For the 1 per cent of the population who suffer from coeliac disease, or those who have gluten sensitivities, wheat is also a definite “no” in the daily diet.

Dining establishments in the city still have some way to go for those with food allergies. But, here are a few pioneering places.

Verde Mar

Verde Mar, run by Mexican executive chef Eligio Escobedo, has a menu that is almost 80 per cent gluten-free. The menu marks the few items that aren’t gluten-free with a symbol, rather than the other way around.

Mexican food is traditionally corn-based, which means a lot of dishes can be gluten and wheat-free.

Address: 24 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai Tel: 2810 0888

KALE HK

A dedicated health food restaurant, KALE HK marks gluten-free menu items, as well as vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian dishes. Almost all their hot dishes, mixed salads, sides and toppings are gluten-free – and therefore, wheat-free.

Address: G/F 26 Li Yuen Street West, Central Tel: 2511 1777

La Creperie

The galettes, or savoury crêpe, at La Creperie are made from buckwheat flour, making them safe to eat.

Their extensive selection includes Breton galette, made with ham, egg and Emmental cheese. Their bestseller is La Marin, which is filled with scallops, cream, mixed mushrooms, lardons and white wine.

Address: G/F 69 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan Tel: 2679 4666

Mama San

Asian food is often difficult territory for wheat-free diners, because soy sauce is usually wheat-based and ever-present in Asian dishes. Often, sufferers have to bring their own “safe” condiments or ask the chef to cook without sauce.

But Mama San by Will Meyrick offers an exclusive gluten-free menu. Guests can confidently enjoy a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, including a red Thai prawn curry, Keang choo chee, with kaffir lime leaf, chilli, coconut milk and Thai basil.

Address: 1/F Winning Centre, 46-48 Wyndham Street, Central Tel: 2881 8901

Dandy’s Organic Cafe

Vivi Cheung, a food therapeutic chef and owner of Dandy’s Organic Cafe, provides gluten-free diners with thoughtful, organic cooking. The cafe, which opened in January, has already established itself as a safe haven for those with food intolerances.

The cafe specialises in gluten-free, low fat, low GI and detox diets.

Address: 32 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan Tel: 2838 6166

Sweetpea Cafe

Strictly gluten-free baking is done at Sweetpea Cafe. Included in their extensive selection are classic chiffon cakes made with rice flour, their vegan cakes made without eggs, and crêpe cakes.

Address: 4 Shin Hing Street, Central Tel: 3689 7269

Notable mentions with wheat-free menu items:

Locofama: 9-13 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun

Grassroots Pantry: 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan

Mana! Fast Slow Food: 92 Wellington Street, Central

Select Pizza Express outlets: the K11 Tsim Sha Tsui and Times Square branches now have gluten-free pizzas on trial. They use gluten-free dough, flour and ingredients. Just ask for their Gluten Friendly menu.

As with any kitchen that uses wheat, there may still be trace amounts of allergic substances in wheat-free dishes and guests are always advised to inform the staff of their needs before dining.

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