously strongly recommended to depart with travel insurance that covers all expenses.