Sassy’s 2015 Gluten-Free Guide to Hong Kong!

Being gluten-free in Hong Kong is no longer too much of an obstacle, and if you, like many others, suffer from gluten-intolerance then we’re here to help! First of all, you HAVE to check out our original Gluten-Free Guide to Hong Kong, for all our trusted favourites. From restaurants to hotels to grocery shopping, this should be your go-to gluten-free guide. However, since it was written in 2012 the city has gathered a whole host of new spots that are worth noting…

We’ve scoured the streets for some of the best new gluten-free eateries to keep you covered from breakfast through ’til dinner. Print off the list and put it in your handbag, so when you get the urge for a cupcake you’ll know just where to get it.

P.S. Remember to always double check with every restaurant regarding their gluten-free dishes, especially in regards to issues like ingredient preparation and cross-contamination with other non gluten-free items.

BREAKFAST

Ali Oli Bakery Café
Hidden away in Kwun Tong is Ali Oli Bakery Café. It’s worth the trek there, because this is the perfect spot for picking up some freshly baked breakfast bites! This cute cafe provides a good selection of gluten-free baked goods, including cookies, muffins and banana walnut loaf cake… need we say more?! Don’t forget to pick up a gluten-free pizza base for dinner while you’re there!

Ali Oli Bakery Café, G/F, 11 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, 2792 2655, www.alioli.com.hk

Green Waffle Diner
Love waffles? Then you’ll love the gluten-free ones at Green Waffle Diner! This veggie resto in Central specialises in delicious gluten-free waffles, made using buckwheat flour. The breakfast sets are great value here and the staff are lovely… definitely a good option for an indulgent bite!

Green Waffle Diner, Shop 3, G/F, Kar Ho Building, 35-39 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2887 9991, www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Waffle-Diner 

Hotel Icon
The Market at Hotel Icon serves up a breakfast like no other. A boiled egg needs its soldiers and at Icon there is an army of options. With lots of different types of gluten-free bread and muffins you don’t need to be tempted by anything else. They also have a great selection of hot rice noodle dishes, yogurts with gluten-free muesli and even a huge tub of M&M’s just to round things off.

Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Kowloon, 3400 1000, www.hotel-icon.com

LUNCH

Choice Healthy Foods *closed*
The owner of Choice Healthy has finally made it easy for us all to get our hands on ordinary foods that are completely gluten-free. If you want pancakes for breakfast, sandwiches for elevenses, and a pizza for lunch, then this is the place for you. They even run a catering service for events so you can spread the gluten-free love to all your nearest and dearest. Check out our full review here – we recommend trying the gluten-free pancakes!

Choice Healthy Foods, 7/F BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2677 7808

Dandy’s Organic Cafe
This Sheung Wan resto is right around the corner from the Sassy office, and with a selection of super healthy meals on offer, it’s perfect for filling gluten-free options. They specialise in gluten-free, low fat, low GI and detox diets, so you’ll be able to munch on pasta dishes without feeling terrible afterwards… yay! Check out our full review of here.

Dandy’s Organic Cafe, 108 Jervios street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2815 8221, www.facebook.com/dandysorganiccafe

Greenwoods Raw Cafe
This TST cafe takes healthy eating to the extreme, serving only raw dishes. You’re sure to find plenty of gluten-free options here amongst the innovative, creative raw menu. Definitely worth check out whether you’re gluten-free or not for a very different dining experience!

Greenwoods Raw Cafe, 13/F, 2 Carnavon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3428 2416, www.lifeflowhk.org

La Creperie
When winter approaches or you are feeling a bit groggy, then there’s nothing like a crêpe to take the edge off. The warm buckwheat pancakes at La Creperie are great for lunch and dinner. Start savoury and polish off the meal with a nutella pancake.

La Creperie, G/F, 69 Jervois Street , Sheung Wan, 2679 4666; 1/F, Kui Chi Mansion, 100-102 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2529 9280, www.lacreperie.com.cn

Prune Organic Deli and Workshop
The sister cafe of gluten-free favourite, Grassroots Pantry, Prune delivers healthy sandwiches, soups, baked goods and salads using wholesome, organic ingredients. Catering for gluten-free diets, Prune manages to create hearty yet healthy food that comes at a reasonable price. Check out our full review here!

Prune Organic Deli and Workshop, 14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Wan, Hong Kong, 2873 3353, www.prunedeliworkshop.com

Simply Life
Although Simply Life doesn’t market itself as gluten-free eatery, it does have some suitable snacks and well really, we think it deserves a mention for its lunchtime salad bar. There are Simply Life cafés around Hong Kong Island and Kowloon so they cover a lot of gluten-free ground. Make sure you visit the Landmark branch in Central for an afternoon Froyo covered in some of their delicious toppings.

