Hi again! It’s Madison, checking in from my internship in Bangkok. In my first post, I shared what it’s been like navigating celiac disease while living and working abroad. Since then, I’ve learned a lot, but I’ll be honest: eating gluten-free in Thailand has continued to be one of my biggest challenges.
Even with preparation, translation cards, and a list of “safe” spots, hidden gluten and cross-contamination are hard to avoid. Many Thai sauces and noodles contain wheat, and it’s not always possible to explain the strictness of my condition when eating out. Grocery stores like Lotus and Tops are still reliable for basics, but finding variety or eating freely outside my apartment has been tough.
That’s why a recent trip to Osaka, Japan felt like such a breath of fresh air. Japan has its own challenges with gluten—soy sauce and tempura batter are everywhere—but I was surprised by how many dedicated gluten-free restaurants, cafés, and bakeries I found there. From gluten-free ramen to pastries, I was able to enjoy foods I hadn’t had in years without the constant stress of cross-contamination.
In Osaka, I visited several gluten-free restaurants that specifically catered to people with celiac disease, and the staff were knowledgeable about cross-contact. The difference in awareness compared to Thailand was huge, and it gave me the rare feeling of being able to eat “normally” again. That experience made me realize just how much the availability of safe food can shape your daily life abroad—not just what you eat, but also how confident you feel exploring a new place.
Coming back to Bangkok, I’m more prepared than ever to continue navigating the challenges here, but my time in Japan reminded me that there are places where celiac awareness is growing, and that makes travel so much more rewarding.
For anyone with dietary restrictions, I’d say: don’t be afraid to explore new places. Yes, there will be challenges, but sometimes you’ll be surprised at how much support and accessibility you can find—even where you least expect it.
Madison Klink, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks International Internship in Bangkok, Thailand
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