Penn Abroad x Allergies Abroad: Conquering London’s Culinary Scene with Caution
PGS: Global Business Communication for Impact
William, one of the Penn Global Seminar Correspondents, shares his experience abroad during the Fall 2024 semester. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.
Growing up with food allergies in a small town in Ohio, my dining options were always limited––just a few safe spots that knew my dietary needs well. Going to London for summer school at the London School of Economics was my first time outside the country and my first real test of managing my food allergies in a completely new territory. This trip was about more than just academics; it was a deep dive into a world of food vastly different from the predictable menus back home.
Equipped with only a basic understanding of managing my food allergies abroad, I quickly realized how important it was to be prepared. My allergy card, a piece of lamented paper with a list of my allergies on it which I made prior to the trip, became my new best friend, speaking for me when I navigated the menu. This little piece of paper was as important as my passport, making sure the chefs understood my dietary restrictions clearly and accurately.
My first stop was Camden, a melting pot of food and culture, where I found Purezza. They’re famous for their plant-based pizzas, all the joy of pizza without the dairy. The staff treated my allergies with care, making sure my meal was free from cross-contamination with gluten and nuts. It was here I learned the value of places that take these needs seriously, making the meal not just enjoyable but tear-free—unless we’re counting joyful tears, of course, for the absence of dairy and the presence of flavor.
Exploring further, I ventured into Borough Market, a food lover’s paradise. The colorful stalls, each filled with local and artisanal produce, was overwhelming at first. However, I soon became increasingly aware of the vendors that displayed allergen information prominently, allowing me to partake in the market’s bounty without fear.
Every restaurant visit became a mini-mission: call ahead to discuss allergy practices and feel out how confident I could be in their answers. One standout was Dishoom, famous for its rich tapestries and even richer curries. Their proactive approach to my dietary needs not only put my mind at ease but also let me indulge in some of the best flavors London had to offer.
However, my trip wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were times when the lack of communication or inadequate measures made me walk away from potentially unsafe dining situations. Those moments taught me to trust my instincts and to have a backup plan. However, overall, I found it much easier to navigate the food scene in the UK than the US, likely because of its much stricter allergen laws. In the UK, the Food Information Regulations 2014 requires all food businesses to provide clear information regarding the 14 major allergens on both pre-packed and non-prepacked foods. Meaning whether the food is packaged or served straight from the kitchen the allergens must be clearly marked, making dining out less of a daunting task.
My friends also played a crucial role; they were more than just travel companions—they were my safety net. From learning how to use an Epi-Pen to understanding why I might need to wipe down a table before eating, their support and flexibility turned stress into adventure.
Reflecting on my trip, I realized it was a profound learning curve. I learned how to navigate a new city with food allergies and turned what could have been a series of anxious meals into a collection of fun foodie experiences (you can check my Beli, @williamdalton, if you want to see my full reviews). These lessons from my first trip to London are now the guidelines I’ll carry with me as I prepare for my return to London with my WH2011: Global Business Communication class, a Penn Global Seminar.
So, here’s to embracing food allergies as avenues to culinary discovery rather than barriers to it. Each restaurant visit, from the trendy spots to the hidden gems, has shown me that managing dietary needs can also uncover some of the most authentic dining experiences the city has to offer. As I gear up for another visit to London with my PGS class, I’m excited to dive even deeper into the nooks and crannies of its culinary landscape. Here’s to hoping the only thing ‘nutty’ about my trip will be the charmingly eccentric locals, not what’s on my plate!
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