Sesame has been grown in the Middle East for thousands of years and is now commonly consumed world-wide in seeds, flour and paste form. It is found in tahini sauce and used in seed form on breads, bagels, cooking oils, cakes, candy - in salads and salad dressing - in Chinese dim sum - and the list goes on. Sesame as an ingredient varies by cultural diet so be aware of this when traveling.
Throughout my life, my severe food allergy to nuts have made me fearful to travel, particularly in countries where I don't speak the language. After reading my food allergy cards the waitstaff always went out of their way to make sure that all of my food was cooked and served without any contact with any of the foods that I am allergic to. We were still, of course, cautious when eating--we stayed away from food stalls and buffets, and we were always insistent that the waiter show the food allergy card to the cook. The cards proved to be one of the best purchases I have ever made.
- Marcia in Korea
Just wanted to let you know your food allergy translation cards were great for travelling in Hong Kong and Thailand. With a severe MSG food allergy (plus other food allergies) I wondered about the wisdom of travelling to Asia, but I had two weeks away and not one food problem. The great benefit was being able to tell the waiter to show the chef the food allergy card. Often the waiter would say, "Can do - without" But I would insist they show the chef the card, then the waiter would come back with a different story. They were then very concerned and kept checking that I would only eat from the 'safe' dishes.
- Judy in Sydney, Australia
I have dealt with you in the past and wanted to let you know that your gluten free translation cards are fantastic! We were in a busy street in the middle of Istanbul and wanted to have lunch on our way to visit Topkapi. I showed your gluten free card and ended up being shown by the owner by way of pointing what I could and could not have. When my meal came, it looked so good our friends ordered the same lunch. It also worked in Rhodes, Greece as the owner advised me they put flour in their rice which is most unusual for me. Thanks to your cards we are able to travel wherever we wish and have absolutely no problem with my gluten free diet. In fact, I feel that we are given superior treatment as the owner normally becomes involved and the cards are taken directly to the chef to confirm that the food is all right for me. I have told many people of your business and I hope they are using it to their advantage as I do.
- Anne in Ontario, Canada
Our entire family thanks you for your food allergy translation cards! We ordered some in Italian, French and Spanish due to our son's severe peanut and tree nut allergies. On our first night in Rome we handed one to our waiter, who promptly took it back to the chef who said they would make him something special since they did indeed use peanut oil in their kitchen. That was one of many situations when those cards came in very handy, since we aren't fluent in any of the languages. Your cards were an immense help to us.
- Louise, Connecticut
My daughter did great in China with her food choices. She enjoyed the most freedom she has ever experienced eating out in restaurants. Dairy is used very infrequently in Chinese cooking; however, when needed, the food allergy cards were of great help. The Chinese were very intrigued with the cards. Several people commented that the translations were very accurate and precise! Thank you so much for providing this service; it is well needed and very useful!
- Lois, Atlanta
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