02/09/2024
Traveling in Italy as a celiac can feel like a daunting task, but knowing some key Italian phrases will make navigating meals much easier. While larger cities like Florence and Rome often cater to English-speaking visitors, in smaller towns or family-run restaurants, a little Italian can go a long way in ensuring your gluten-free needs are understood. Plus, knowing a few basic Italian phrases is a great way to be a respectful tourist and locals will appreciate the effort!
Here are some important phrases and vocabulary to help you enjoy your gluten-free journey in Italy.
Celiac-Specific Italian Vocabulary:
- La celiachia – Celiac disease
- Senza glutine – Gluten-free
- Contiene glutine – Contains gluten
- Può contenere glutine – May contain gluten
- La contaminazione – Cross-contact
- Frumento/Grano – Wheat
- Orzo – Barley (also refers to a common coffee substitute in Italy made from barley)
- Segale – Rye
- Avena – Oats
- Associazione Italiana Celiachia (AIC) – Italian Celiac Association
These words are essential when reading menus or food packaging in Italy. When navigating food labels, keep an eye out for the “spiga barrata” symbol (the crossed-out wheat stalk) which signifies a product is celiac-safe. For more information about which ingredients are safe or unsafe, check out the ABCs of The Gluten-Free Diet from the Italian Celiac Association.
Useful Sentences for Dining Out:
- Sono celiaco/a – I am a celiac (use celiaco if male, celiaca if female)
- Sono intollerante al glutine – I am gluten intolerant
- È senza glutine? – Is it gluten-free?
- Avete un menù senza glutine? – Do you have a gluten-free menu?
With these phrases, you can confidently order gluten-free meals in Italian restaurants and ensure the staff understands your needs. Remember, it’s important to communicate your dietary needs and ask about cross-contact protocols even in AIC-accredited restaurants! While we work hard to educate establishments and they strive to maintain safety standards, it remains your responsibility to communicate your dietary needs clearly and ask any necessary questions to ensure a safe dining experience.
General Travel Phrases in Italian:
Even if your main focus is gluten-free dining, knowing a few general travel phrases will enhance your overall experience:
- Ciao – Hello/Goodbye (informal)
- Buongiorno – Good morning
- Grazie – Thank you
- Prego – You’re welcome
- Scusi – Excuse me (to get attention)
- Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?
- Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
Learning and practicing these basic Italian phrases before your trip will help you connect with locals and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Final Thoughts
Italy is a fantastic destination for celiacs, and with a bit of preparation, you can explore the country safely while enjoying its culinary delights. Be sure to download the AIC app for help locating accredited gluten-free restaurants, and if you need additional assistance please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help!