I have been gluten intolerant for 13 years. As you could imagine, eating out with a food allergy is difficult. Although there is increasing inclusivity for those eating out with a food allergy, like gluten intolerance, eating out is still a hassle.
Having to search restaurants before going out anywhere, researching the menu weeks in advance, and having to call up restaurants beforehand are just some of the precautions I need to take before eating out.
So, when I heard of Niche dining, a 100% gluten-free restaurant where I wouldn’t have to worry about anything, I had to go.
The owner of Niche dining knows this struggle that people like me go through, all too well. In 2013 Marc Wade and business partner Adrian Morgan set out their catering business, to serve bakery products, for example, baking fresh bread, cakes, and pastry-based treats. Thus, Niche was born.
However, during this time Wade was diagnosed as Coeliac. Therefore, he and his partner decided to change their original business plan, and created Niche, London's first restaurant completely gluten-free.
When My friend and I got to the restaurant, the first thing I noticed about it was its small size. In fact, I walked past it at first. This lack of space was also apparent in the restaurant. The small table we were seated at made me feel trapped.
However, sitting at my small table gave me an opportunity to appreciate the beautiful photo wall full of pictures by London photographer, Matthew Burlem.
When we were asked for a drink, I fancied sparkling water, to the amusement of my friend because, apparently no-one likes sparkling water, and it tastes of nothing.
The menu mainly consisted of British classics like Pie’s, potato cake and fish. For my main, I had pan-seared cod, along with gremolata, tender stem broccoli, courgette and finished with sundried tomato & roasted pepper sauce.
The cod was beautifully placed on top of the sauce, with a piece of parsley interactly placed on top of the gremolata.
The fish was really delightful and light and had the perfect amount of crispness on the top with a hint of lemon, combined with the sundried tomato taste, was divine I am not the healitist person, so the broclio didn’t look so appetizing and I was debating to not try it. But to my suprise, The broccoli had been roasted to perfection. It was nice and crispy, with the almost wet and slimy texture of the fish.
I also tried a mouthful of my friends’ meal, which was a butter chicken pie. Even though I only had one mouthful, there was an explosion of flavor going on. The chicken was marinated with tikka paste, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric root and spices. There was a rich tomato, cream and butter sauce on the side with lots of coriander. However, the same can’t be said for the pie’s crust, which was really hard. My friend's attempt at trying to cut the pie nearly cut the plate in two!
On the side I had mac and cheese. Normally I love cheese and all dairy products in general. However, this mac and cheese had a considerable amount of cheese in it. So much so that after a few mouthfuls it felt sickly and I couldn’t finish it. It looked amazing. It was nice and crunchy at the top and oozing with melted cheese in the middle. But it just goes to show that looks aren't everything.
My overall experience at the restaurant was enjoyable. However, in my opinion the menu was ordinary. I think that gluten free restaurants should focus on foods that those who are gluten intolerant can’t have.
For example, Bella Italia, a restaurant company specializing in Italian food, offers gluten free pasta pizza and bread.
However, unlike Niche, Bella Italia can’t promise that their kitchen practices are completely free from the risk of gluten contamination. So I would recommend everyone to try Niche, as their aim is to ensure that everyone can enjoy eating out.
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