Picture this: flaky fish fillets, expertly battered to a golden crisp, nestled alongside a pile of perfectly cooked chips – it’s a combination that has won hearts worldwide. But this classic dish might seem like a distant memory for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, but it need not be. Gluten-free fish and chips are becoming easier to find.
Navigating Coeliac Concerns and the Cross-Contamination Conundrum:
Before we dive into where you can find GF Fish & Chips, let’s chat about coeliac disease and the ever-persistent concern of cross-contamination. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye – triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This means people with coeliac disease must be extra vigilant about their gluten intake to avoid health complications.
Cross-contamination is the sneaky offender that can turn even a well-intentioned gluten-free meal into a dietary disaster. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with surfaces, utensils or oils that have been used to prepare gluten-containing foods. This can happen in restaurants, fast-food joints and even home kitchens. So, if you’re serious about gluten-free dining, it’s crucial to ensure that your meal is prepared in a safe, gluten-free environment to prevent any unwanted gluten hitchhikers from making their way onto your plate.
Tips to avoid Cross-Contamination when ordering Gluten-Free Fish and Chips.
When on the hunt for safe and delicious gluten-free fish and chips, keep these pointers in mind to steer clear of cross-contamination risks:
- Separate Fryers: Seek out eateries that use dedicated fryers exclusively for gluten-free items. This practice ensures that your fish and chips won’t come into contact with gluten traces during the frying process.
- Designated Cooking Tools: Don’t hesitate to ask if the restaurant has specific cooking utensils reserved for gluten-free orders. Having separate tools reduces the chances of unintentional gluten exposure.
- Preparation Zones: Inquire whether the establishment has separate preparation areas for gluten-free dishes. This step helps prevent any accidental cross-contact during the cooking process.
- Staff Communication: Chat with your server about your gluten-free requirements. Explain the importance of avoiding cross-contamination and ask them to convey your needs to the kitchen.
- Gluten-Free Condiments: Be cautious of sauces, seasonings and condiments. If you can’t view ingredients or your server isn’t sure, plain salt and fresh lemon will be your safest options.
- Customer Reviews: Check online reviews from fellow gluten-free diners before dining at a new place. Their experiences can offer insights into how seriously the establishment takes cross-contamination concerns. The restaurants listed below have all been reviewed by gluten-free diners.
- Observation: Before ordering, take a moment to observe the kitchen and staff. A well-organised and attentive kitchen is often a positive sign of careful cross-contamination practices.
By being vigilant and asking the right questions, you can savour your gluten-free fish and chips without worry, enjoying every bite with confidence in your meal’s safety.
Satisfying Your Gluten-Free Fish and Chips Cravings:
The following venues offered gluten-free fish and chips at the time of publication. Always confirm with the venue and kitchen before ordering.
ADELAIDE
Fish Out of Water, 117 King William Rd, Unley SA 5061
https://fishoutofwater.net.au
The DOB on King, 333 King William St Adelaide SA 5000
https://dobonkingwilliam.com.au/
Note: 100% gluten-free venue.
Port Admiral Hotel, 55 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide SA 5015
https://theportadmiral.au
Note: 100% gluten-free venue.
Stanley’s Chickens, 1-9 Liberator Dr, Paralowie SA 5108
https://stanleyschickens.com.au
The Duke of Brunswick Hotel, 207 Gilbert Street Adelaide, SA 5000
https://thedob.com.au/
Note: 100% gluten-free venue.
BRISBANE
Blue Ocean Seafood, Shop 5, 380 Cavendish Road COORPAROO QLD 4151
http://blueoceanseafood.com.au/
Clayfield Seafood Markets, 5/823 Sandgate Rd, Clayfield
http://www.clayfieldseafood.com.au/
Note: Chips are gluten-free and prepared in a separate fryer. Only grilled fish is gluten-free at this store.
Saint Lucy , The University of Queensland, Blair Drive St Lucia, Queensland, 4067
www.saintlucy.com.au
Yabbey Road, 133 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020
https://www.facebook.com/yabbeyroad
Note: Gluten-free batter is available for fish. Confirm that a separate fryer is used.
GOLD COAST
Urban Fish Market, Shop 3, 90 Surf Parade Broadbeach 4218 QLD
www.urbanfishmarket.com.au
Red Hot Cod, 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
www.redhotcod.com.au
Millie Weirs, 3/38 The Esplanade, Paradise Point, QLD, 4216
https://www.millieweirs.com.au/
MELBOURNE
Sweet Salt, 296 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
www.sweetsalt.com.au
Victoria Hotel, 43 Victoria St, Footscray VIC 3011
https://www.victoriahotelfootscray.com
Note: Venue is 100% gluten-free.
Theo’s Fish Bar, 165 Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe VIC 3079
https://www.facebook.com/theosfishbar
Note: Venue is 100% gluten-free.
Sea Blue Fish and Grill, 305 Stephensons Road, Mount Waverley, 3149
Gluten-free not available Friday nights.
Captain Mackos, 1 Nullawil St, Springvale VIC 3171
https://captainmakos.wixsite.com
Pier 33 Fish and Chips, 765B Hawthorn Rd, Brighton East VIC 3187
https://www.pier33fishandchips.com.au/
PERTH
The Great British Chippy, stores in Butler, Currambine, Ellenbrook and Karrinyup.
https://www.britishchippy.com.au
Note: Chips are gluten-free and prepared in a separate fryer. Only grilled fish is gluten-free at these stores.
Canning River Cafe ,Kent St & Queens Park Rd, Wilson WA 6107
https://www.canningrivercafe.com
The Rowing Pavillion, 4 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant WA 6153
https://www.therowingpavilion.com.au
Stone Jetty, 115a Brighton Road, Scarborough WA
https://www.stonejetty.com.au/fishandchips
SYDNEY
Cafe Patina 64 Coonanbarra Rd, Wahroonga NSW 2076
https://cafepatina.com.au/
Fish Face 70/215 Condamine St, Plaza Level Stockland Mall, Balgowlah NSW 2093
https://www.fishface.com.au/
Harbord Hotel, 29 Moore Rd Freshwater NSW 2096
https://harbordhotel.com.au/
Note: Gluten-free fish and chips on menu. Confirm separate fryer.
Regional NSW
Okky Fish and Chips, 8 Coronation Ave, Pottsville NSW 2489
https://www.okkyallgf.com.au/
Note: Venue is 100% gluten-free.
GF Eats, 203 Rothery St, Bellambi NSW 2518
http://www.gfeats.com.au
Note: Venue is 100% gluten-free.
Prefer to feast on fish and chips in the comfort of your own home? Check out our recipe that promises to deliver crispy, gluten-free fish every single time: Gluten-Free Beer Battered Fish.
Just wanted to thank you for this list and thought it may be worth mentioning that Beach St fish and chips in Forster NSW also offer GF battered fish and chips cooked in a separate fryer! They are meticulous with their staff training and great with CC.
Thanks for sharing the tip Emmah! We always love heading about restaurants/cafes with separate fryers for gluten-free food.