I distinctly remember the moment the plane touched down in Bali this February. As we coasted along the runway at Ngurah Rai International Airport, my eyes took in everything I possibly could out the small plane window. Looking out over the city of Denpasar, I felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
I definitely wasn’t in Kansas anymore.
The architecture of the buildings, the swaying palm trees, and the alphabet on the advertisements were the first clues that I was now in Indonesia. I had never been to this part of the world. While I knew that everything here would be foreign and different, my biggest concern was my stomach.
What on earth was I going to eat?
As a world traveler with celiac disease, I have to be extra careful with food and restaurant choices. Just a teensy amount of gluten can make me very sick. With the presence of soy sauce in many Asian dishes, I felt nervous about finding food that would be not only gluten free but safe from cross-contamination. I spent a lot of time researching, asking questions, and learning as much as possible.
Despite my initial concerns, I was amazed by the amount of safe gluten-free options available in Bali! This small island proved to be one of the most health-conscious, eco-friendly, and gluten-free aware destinations of our round the world travels. Finding dedicated gluten-free facilities in a place that has little issue with food restrictions was such a welcome surprise. I cannot wait to visit Bali once again sometime soon!
Here are some of the best places in Bali to enjoy a gluten-free meal
Bali is one of the many islands that make up Indonesia, located just south of the equator. This island retreat has become more and more popular in recent months. Bali is a known hotspot for yoga retreats, spa treatments, sandy beaches, healthy cafes, and a culture of hospitable and friendly locals.
Due to the warm and tropical climate, you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits, including unique choices of lychees, passion fruit, and dragon fruit. There are also plenty of mangoes, papayas, and bananas. Smoothies abound, as well as Açaí bowls. Fresh fruit dishes can be found almost everywhere, especially with breakfast. Be careful if any restaurant menus include cookies in their smoothies, as there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Jennifer Fitzpatrick
Jennifer Fitzpatrick on social media
Jennifer Fitzpatrick is a gluten-free travel blogger and Spanish teacher. She was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2009 and spent six months backpacking around the world in 2019. Follow her adventures on Instagram @jefinner589 and check out her website www.thenomadicfitzpatricks.com for gluten-free recipes, travel tips, and epic hikes from around the world.
