Eating gluten-free isn’t always easy, especially at restaurants where ingredients and prep methods may not be clear. However, when it comes to dining out, authentic Thai food offers more options for people who have gluten sensitivities or intolerances. At Thai Chef Restaurant of Lahaina, HI, they serve several gluten-free menu options, and below, their chefs break down the four most popular dishes.

4 Tasty & Gluten-Free Thai Food Options

1. Soups

Soups are usually a safe choice for gluten-free eating at Thai restaurants—just make sure they do not contain noodles or soy sauce. Try the Tom Yum, which uses lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir as a base and is packed with nutritious vegetables. Tom Kha is another great choice if you want the same flavor medley but with coconut milk. 

2. Salads

In terms of gluten-free dining, you can’t go wrong with salads at Thai restaurants. Most house salads consist of fresh lettuce topped with sprouts, carrots, cabbage, mint, and cilantro, with the option of adding chicken, squid, or shrimp for protein. However, ask for dressings on the side, since these may contain soy or oyster sauce.

3. Curries

One of the best things about Thai restaurants is that most of their curries are naturally gluten-free. Using coconut milk and spices as a base, red, green, or yellow Thai curries may contain any combination of eggplant, bamboo shoots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and even pineapples. As a precaution, ask your waiter if the kitchen uses any gluten-containing thickeners or flavor enhancers during preparation.

4. Pad Thai

Perhaps the most well-kept secret about Thai food is that Pad Thai, arguably the most popular menu item, is totally gluten-free. This beloved traditional dish combines rice noodles with eggs, sprouts, carrots, green onions, and peanuts, all coated in a wonderfully sweet tamarind sauce. You may want to double-check with the kitchen to ensure no wheat is involved in the preparation.

For healthy and delicious Thai food, head on down to Thai Chef Restaurant with all your friends and family. Call (808) 667-2814 today to make a reservation or ask about food preparation. Additionally, visit their website to view their complete menu and to learn more about their history.