Sesame Allergy-Friendly Asian Restaurants

See Asian restaurants where people managing a sesame allergy shared reviews highlighting dedicated prep areas and helpful staff, and safely enjoyed dumplings, stir fry, and pho! If you’ve found a sesame allergy-friendly Asian restaurant, please share a review on the Spokin app! This guide was published on 1/20/2023.

Arizona | California | Florida | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | Nebraska | Nevada | New Mexico | New York | Pennsylvania | Texas | Virginia | China | England

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ARIZONA


Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

“Hidden gem! Usually we would avoid an Asian-themed restaurant for our type of allergies. The owner, John, and his waitstaff are knowledgeable and helpful. We are able to get the kids popcorn chicken with edamame and steamed broccoli.”

@noosh who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, fish, shellfish, and sesame allergies

Tea Light Café

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

“Always have a positive experience with this place! I have not checked if there are nuts/other allergens present in the kitchen, but the pho broth and add-ins are nut-free.”

@serenesafe who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, and sesame allergies


CALIFORNIA


AnQi

Location: Costa Mesa, California

“One of the best Asian restaurants that I have been to. I hesitate to go have Asian food with my youngest due to his sesame allergy, but they are super careful and have a dedicated prep area. Try their soups, you won’t regret it!”

@dsarsour who manages tree nut, seed, peach, and quinoa allergies

Berkeley Social Club

Location: Berkeley, California

“I went to brunch here with friends and was hesitant because 1) it’s a Korean restaurant, so sesame is everywhere and 2) I’d never been before. Looking at the menu, there appeared to be some options I could have. When talking to the waitress, she informed me that everything was cooked on the same grill and wouldn’t let me order something I could have (that was likely cross contaminated). She helped me make accommodations on a really nice smoked salmon salad, which was really good! Although it’s a bit tough to find options here for my allergens, the waitstaff is incredibly helpful and caring.”

@altheachan who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, shellfish, and sesame

Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant

Location: San Diego, California

“We ate here with a group and it was yummy! We usually bbq the unmarinated meats first for my son and then, when we’ve cooked enough for him, we switch to the marinated (marinated has sesame oil). The server listed all the unmarinated meats for us on a piece of paper so it would be easy to remember. They also brought him salad, no dressing. He doesn’t like any dressing. Super yummy for all involved. It helped that we also had 2 grills so that those of us who didn’t have food allergies could eat, too, without having to wait so long.”

@jrbruin who manages peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergies

Gen Korean BBQ House

Location: Alhambra, California

“AYCE meat—you can decide what to order/avoid.”

@nixole who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, shellfish, and sesame allergies

Jong Ga House

Location: Oakland, California

“I got the honey soy garlic chicken and didn’t have a problem with sesame allergy. However, if you do have a sesame allergy, make sure you ask diligently about each dish, as a lot of Korean barbecue does have sesame in it. Double check about seeds and oil!”

@allergyanj who manages peanut, tree nut, shrimp, sesame, and legume allergies

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

Location: Los Angeles, California

“As someone allergic to sesame seeds AND nuts, safe Asian foods, particularly sushi, can be REALLY hard to find. After some searching for a restaurant that had both reasonably priced sushi and a comprehensive staff, Kabuki has come to my rescue! Really great sushi and I even got it delivered to my door! Can not recommend more. I’ve found my new sushi place!”

@kqwright5 who manages peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergies

Korean restaurant “Korean Barbecue Uguk”

Location: San Gabriel, California

“Straight up AYCE meat. I usually avoid the side dishes and marinated meats.”

@nixole who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, shellfish, and sesame allergies

Mignon Pho + Seafood

Location: San Diego, California

“There were many items here that were dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and without sesame. The waiter is always helpful and the food has not given me issues.”

@gfbri who manages celiac and milk, egg, wheat, sesame, fruit, and grain allergies

Phans55 Vietnamese Bistro and Bar

Location: Irvine, California

“Love the pho and all their stir fry dishes! The staff is super accommodating.”

@dsarsour who manages tree nut, seed, peach, and quinoa allergies

Pho Hong Phat

Location: Long Beach, California

“The best pho, always dairy and gluten-free. My daughter’s favorite restaurant.”

@alicemalia who manages tree nut, milk, wheat, seed, kiwi, grain, and lentil allergies

Quarters Korean BBQ

Location: Los Angeles, California

“The best Korean BBQ in LA!”

@nixole who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, shellfish, and sesame allergies

Seoul Hotdog

Location: Berkeley, California

“These Korean style corn dogs are super delicious. I didn’t have any issue with my allergies.”

@allergyanj who manages peanut, tree nut, shrimp, sesame, and legume allergies


FLORIDA


Hawkers Asian Street Food

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

“Highly recommend this place when in town! When the server comes to your table, the first thing they ask is if anyone in the party has any food allergies. Every server has a list that states every allergen in every item. The food is delicious and great atmosphere.”

