Will I be ok for food in Thailand

[Katherineryan1986]

Husband and I would really like to visit Thailand or Vietnam. However I have a severe nut allergy, peanuts and tree nuts. I can eat almonds although I don’t if I can help it. I know these countries use peanuts in a lot of their dishes. Am I going to struggle to find things to eat? We had planned to have 1 week in a hotel and then 3 weeks in self catering. What will the supermarkets (if they have them) be like?

The short answer is yes, it will be a struggle. A lot of things are cooked with nuts, and definitely prepared in the same areas. If you're in cities you'll be ok as can go to higher end restaurants and supermarkets for packaged stuff. But any street food or cafes would be very risky.

The supermarkets are like normal supermarkets (my parents used to live in Bangkok). But I couldn’t tell you about how they label allergens. I would be wary of eating out, particularly street food, I’ve seen vendors do their washing up in a washing up bowl next to a puddle. Food hygiene generally is not going to be the same as the UK and I would be worried about cross contamination.

Honestly you’re really going to struggle, the cross contamination is what’s going to be the problem.

Ok - thank you for your replies. I think we are going to have to give this a miss, it’s just not worth the risk.