Gluten Free Gouda, the Netherlands: A Complete Guide

Last updated: February 2024

Nestled in the western heart of the Netherlands lies the picturesque town of Gouda, renowned for its iconic cheese and charming atmosphere. Steeped in rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, Gouda exudes old-world charm with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and bustling market squares. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s cultural tapestry by exploring landmarks such as the Gothic-style Gouda Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the towering Church of St. John.

However, it’s the cheese that truly steals the spotlight in Gouda. Produced in the region for centuries, Gouda cheese is celebrated worldwide for its creamy texture and distinctive flavor. Travelers can indulge in tastings at local cheese shops or visit the iconic Gouda Cheese Market, where vendors in traditional attire showcase their wares amidst a lively atmosphere. Beyond cheese, Gouda offers a delightful array of culinary delights, from stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup) to hearty Dutch pancakes, ensuring that every visitor’s palate is pleasantly satisfied in this quaint Dutch gem.

From Gouda it’s only a 10 minute drive to Haastecht, where you’ll find some great gluten-free restaurants as well. Read my gluten-free guide about Haastrecht! Besides, you might want to visit Rotterdam or The Hague when you’re in the region.

Food

Restaurants

Miss Nice Banana (100% gluten-free)

Miss Nice Banana is completely gluten-free and soy-free. As a substitute, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, lentils, rice flour, corn flour, buckwheat flour and / or potato flour is used. All the products are vegan and Miss Nice Banana promotes a healthy, completely plant-based and fresh lifestyle. All dishes are sweetened with natural sugars from bananas, dates or from the agave plant. The menu varies every quarter with a focus on seasonality.

During our visits I tried the Concept Burger. The Concept Burger is a delicious burger with a black bean patty, guacamole, vegan cheese and tortilla chips. More in the mood for something sweet? No worries, there is a big choice of gluten-free vegan pies and desserts. I tried the apple crumble with a maple glazed granola crumble which was super tasty.

Update January 2024:

Recently visited Miss Nice Banana again and it was fantastic! The warm atmosphere and attentive staff set the stage for a delightful experience. The black coffee was rich and perfectly brewed, complemented by a moist brownie with a surprising twist of orange. The presentation was impeccable, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to both flavor and aesthetics. The cozy ambiance made it an ideal spot for a relaxing break. Highly recommend this gem for a memorable experience, and I can’t wait to return!

You will find Miss Nice Banana on Lange Tiendeweg nº67, Gouda, The Netherlands.

Casa Chow

A culinary delight at restaurant Casa Chow in Gouda, the Netherlands. My recent visit to Casa Chow in Gouda left me thoroughly impressed with a dining experience that exceeded expectations. The ambiance was vibrant, creating a welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for an enjoyable evening.

The service was exceptional, with attentive staff ensuring every detail was well taken care of. I savored a gluten-free bun with perfectly cooked steak, adorned with a flavorful Chimichurri and salsa. The attention to accommodating dietary needs without compromising on taste was commendable.

The presentation of the dish was artful, showcasing the chef’s dedication to both aesthetics and flavor. The gluten-free bun was soft and delicious, and the steak was cooked to perfection. The Chimichurri and salsa added a burst of flavor, elevating the dish to culinary excellence.

Casa Chow in Gouda has truly mastered the art of blending quality ingredients with skillful preparation. Cross-contamination was taken well care of. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, I highly recommend Casa Chow for an unforgettable dining experience. I look forward to returning to explore more of their delectable offerings.

You will find Casa Chow on Markt nº31, Gouda, The Netherlands.

‘t Reeuwijkse Hout

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Restaurant ‘t Reeuwijkse Hout, and overall, it was a delightful experience. As someone with dietary restrictions, I appreciate the effort they put into accommodating my needs. I opted for the fries, which were fried in a dedicated fryer, ensuring a gluten-free option for me.

The chicken thighs were a standout, perfectly cooked and flavorful, and the side salad added a refreshing touch to the meal. The staff was knowledgeable about cross-contamination issues and took care to address them. It’s evident that the restaurant prioritizes understanding and catering to the needs of guests with dietary restrictions.

While the gluten-free bread was available upon request, it’s worth noting that the kitchen’s limitations make it challenging to completely eliminate the risk of contamination. Despite this, the staff was transparent about the potential risks, and I appreciate their honesty.

Overall, ‘t Reeuwijkse Hout offers a positive dining experience for those with dietary restrictions, with a variety of options to choose from. The commitment to a dedicated fryer and the deliciously prepared dishes make it a place worth considering for a gluten-free meal. The view over the lakes (Reeuwijkse Plassen) are stunning!

You will find ‘t Reeuwijkse Hout on Reeuwijksehoutwal nº4, Reeuwijk, The Netherlands.

Gluten-free in Gouda – Recommendations

Underneath I have listed some restaurants which I haven’t visited yet, but are on my list! I got these reco’s from gluten-free friends, family and followers. As I said – I have not tested these gastronomies myself (so far) and cannot say anything about how it looks here with a possible cross-contamination and whether there is an understanding for celiac disease sufferers. Please do not take it as recommendations, but only as additional options. If you’ve visited any of the restaurants, or if you have another tip, feel free to write me about it in the comments!

• Bagels & Beans: at Bagels & Beans in you can get gluten-free bagels and the salads can also be made gluten-free. The staff is well-informed about cross-contamination and paying great attention to separate preparation of dishes. Great for coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch. Address: Agnietenstraat nº2, Gouda, the Netherlands. Also check out other locations in the Netherlands.

• ‘t Zusje: delicious tapas with gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu. Address: Markt nº37, Gouda, the Netherlands. Also check out other locations in the Netherlands.

• Restaurant De Beren: restaurant De Beren has an allergen menu that clearly states for each dish whether it contains gluten. You can have lunch here with gluten-free bread and most of the dinner dishes are gluten-free. Also a number of starters can even be served with gluten-free bread. Gluten free bread is wrapped up, so there is no contamination risk. Besides, there are some gluten-free desserts. Address: Harderwijkweg nº1, Gouda, the Netherlands. De Beren is a restaurant chain with more than 30 locations, find other locations in the Netherlands.

• David’s Gelato Café: Italian gelato at its best. An extensive selection of gluten-free ice cream and sorbet flavors, along with gluten-free ice cream cones, is available. The allergens for each ice cream flavor are conveniently displayed on the wall-mounted screen, ensuring easy access to information for those with dietary considerations. Address: Markt nº2, Gouda, the Netherlands.

• Kruim: Plenty of options including GF brownies and cookies, besides all the sandwiches can be made on gluten free bread. Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Address: Klein Amerika nº20, Gouda, the Netherlands.

• Bram Ladage: Whether you’re a local or just passing through Gouda, Bram Ladage is a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch fries. There is a dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen including dedicated gluten-free fryer. The staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions. Fries are freshly cut and lots of sauces are gluten free. Address: Wijdstraat nº24, Gouda, the Netherlands.

• The Stroopwafel Wall: Markus & Markus’ vending machine, popularly known as the Stroopwafelmuur, is located in the centre of syrup waffle capital Gouda. Besides the famous regular syrup waffle, you will find gluten & lactose-free syrup waffles, syrup waffle chips, gift packaging and corporate gifts, all fresh from the bakery. Address: Lange Tiendeweg nº6, Gouda, the Netherlands.

DISCLAIMER

I cannot guarantee that all restaurants and stores listed above are 100% free of gluten. Always check with the restaurant for cross-contamination and whether there is an understanding for celiac disease sufferers.