The Real Greek's Gluten-Free Commitment
The Real Greek is a popular restaurant chain in the UK known for its authentic Greek meze dishes. For individuals with dietary restrictions, particularly those avoiding gluten, navigating a restaurant menu can be a challenge. Fortunately, The Real Greek has made a visible effort to cater to these needs, explicitly marking gluten-free (GF) and other dietary options on their menus. Their menus, including downloadable PDF versions, use clear symbols to indicate which items are suitable for those with coeliac disease. This transparency is a crucial first step in building trust with customers who require strict dietary adherence.
Navigating the Menu: Your Gluten-Free Guide
When you visit The Real Greek, you'll find a surprising number of gluten-free options across different menu categories. Many of their classic dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be adapted. Here's a look at some of the common GF-friendly selections:
- Meze: The cold meze selection is a great place to start. Options like Tzatziki (Greek yoghurt with cucumber and garlic), Houmous, Whipped Spicy Feta (Htipiti), and Melitzanosalata (Smoked aubergine dip) are marked as GF. For warm meze, look for items like Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and Jackfruit Stifado.
- Souvlaki Grills: The skewered grilled meat and vegetables are a popular choice. The Chicken, Pork, and Halloumi Souvlaki skewers are listed as GF. Just be sure to request them without the standard flatbread, which can be replaced with the dedicated gluten-free alternative.
- Salads & Sides: Most of the salads and sides are naturally gluten-free. The classic Greek Salad, Chickpea Salad, and Quinoa Salad are all marked GF. Chips are also an option, though you should confirm cooking methods if you have a severe gluten allergy.
- Gluten-Free Flatbread: A key offering is the gluten-free flatbread, available at no extra charge, which allows diners to enjoy dips just like everyone else.
The Challenge of Cross-Contamination
While The Real Greek provides numerous gluten-free menu items, it's essential for individuals with coeliac disease to understand the potential for cross-contamination. According to their own documentation, the restaurant states that "traces of gluten may still be found" in their dishes, as they prepare meals in a kitchen that also handles products containing gluten. This is a critical distinction for individuals with coeliac disease, who can react to even minimal gluten exposure. For those with a milder gluten sensitivity, this risk may be less concerning, but for coeliacs, it requires careful consideration and communication with staff.
To mitigate risk, it is highly recommended to inform your server about the severity of your gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. Restaurant staff are generally well-trained to handle these requests and can take extra precautions, such as using fresh utensils and prepping surfaces.
A Comparison of Dining Scenarios
| Feature | Dining with Gluten Intolerance | Dining with Coeliac Disease |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Selection | Can confidently choose any item marked 'GF'. | Should stick strictly to 'GF' items and inquire about preparation. |
| Cross-Contamination | Low risk tolerance; potential for shared fryer/kitchen surfaces is less critical. | High risk tolerance; must communicate with staff to ensure maximum precaution is taken. |
| Ordering Process | Standard ordering. Can mention dietary needs for confirmation. | Must inform server about coeliac disease specifically to trigger safety protocols. |
| Meal Enjoyment | Can enjoy a wide variety of safe, marked dishes. | Can enjoy many dishes, but with the caveat of potential cross-contamination, requiring careful trust in kitchen staff. |
Beyond The Real Greek: Naturally Gluten-Free Greek Cuisine
Beyond the specific menu at this restaurant, Greek cuisine is rich with naturally gluten-free ingredients. Many traditional Greek foods rely on fresh produce, grilled meats, and cheeses rather than wheat products. Dishes like Horiatiki Salata (Greek village salad), grilled seafood, and various meze based on vegetables and yoghurt are naturally gluten-free. If dining elsewhere in Greece or a more traditional taverna, understanding these core ingredients can help you make informed choices. Common culprits to watch out for are pita bread, some sauces, and fried items that might use a shared fryer.
Conclusion: A Great Option, with Caution
So, does the real Greek do gluten-free successfully? The answer is a qualified yes. For those with a mild gluten sensitivity, The Real Greek offers a fantastic and extensive selection of delicious Greek dishes clearly labelled as suitable. The availability of GF flatbread is a definite bonus. However, for individuals with coeliac disease, the potential for cross-contamination in a busy kitchen is a significant factor to consider. Your experience will depend on your own risk tolerance and the care taken by the restaurant staff. By communicating your needs clearly and carefully selecting your dishes, you can still enjoy a rewarding and flavorful Greek dining experience.
Further information on allergens and menu specifics can be found on The Real Greek's website, where they often publish detailed allergen guides for their latest menus.
Glossary
- Coeliac Disease: An autoimmune disease caused by an adverse reaction to gluten.
- Meze: A selection of small dishes served as an appetizer course.
- Souvlaki: A popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer.
- Cross-Contamination: The unintentional transfer of gluten from a gluten-containing food to a gluten-free food.
