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I was recently taken to Federation Square for dinner, prior to seeing a ballet at the Arts Centre. I was a bit hesitant to try Japanese because there is usually very little that is gluten free. However, after trying to order something at Chocolate Buddha without gluten, I was told by the waitress that they have a special gluten free menu! The menu is not particularly extensive but there was variety enough. I tried the gluten-free Chicken Yakitori because I’ve always liked Yakitori. The waitress warned me that it might be a bit dry but I didn’t think it was too bad, it was very tasty.

Chocolate Buddha pride themselves in using free-range organic eggs and organic beef and chicken. It has a communal style dining room with a friendly vibe and being at Federation Square it seems to be quite busy most of the time. However, we managed to squeeze in for an early Friday evening dinner.

The Chocolate Buddha website has more information but unfortunately, it does not include the gluten-free menu.

Chocolate Buddha, Federation Square, Melbourne

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Since being gluten-free, and also being very sensitive to MSG, I’ve found Chinese and Japanese foods to be mostly off-limits. Particularly due to their love of soy sauce, which almost always contains wheat. However, I was very thrilled to find out at a family dinner that many of the yum cha items at the Oriental Tea House are in fact gluten free - including some of their dumplings! And they were so delicious. I loved the Honey Pepper Eye Fillet Steak and the Chicken dumplings the most. The staff were very helpful - you need to ask which items are gluten free but they’re happy to list them for you. So, if you fancy something a little different in a relaxed, calm atmosphere, head down to Chapel St and order yourself some dumplings. However, you best book first because they’re very busy.

You can download their menu from the website. They also sell teas and a variety of gift packs as well as having a Chinese medicine practitioner in-house.

455 Chapel Street, South Yarra.
New store opening December in 378 Little Collins Street, CBD.
www.orientalteahouse.com.au

Note: Food Cube has since closed down - see comments below

This is a great little eat-in / takeaway that make gluten-free pizzas, risottos, curry, salad, toast, burgers, almost anything you ask for. They also make muffins and stock GF goodies like cookies and shortbread as well as treats for Christmas such as rum balls and christmas pudding. I’ve been eating there for years and never know what to choose! Food cube is open for breakfast and lunch weekdays and Saturdays.

Near cnr Little Bourke & Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne.