FAQ
Chinese Food Allergy FAQ
Chinese restaurant allergy questions should focus on sauces, broths, wrappers, marinades, shared equipment, and hidden ingredients.
Questions
What are common hidden allergens in Chinese food?
Common hidden signals include soy sauce, oyster sauce, dried shrimp, sesame oil, sesame paste, peanuts, wheat wrappers, fish balls, and shared fryer use.
Can I rely on English menu names?
No. English names often omit sauces, broths, marinades, and preparation details.
Is oyster sauce a shellfish issue?
Yes. Standard oyster sauce is shellfish-derived unless a vegetarian version is used.
Is sesame common?
Sesame oil, sesame paste, sesame seeds, and sesame-containing chile crisp can appear in many dishes and sauce bars.
What is the safest approach?
Choose simple dishes, ask early, avoid shared fryers and complex sauces when needed, and leave if staff cannot answer basic questions.