We live in Toronto and travel often especially to visit family and friends in India. This annual trip has been challenging to say the least since being diagnosed with food allergies and intolerances. Over time I have figured out ways to navigate the culinary wonders of Indian cuisine and keep my daughter’s eczema at bay at the same time. Here are my tips for eating out with allergies in India. 
30-40 % of the world suffers from allergies of varying degrees and types. In India, the awareness of allergies is still low but in recent years the number of diagnosed people has seen a steep rise.
In my daughter’s case, we started our food allergy journey a few years ago. Her symptoms were difficult to pinpoint because of the delay in reaction and the diagnosis was difficult. It was when we started keeping a food diary that we found some success in tracking her triggers.
During this time and since then, travelling with allergies has been a challenge. Dairy, soy and tomatoes are the big culprits for my daughter and guess what? Many Indian dishes have at least some form of dairy and many are cooked with tomatoes.
Gajar ka Halwa – carrots, milk and sugar cooked together.Eating at Home vs. Eating Out When You Have Food Allergies
One of the things I look forward to in India is meeting up with aunts and uncles and cousins. Most of the entertaining in India happens over a meal or two. With food allergies, it is a lot easier when the meal is at someone’s home. Home kitchens usually have a routine and I can always call beforehand to talk our food limitations through with the lady of the house. It’s dining out in restaurants that poses a challenge. Thankfully with a little bit of awareness and preparation, one can eat out with peace of mind.
Caveat: the advice in this article is based on my personal experience. I am not a doctor just a mom on a mission trying to help my family, my youngest, in this case, be more comfortable in her skin. She has food allergies that make her very uncomfortable and cause skin-flareups. My choices are based on my research and experience. 
Travelling to India? 11 Tips For Eating Out With Allergies in India
1. Awareness of allergies in India is increasing.
2. Call beforehand with your questions, and be direct.
3. Choose restaurants whose cuisine is more adaptable for your needs.
4. If you are dining at a high-profile or westernized restaurant there is likely to be a website and there may be allergy-related information online.
5. Eating or drinking at a food court is likely to be riskier because the food is not made in a controlled environment.
6. Read the menu carefully.
7. Choose restaurants where the food is prepared in front of you.
Other Things I have Learned Eating Out with Allergies
I like your tip about looking for a restaurant that prepares the food in front of you so you can ask the cook to add or skip ingredients as necessary. My husband has an allergy to peanuts, but we both love trying new restaurants. I will be sure to look into finding a restaurant that can prepare the food right in front of us so that we can avoid the risk of an allergic reaction.
Glad it worked out for you. It’s hard travelling when there are family members with allergies. Thankfully the awareness is going up around the world and there are many who accommodate! Thanks for visiting
I carry preprinted laminated allergy cards the size of a business card in several languages for international travel, I also use them in the USA. It details exactly what I am allergic to (capsacian which includes curry and hot peppers) and what I am not allergic to, black pepper (it’s a berry). My emergency reactions in restaurants have reduced 90% because I am working with the chef and staff to keep me safe from dying. I find many times, the chef will come to my table and ask if I would be willing to go off the menu, I’m always the person who gets the best option delivered to the table. I love all food, not all food loves me. I find that the staff takes my request more seriously now, versus being tagged as a picky eater making their life more difficult. I got the cards as a gift and would say it is one of the best my family ever gave me!!!