@dsarsour who manages tree nut, seed, peach, and quinoa allergies

Sushi Yama Asian Bistro

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

“My daughter really enjoyed the sushi at Sushi Yama in Boca. With her allergies to mustard and sesame (among others, but those are in many Japanese foods), they assured me that her sushi would be free from those ingredients. The waitress was very on top of the situation which made us comfortable.”

@stephsorkin who manages tree nut, shrimp, seed, and mustard allergies


ILLINOIS


2 Asian Brothers

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“They were very knowledgeable about allergies and assured me there are no nuts in the kitchen. They took extra care to make sure that my food was safe and checked labels on their ingredients. I felt really safe and the pho was delicious.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

Imperial Restaurant

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“You have to be careful because they do have many allergens present, but I have eaten here multiple times and felt safe. The staff is educated about allergies and can point out what foods are safe depending on your allergy. I recommend talking to the waiters personally instead of just choosing something from the menu that looks safe because not all ingredients are listed or obvious. I like the shrimp dumplings the best. This restaurant is no longer called Caí, they renamed it to Imperial Restaurant.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwich

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“Was nervous to try a new pho spot, but it was great! The server took the time to tell me what items were safe and what wasn’t. She knew about allergies and cross contact and was able to list ingredients. They do have peanuts in house and peanut sauce comes as a side to some dishes. You can ask for a substitution or tell them you don’t want the sauce. I recommend the fish sauce for a substitution. The pho has no nuts and they made sure to keep my order away from nuts in the kitchen. I felt very safe and the pho was delicious, like lick the bowl good. Amazing, will definitely be back!”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

MAK Restaurant

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“Their kitchen is completely nut-free, which was amazing because I was able to order whatever I wanted without worrying. I had the beef lo mein, which was good, and the Korean chicken wings, which were INCREDIBLE. The crab rangoons were delicious as well. I had a very positive experience and would return again. However, I was disappointed to find that they do sell almond cookies. They are packaged and not made in house, but I was a little uncomfortable. Other than that I felt completely safe!”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

MingHin Cuisine

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“I went here recently and had a great experience. The server knew about allergies and was very knowledgeable about what was in each dish. He made recommendations for me based on my allergies, which was super helpful. They have an iPad for you to order from, but I think it is better to order straight from the server, face to face so they can clarify any questions. I had the shrimp dumplings, steamed spinach, beef and broccoli, and rice. They have a lot of options and made sure everything was safe! I appreciated how they double checked the oil for me to make sure it wasn’t peanut.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

ML Kitchen

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“The staff was very knowledgeable about allergies and directed me to items that were safe. They knew about cross contamination and assured me that everything would be made away from nuts. I had the beef flat wide rice noodles, crab rangoon, and pork dumplings. It was a very wonderful experience, super delicious and I really appreciated the care they put in to making sure I would be safe.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

Mo’s Asian Bistro

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“Usually Asian cuisine can be risky, but they are always very accommodating and know what dishes have nuts. They always assure me my food will not come into contact with nuts and I have never had any issues! They do have nuts and sesame on the menu, but once I told them about my allergy they were very helpful and assured me it would be safe. Now, whenever we go back the servers recognize me as the girl who is allergic to nuts, which is both funny and endearing. And actually makes me feel safe! Couldn’t recommend this enough. I eat the California roll, beef and broccoli, beef lo mein, and vegetable tempura and have no issues.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

Pho Loan

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“I was hesitant because of the language barrier since it’s an authentic family restaurant, so I printed out allergy cards in Vietnamese just in case. When we ordered, I showed the cards to the waitress and she was able to tell me exactly what foods had nuts and what I should avoid. The fried egg rolls are premade and she did not know what oil was used so she advised me to not eat them. Some entrees also come with peanut sauce on the side or garnishes, but if you are very clear about your allergy they will make sure to accommodate you. I was very impressed by the level of detail the staff paid to my food, checking it every step of the way and making sure to plate it away from other orders. The food is AMAZING. I highly recommend the beef pho and bun bo xao. They do speak English, but I think it is a good idea to come prepared with Vietnamese allergy cards to be safe.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

So Bowl

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“I called beforehand and told them about my allergies. They assured me that everything would be kept separate. They were very knowledgeable about what ingredients were in each dish and helped me pick a safe option. There are nuts in the kitchen but they took extra care to avoid cross contamination and specially prepared my food away from any allergens. The pho was great and I’m so glad I found a new place I can eat at!”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies

Sunda

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“Had such a great experience here! I love Asian food but it gets hard with my allergies. However, I felt completely safe here at Sunda! I was able to share around 5 dishes with my mom and try so many different things. They were so knowledgable and accommodating. So glad I made it here on my trip to Chicago!”

@izzytri12 who manages pine nut, fish, and sesame allergies

Wow Bao – Water Tower Place

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“My son was able to have dumplings, which were one of the only things without sesame oil. The server was able to tell me what he could have that was safe.”

