It can often be difficult for people with a gluten intolerance to know where gluten may be hiding in their food. This can even be a problem at most sushi restaurants. Indeed, though sushi consists largely of rice and fish, there are several places where you can commonly find gluten in a sushi meal. These include the following:
Sushi Rice: The rice used in most sushi uses rice vinegar or rice wine to give it the stickiness it needs to hold together. Sometimes, this wine or vinegar may have traces of wheat.
Sesame Seeds: Some sushi restaurants will mix their sesame seeds with traces of wheat.
Soy Sauce: Some soy sauces are purely soy, but most Japanese soy sauces have been made with wheat to give it a sweeter taste.
Imitation Crab: Many forms of imitation crab are made out of pieces of white fish, bonded together with a wheat-based agent.
Other: Japanese restaurant kitchens prepare many dishes that contain gluten. You may occasionally find that there is some cross-contamination.
If you have problems with gluten, Sushi Hana makes it easier for you to enjoy quality sushi. Our menu clearly labels our dishes that are gluten-free. Join us at our Bothell sushi restaurant tonight!