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Best travel destinations for food allergies in Asia

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Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
8.6
Thailand has mandated allergen warnings on packaged food since 2014. A 2021 study found 7.22 percent of allergens undeclared afterwards, down from 18.9 percent. Peanuts hide in Massaman curry, pad Thai and som tam. Shrimp paste is common in curry paste. A card written in Thai helps at restaurants.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Watch the sunset over Wat Arun by the Chao Phraya River
  • 🚤 Take a boat ride through Bangkok’s bustling floating markets
  • 🏯 Visit the glittering Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
One academic review says Korean rules require 19 items covering 22 foods to be declared on labels. The list includes pork, peach, tomato and squid. Almond, cashew and kiwi are not on it. Kimchi is often made with fermented shrimp or fish sauce. Jeon are made to order so cooks can leave ingredients out.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
8.1
Malaysia's Food Regulations 1985 require ingredients known to cause hypersensitivity to be declared on labels. Five groups are covered, including gluten cereals, nuts, fish and shellfish, milk and eggs. A Ministry of Health guideline defines hypersensitivity to include itching, swelling, vomiting, asthma, chest pain and fainting.
Highlights:
  • 🪷 Visit the Batu Caves and climb the colorful staircase to the temple
  • 🛍️ Shop and dine in the bustling Bukit Bintang district
  • 🏙️ Stand beneath the towering Petronas Twin Towers and take in the view
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Prepacked food labels must declare common allergens. These include cereals with gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk and tree nuts. Sulphites count at 10 milligrams per kilogram or more. Allergens can appear in the ingredient list or under an Allergy information statement. Accidental contamination does not trigger the declaration.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Restaurants and food stalls in Japan have no legal duty to disclose allergens. Only packaged foods must carry allergen labels. Travellers can show a printed card such as the Food Allergy Communication Sheet before ordering. Yasashii Clinic Hiroo Shirokane and Tokyo Business Clinic in Tokyo can help with EpiPen prescriptions.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
Taiwan expanded its allergen labelling list from six to 11 items effective 1 July 2020. The list includes mango and sesame along with crustaceans, peanuts, milk, eggs, nuts, gluten cereals, soybeans, fish and sulphites. The TFDA announced the revision on 21 August 2018. Gluten cereals exclude glucose syrup and maltodextrin.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Beitou hot springs
  • 🍢 Wander through the bustling Shilin Night Market and try local snacks
  • 🏙️ Take in the skyline views from the Taipei 101 observatory
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