Simply Life Shop B32, Basement, Landmark, Central, 2978 3929. See website for full list of locations, www.simplylife.com.hk 

Urban Bakery Works
The guys down at the Urban Bakery can also rustle up a great salad at lunch. It is excellent value and famously a little bit different as Hong Kong salads go. Personally, I can’t get enough of their miso soaked aubergine covered in spring onions. If you want to personalise your lunch then head to their salad bar at Oliver’s supermarket and make your own! 

Urban Bakery Works, Shop 322, 3/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 3565 4320, www.facebook.com/UrbanBakery

Oliver’s Shop 201-205, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, 2810 7710

Maya
Maya is all about raw food. Think pasta made from zucchini and completely vegetarian meatballs. This is a great place for a hearty but healthy lunch.

Maya Café

DINNER

The Awakening
This new paleo restaurant focuses on gluten-free and sugar-free meals and we can’t wait to check it out. Situated in Sai Ying Pun, The Awakening is all about clean eating, packed with nutritional value. The quinoa pasta with chicken, courgette and a pomodoro sauce sounds delish…

The Awakening, G/F, 6 Ying Wa Terrace, 63 Centre Street, Hong Kong, 2858 0005, www.theawakeninghk.com

Brickhouse
Brickhouse has fast become one of the hottest dining spots in Hong Kong. You only need to go there on a Monday in mid-winter to realise that this place will drag anyone out of bed. But you might not know that the guys at Brickhouse are also considerate to a gluten intolerance. Just ask them and they’ll bring you gluten-free nachos, tacos, and if you still have room, a gluten-free chilli spiked chocolate cake!

Brickhouse G/F, 20A D’Aguilar Street, Central,  www.facebook.com/brickhousehk

Pizza Express
If you’ve taken the escalator from Central then I’m sure you will have experienced and salivated over the doughy fumes radiating from Pizza Express. If so, you’ll be pretty excited to hear that two of their restaurants actually serve gluten-free pizza bases with your own choice of toppings. (Central branch is now closed)

Pizza Express; Times Square, 12/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 2506 0688; L1-1, Level 1, APM Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, 2389 1916, www.pizzaexpress.com.hk.

Il Mattarello HK
In the mood for pasta but can’t eat that piping hot bowl of mac ‘n’ cheese your soul desires? Il Mattarello HK has a variety of gluten-free pastas that won’t cause any digestive trouble as you indulge. Check out their gluten-free cappelletti (filled pasta shapes) with ricotta, potato (mmm, gnocchi!), and more. Or if you’re planning to make something in your own sauce, order their gluten-free fettuccini. More details here.

Il Mattarello HK, call 9439 1201 or email [email protected] for orders, www.ilmattarellohk.com

SNACKS AND TREATS

Anything But Salads
Stockup with suitable snacks so you always have something to munch on. The Kale crisps at Anything But Salads might well become your staple snack. If you can’t make it to Sheung Wan then you can always pick some up with your lunch at Mana.

Anything But Salads Shop B, G/F, 14 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, 6743 5000, www.anythingbutsalads.com

nood food Soho
We’re big fans of nood foods – their salads are generous and tasty, the smoothies and delicious and the juice cleanse is packed with goodness! With only healthy options available here, you’re bound to find some great gluten-free options.

nood food, 2/F Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 8199 8189, www.allnood.com

Sweet Secrets Cupcakes
This little bakery is a hidden gem. A sweet tooth doesn’t always go well with a gluten intolerance, especially if you have a penchant for cakes. However, Sweet Secrets can offer you an alternative sugary solution in the form of a gluten-free cupcake. For big occasions order up a batch in advance, for a Friday pick me up, sit in and enjoy one with a nice cup of tea.

Sweet Secrets Cupcakes, 35 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2545 8886, www.sweetsecrets.com.hk

The Mixing Bowl
This cute little cafe is located in the very trendy Noho area is a Sassy favourite! They create a huge variety of delicious breads, muffins and more – and they have their very own gluten-free mix. If you’re keen to learn how to make your own gluten-free baked goodies, check out their new baking class here.

The Mixing Bowl, No. 5, Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2524 0001, themixingbowlhk.com

Supermarkets

Oliver’s Shop 201-205, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 7710

Great Food Hall Basement, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918 9986

City’super, www.citysuper.com.hk