My husband is now on a low sodium diet for health reasons, and this has put a bit of a crimp in our plans for 3-week trip to Paris, Normandy and Brittany in the fall, as we've always enjoyed dining out while traveling. I'm already heartbroken about the restrictions needing to be made regarding bread and cheese! I have made changes to our itinerary to stay mostly in apartments to allow some self-catering, but some restaurant meals are to be anticipated (and looked forward to!). I'd love to know if anyone has any recommendations for restaurants in Paris, Rouen, Bayeux and/or Vannes where they accommodated requests for low-sodium options.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16794 posts
I don't think bread will be a problem at all as French bread is not salty. Cheese, as you indicate will be an issue. I'm vegan so skipping cheese does not bother me. He'll also want to be careful of the ham which is offered a lot, particularly on sandwiches from boulangeries and just get something that contains less salt.
Otherwise, there will be plenty for him to eat. Does he enjoy salads? As a vegan, the salads are delicious and the salad dressing they use is almost always made in the restaurant and is some kind of vinaigrette. I do generally get a salad that does not have ham and cheese on it.
Hopefully someone who eats a low sodium diet at home will pop in with some advice as well.
I am sorry you are heartbroken but as you get used to this way of eating you will find you can manage quite well in restaurants. It will just involve him possibly making different choices eating out.
Posted by
1547 posts
We make reservations online whenever possible. Generally there is an opportunity to enter any dietary needs/restrictions/requests, etc. I believe it was in a David Lebovitz's Substack newsletter that he said chefs appreciate knowing of these requests before you go to the restaurant and will usually try to accommodate. My husband has many dietary restrictions and doesn't hesitate letting restaurants know in advance. He has always been treated with respect when making his needs known.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3798 posts
There have been a couple prior conversations on similar topic, perhaps they will help. Also, be sure to print out the French translation for no/low salt so you can offer it to wait staff. Unfortunately it is probably unlikely you'll find many low salt options at a restaurant, just because of cooking techniques - e.g., the stock used as base for soups is almost always salty, pasta is cooked in salted water. So your self-catering is going to be the safest option for his health.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/low-sodium-in-french-restaurants
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/strict-dietary-needs-in-the-north-of-france
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/food-drink/special-diets-in-french-restaurants
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/success-with-sodium-restrictions
Posted by
OP
California
16 posts
Thanks, everyone, for your advice and suggestions.