If you're heading to the Canterbury A&P Show with a dietary requirement, you can leave the emergency snacks at home. There's more on offer this year than you might expect, from coeliac safe tacos to vegan bubbles.
We walked the show, filmed the food trucks and stalls, and asked them directly about gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and dairy free options. Everything below is what each vendor told us on the day.
As a vegetarian who also eats gluten free, I know the drill at events like this. You walk past every truck, squint at the menu boards and hope someone can answer a question about the fryer. So we did the walking for you.
Gluten Free and No Gluten Added options
Bangkok Wok is 100% gluten free which makes it one of the easiest choices at the show if you're coeliac.
Spud Spot Most of the menu items are gluten free. They also have vegan options, including vegan cheese. Spud Spot was one of the very first vendors to join Eat Choice, so it was great to see them here.
Alt Kitchen has gluten free options they told us are coeliac safe, plus veggie and vegan dishes. You'll find them opposite the bouncy castle, and there's a welcoming gluten free sign out front.
Artesanos is another 100% gluten free van. At the show they're serving beef tacos but their regular stand, near Two Thumb has vegan options.
Spring Potato has a gluten free deep fryer, and seasoning is added after frying. We love it when a vendor talks you through the process.
Wood Fired NZ offers gluten free pizza cooked on a separate tray, then cut with a fresh board, fresh knife and fresh plate. The pizzas share the oven with the regular ones, so they may contain traces. Coeliac diners can decide what they're comfortable with.
K&C Delights makes fairy floss on site and told us it's gluten free and vegan. (we asked about the sugar)
Strawberries & Ice Cream lists its dietaries right on the sign: gluten free, egg free and vegetarian.
Rollicious has grilled pork with no added gluten.
Naan Stop serves halal meat that can be made with no added gluten. They told us it isn't suitable for coeliacs, but it works for people with an intolerance. There's a vegetarian option too.
Drinks
The drinks scene was one of the nicest surprises of the day. Samples were available to try, and you could nab yourself a cheeky bottle to take home.
Greystone told us all the wine they're pouring at the show is vegan.
7th Heaven has vegan méthode traditionnelle, so the bubbles are covered too.
Sovrano told us all its products are vegan and gluten free, except the limoncello cream.
Undisturbed, from Sam and Harry, is Auckland made, gluten free and honey based. It introduced us to a new word: beegan, for vegans who eat honey.
Bacon Brothers, a Christchurch institution, and Cassels, right next door, both have gluten free cider. The gluten free option at both is the cider, so check before ordering a beer.
Embassy Coffee, The Coffee Bug and the show cafes all have oat, soy, almond and coconut milk for dairy free coffee.
Tips for eating at the show
Ask about real fruit ice cream. It's normally blended with dairy ice cream, so it may not be vegan or dairy free.Important if you are ordering for a child.
Ask about the fryer. A gluten free menu item is only coeliac safe if the fryer is kept gluten free. Spring Potato is a great example of a vendor who can explain this clearly.
Look for vendors who list dietaries on their signs. It's a good sign they've thought about it, and it saves you asking at every stop. Not only that, these businesses are happy to welcome you.
Ask about shared ovens and surfaces. Food trucks have small kitchens, so cross-contact is always possible, but can be mitigated. Decide what level of risk you're comfortable with.
Before you order
This guide is what each vendor told us on the day. Menus and kitchens can change, and food trucks work in small shared spaces, so always check with the vendor about your needs.
Find more places that cater to you
The show only lasts a few days, but eating out with a dietary requirement is an everyday thing. Eat Choice shows you the actual dishes on restaurant menus that suit your needs, so you can skip the menu Googling and choose with confidence.
Bangkok Wok food truck - 100% gluten free
Vegan, vegetarian and dairy free options
Plant-based eaters have plenty of choice this year, from sweet treats to savoury snacks.
Mister Churros told us the plain churros are vegan. Skip the extras and you're set.
Rollicious has a tofu option alongside its grilled pork.
Namets has vegetable spring rolls, and they look delicious.
Wild Az has guacamole and chips, and nachos for vegetarians.
Spud Spot, Alt Kitchen and K&C Delights (above) also have vegan options, and Wood Fired NZ, Naan Stop and Strawberries & Ice Cream all cater for vegetarians.