@alohabailey who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, and sesame allergies


LOUISIANA


Mint Modern Vietnamese

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

“Literally my favorite food in New Orleans. I was always so sad because the Vietnamese places turned me away but then I discovered Mint! They are so accommodating and know every ingredient in every dish on the menu. They don’t use sesame oil seeds or nuts. They are very careful separating their fish from other foods. I couldn’t recommend this place enough! Get the spring rolls!”

@izzytri12 who manages pine nut, fish, and sesame allergies


MASSACHUSETTS


Zoe’s Chinese Restaurant

Location: Somerville, Massachusetts

“Zoe’s never cooks with sesame oil. We’ve eaten from there many times with my son and never had an issue.”

@amandaph17 who manages a sesame allergy


NEBRASKA


Saigon Surface

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

“Since I have wheat and soy allergies, Vietnamese food is the only type of Asian food I can eat. I love going to Saigon on a cold night for some soup with rice noodles. This is some of the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever had, too!”

@abbykohl who manages celiac and peanut, tree nut, soy, wheat, and sesame allergies


NEVADA


Chinglish Cantonese Wine Bar

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

“They were so so nice—had a chef specifically for my allergens and spent time to clean equipment.”

@allergymann who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, sesame, kiwi, meat, chickpea, and legume allergies


NEW MEXICO


Kulantro

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

“They do have peanuts in the restaurant, but they assured me that they are kept separate and they are only used as a topping—you can ask for no peanuts and your food will never touch them. They were super careful and mindful of my allergy. I had the pho, which was good. I especially liked the meatballs.”

@isabel48 who manages peanut, tree nut, sesame, and chickpea allergies


NEW YORK


Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen

Location: Troy, New York

“Asian foods are a major pitfall for us, given an allergy to sesame. However, the owner and staff at this farm-to-table restaurant have been wonderful, and my son has been able to eat their kimbap roll, which is as close to sushi as we can get out (short of me making it at home!). We ask for vegan (no egg) and the remainder of the filling is mostly vegetables and tofu. Also, specifically ask for no sesame seeds and no sesame oil brushed on the roll. Sometimes you just have to play detective, have great staff, and know what’s hidden despite a good description of the food on the menu. As for other top 8, there are other dishes that can be made gluten-free/vegan. Note that the broth is a fish based broth for soups, so that’s something that can’t be altered, as far as I know. All in all, one of the few Asian restaurants we can eat at as a family!

@abracadaver6 who manages celiac and tree nut, milk, egg, shellfish, seed, and grain allergies

Toku Modern Asian

Location: Manhasset, New York

“Toku is our go-to restaurant…really the only Asian restaurant in my area that I trust. Please note, there are nuts and other allergens present, so use your personal discretion, but the waitstaff and kitchen are very proactive and educated. My daughter used to have an egg and sesame allergy on top of nuts, mustard, canola oil, and more that we still avoid, yet we always managed to have a safe, delicious meal.”

@stephsorkin who manages tree nut, shrimp, seed, and mustard allergies

Yim’s Wok

Location: Syosset, New York

“Best Chinese! Doesn’t use sesame oil and is very accommodating with allergies.”

@izzytri12 who manages tree nut, fish, and sesame allergies


PENNSYLVANIA


Pho 7 Spice

Location: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

“Pretty much only have pho on the menu, which is great because it means there aren’t too many extra ingredients laying around. They do have one dish with nuts. Pho doesn’t have sesame in the broth.”

@alohabailey who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, and sesame allergies


TEXAS


QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen

Location: Austin, Texas

“They annotated the entire menu for me with which dishes had nuts/sesame/fish and were very cautious of cross contamination. AMAZING food!”

@izzytri12 who manages tree nut, fish, and sesame allergies


VIRGINIA


Sō Korean BBQ

Location: Centreville, Virginia

“My son who has allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and dairy ate safely here. They didn’t add sesame oil to the cuts of meats and didn’t add sesame oil to the grill. They also gave us a raw shredded veggie mix and steamed white rice.”

@myoon who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, and sesame allergies


CHINA


Lost Heaven

Location: Shanghai, China

“The only Chinese food we ate while in China on my trip in 2019! Lost Heaven was great with allergies and accommodated me and my brother. We did have my fluent Chinese speaking Nai Nai (Nai Nai is Chinese for grandma) so I wouldn’t recommend going without someone who is fluent in Chinese, but we were able to have a safe and fun trip in China!”

@esme28 who manages peanut, tree nut, and seed allergies


ENGLAND


Wagamama Covent Garden

Location: London, England

“Very helpful and friendly staff. Manager took my order and brought out my food personally, but without making a performance out of it, or making me feel like an inconvenience. I’m not normally comfortable eating at Asian places because of cross contamination, but I felt very safe here.”

@amyc99 who manages peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergies

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