Food Allergies at an AI

[Moxie]

I just found out that I'm highly allergic to coconut and coconut oil. I'm not shy about telling the waitstaff, but I am a little afraid that it might be lost in translation. It's such a bizarre thing to be allergic to! How do other people handle food allergies?

[catnhat]

A very good question...
I am lactose intolerant and also cannot eat beef..
If I am unsure of what ingredients are in certain dishes I do ask the wait staff first..I have found if they do not understand me or if they are unsure they go to the kitchen and ask the chef..
I have had the chef come out at times and personally talk with me..

I think that so many people have food allergies or tummy problems A1 Resorts are prepared for this..

If I was really unsure that I was not being understood I would go to the front desk and ask for help..

Good Luck

[Tommygurl]

How about writing it down on a piece of paper in Spanish before you go? Then you can show the staff/chef???

[himynameisjan]

Be very careful what drinks you order, lots of them have coconut milk, or coconut cream.

[catnhat]

I just wanted to add that some of the dishes at an A1 changes daily..To be on the safe side you may have to question at every meal...

[osumom]

Take lots of Epi-pens!!!

[Garlic Addict]

I'm allergic to crab. Despite asking about various menu items, I had an allergic reaction while at the Riu Playacar this summer. One side of my face swells up, so I looked like a freak but I didn't let it ruin my trip. Just took my benadril and went on with the vacation. I had my epi-pen with me in case of a real emergency.

[raquelle261]

Hi. I am in Playa as we speak, and staying at an AI. I have all number of food allergies (yeast, dairy, fish and egg) which narrows my food choice severely. I have found it incredibly easy to eat allergy free at the hotel. Most of the time the meals in the buffet restaurant have been cooked in sauces which contain butter for instance, a no go for me. Each meal I ask for them to cook me some plain chicken or beef or pork etc, and if there are no potato or rice options that are not plain enough or me they bespoke cook some of that for me too. There is always plenty of fresh salad.

The staff in the restaurants are MORE than willing to help and go out of their way to ensure you enjoy a delicious and safe meal. On their own advice though, it is best to speak to the "captain" who is on that shift - i.e. the one who meets and greets you at the entrance to the restaurant. They speak perfect English - whereas some of the wait staff or chefs don't - and will have all the necessary discussions with the chefs on your behalf.

I have eaten away from the restaurant a few times too. Unfortunately it is simply not safe for me to experiment with the local dishes, but everywhere has things I can safely have - and everything I have eaten here has been cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious.

So, come, enjoy Playa - its impossible not to, the place is paradise - but bring all the meds you need to deal with a reaction if you have one, write down in Spanish on a bit of paper the things you are allergic to and carry this with you (someone on here will translate for you I am sure), and ask at every meal. Also make sure you are covered for allergy medical emergencies in your travel insurance too, and be careful with drinks too as someone else has said.....

Salud!!

[Moxie]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I will just have to order straight shots of tequila and drink lots of Sol. I can handle that. Coconut is something that I can live without. I can't imagine being allergic to yeast or dairy. Luckily, the Spanish word for coconut is close.