Guide to Cairns: Best Gluten-free Eats

If you’re gluten-free, you know how difficult and stressful it can be to travel to new places, especially when the ones you’re traveling with aren’t also gluten-free. So if you’re traveling to Cairns or have just moved here, I’ve done some of the work for you. I’ve found some of the best spots to eat that aren’t the usual bread-substitute or grilled-instead-of-fried places that your non-gluten-free friends and family will also enjoy. My husband isn’t gluten-free so trust me when I say the food is actually enjoyable for everyone 🙂

Pantry 15

Location: 15/62 Grafton St @ Oceana Walk Arcade

This place is pure gluten-free bliss. Don’t you wish you could just go into a restaurant or cafe and order whatever was on the menu just because it sounded good and not have to ask about gluten-free options? This place is exactly that. They have anything any other café would have but gluten-free, and great prices too. I often visit even when I’m with people who aren’t gluten-free and they enjoy it just as much as I do. My favorite thing to get is their fried chicken sandwich. They also have smoothie bowls and an array of different hot and cold drinks to try such as their red velvet latte (I should really try that soon).

OMG! Decadent Donuts

Locations: 217 Sheridan Street and @ Rusty’s Markets

I was first introduced to OMG donuts when I lived in the Atherton Tablelands (1.5 hours from Cairns). They often had popups at the monthly Yungaburra Markets. Sometimes I only went to the markets just to get their donuts or else I’d have to wait another month before having them again. The lineup was long most of the time, mostly a lineup of vegans and gluten-free people but also a number of people who just loved the donuts and were in no way gluten-free or vegan. So when we moved to Cairns, I was pleased to find that they had a storefront. They make the donuts fresh when you order (at the storefront but not at Rusty’s) and the lady who mans the store is very kind. They even have a rewards card!

Helga’s Pancake House

Location: 45-47 Spence Street

An American-style pancake and waffle house AND it has gluten-free options?? Best day ever when I discovered this. They don’t openly advertise that they also make gluten-free pancakes and waffles unless you ask. I haven’t tried their gluten-free pancakes yet but their waffles are probably the best I’ve had. They’re slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They have a variety of sweet and savory options with the option to create your own. I always choose to create my own and add bananas, bacon, and cinnamon sugar — an American classic. I’d like to try their thick shakes one day, apparently, they’re actually thick like the American ones. They can also make these vegan but not sure which of their flavors are gluten-free. Oh, and the best part is that they don’t charge extra to make your pancakes or waffles gluten-free!