Amsterdam

We have had the great fortune to visit this lovely city in the Netherlands, as well as some nearby cities on day trips.  It is a great place, although it is not as good as others in terms of gluten-free dining.  The prevalence of celiac disease is lower here, although underdiagnosis likely contributes to this.  In fact, the whole darn country seems slim and fit, so maybe they all have it.  At any rate, gluten awareness, while not terrible, does not match my Canadian, American, or other experiences.  I encountered no gluten-free bakery, although others have reported fresh products at one chain. 

Keizersgracht, Amsterdam.  If only home were this pretty.

Conversely, English is almost universal, so communication is easy.  Furthermore, several health food stores, as well as the ubiquitous Albert Heijn, have excellent GF supplies.  The latter also has a clear GF symbol on its GF products, which I much appreciated.  In addition, more than one restaurant had a GF list they would consult on inquiry. 

Words to watch out for? Tarwe, rogger, and gerst are wheat, rye, and barley. I did get burned on malt on one occasion. If you are reading labels, beware barely malt, gerstemout. Finally, haver is oats.

Don't worry, all Dutch cheese is fat free. 

You won't suffer for food, however.  The selection of Dutch cheeses is excellent.  The olives are the good ones the Europeans don't export to us North Americans, and the wine is a wee spot better priced than that of the LCBO.  Our typical lunch (left) also included fresh little red currents, which I have rarely encountered in my Golden Horseshoe shopping.