Nut and Dairy-Free Asia, South Africa, and Australia Top Picks

Hi, I’m Emily! My little crew and I spent six months hopping around Asia — Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia — and made our way to Australia and South Africa, too. Along the way, I became a pro at finding safe spots to eat and grocery stores that worked around my daughter’s peanut, tree nut, and milk allergies. I shared all of our best finds on the Spokin app, and you can find them featured in this guide!One of our favorite discoveries was in Koh Samui at the Fisherman’s Village Night Market — my daughter was in heaven with so many options. Her go-tos? Corn on the cob and steak kabobs! Another must-do while you’re there: the Elephant Sanctuary! It was such an unforgettable experience, and they were amazing about handling allergens while serving lunch, which made it stress-free for us.Follow me on Spokin @emilyloutz to see all 33 of my reviews and on Instagram @emilyloutz for more travel inspo!

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Mother Marche Supermarket

Location: Ao Nang, Thailand

“This was the most well-stocked and varied grocery store we found! We were able to get snack bags of sunflower seeds, found almond butter, some granola bars without allergens, and stocked up on the usual staples of an allergen-free family (oats, rice, produce, eggs, and meat!)”

Tops Food Hall Central Samui

Location: Bo Put, Thailand

“This grocery store was amazing! It was the first one we went to that had familiar foods, & all of the allergens were labeled clearly. For the few foods that needed to be translated, we used Google Photos search feature and that translated it for us. ”

Night Market Fisherman’s Village

Location: Bo Put, Thailand

“After visiting both Krabi and Koh Samui, this night market was by far the best we’ve been to! We found skewers, dumplings, steamed buns, corn, smoothies, and juices all fresh and allergen-free! There were a few stands that turned us away after showing our allergy card, but I always appreciated that as it made me more comfortable that people take it seriously here.”

L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina Canggu

Location: Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Indonesia

“Might be some of the best pizza I’ve had ever. Sourdough crust, vegan cheese option, gluten-free pastas, and allergens are clearly listed. An absolute must while in Canggu!”

Neighbourhood Food

Location: Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Indonesia

“So good! We’ve been back twice since we arrived. The menu is filled with tons of different options, and all allergens are labeled to make it easy on you. Highly recommend!”

Angkor Market

Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

“You won’t find a chain market in Siem Reap, but this place had the largest selection of westernized snacks and options! We were able to stock up on a good amount here, but definitely took some digging!”

Elia Greek Kitchen

Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

“The cutest restaurant!! We had such an amazing meal and service here. All of the allergens are listed, and the manager even came to our table to make sure we had every question we needed answered. Food was incredible and everyone went home full and happy. A must, right near Pub street!”

HAVEN

Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

“This place is incredible. There are lots of training restaurants in Siem Reap going above and beyond to give back to their people, and this is one. The food was incredible, and all allergens are clearly labeled on the menu. Ellie got the burger with no cheese, and I had the curry that was also allergen-safe and incredible. Highly recommend!”

Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi

Location: Mueang Krabi, Thailand

“Cannot say enough amazing things about this resort. We told the front desk when we first arrived about Ellie’s allergies, and immediately they put a note to the entire staff. The next morning, we were greeted by the chef who offered to make a special pancake without any allergens, and walked us through the entire (delicious) buffet, showing us what was safe, and what to avoid. Each morning, they had a pancake ready for Ellie when we got down there.”

Ellie also had the spaghetti bolognese with no cheese, chicken nuggets, and french fries, and a daily fruit blend from the pool bar! Beautiful people, beautiful place, and amazing food!

P.S. I made this allergy card and had the hotel staff who spoke good English check it, and it was a lifesaver everywhere!”

Making Street Smash Burger

Location: Tambon Ao Nang, Thailand

“Such a lovely family-owned shop! They do not cook their burger in butter, and they were very knowledgeable about allergy safety. They made Ellie a delicious and safe lettuce wrap burger because we were unsure about the bread and got some great fries to go along!”

Thunder Bites

Location: Tambon Ao Nang, Thailand

“Ellie had an amazing, safe burger here with fries! We showed them our allergy card I made, and they called the respective staff members to ensure the burger was safe. We couldn’t verify the bun, but that was fine because the fries were safe. They cleaned out the pan before use and checked with us before they added anything else to the burger. We came back 3 more times!”

Tasty Samui

Location: Tambon Bo Put, Thailand

“Allergy cards worked great, and we were able to get a hearty bowl of oatmeal and berries for Ellie made with soy milk!”

Bophut Foodmarket

Location: Tambon Bo Put, Thailand

“Loved this small market! I got the best red curry I’ve ever had, and while I’m not allergic, she read my allergy card and cleared it for nuts and dairy. There is also a great produce market with the best mangos!”

Woolworths Tweed Heads

Location: Tweed Heads, Australia

“Found an (almost) strictly allergen-free small section in the health food aisle! Lots of options, for bars, protein balls, powders, crackers, etc. With better ingredients than back in the states, too!”

ALDI

Location: Tweed Heads, Australia

“The best place for all your staples in Australia! A third of the price of Coles or Woolies, and lots of familiar snacks if you’re from the States! We always find some allergen-safe goodies here. ”

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 2 Branch)

Location: ตำบล แม่น้ำ, Thailand

“This place was amazing! We told them about Ellie’s allergies, and they went above and beyond to make sure that everyone is fed (vegan, allergens, etc.). They also let us know that the elephant food we would be touching was nut-and dairy-free!”

New Leaf Eatery

Location: សៀមរាប, Cambodia

“Loved this place! There are so many training restaurants in Siem Reap that are going above and beyond to give back to their people, and this is one. Allergens are labeled, and the staff verifies everything with the kitchen to ensure there is no cross-contamination. Not to mention, the food is incredible! A must go!”

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