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Rijsttafel -- is there any way to avoid this on the Heart Of Belgium and Holland tour?

Hi,

Has anyone with a peanut allergy taken the Heart of Belgium and Holland tour?

The first night in Amsterdam features rijsttafel, which is totally peanut-laden.

My wife is deathly allergic to peanuts, and we already had one bad incident on the Best of Paris tour last year. Even with an epipen, the experience of peanut poisoning is pure misery, so we'd rather not roll the dice when it comes to this.

Is there a way to "opt out" of one of the paid-for dinners and get a voucher to eat somewhere else?

Thanks,

-- Mike Beebe

Posted by
2684 posts

I haven't taken the tour but as a fellow food-allergy traveler, just opt-out of the meal and meet up with the people later. I wouldn't worry about a voucher for a meal - it's just one of those little things that costs you a little money but is totally worth it in the long run.

Posted by
8337 posts

Eating at an Indonesian rijsttafel in Amsterdam is the only place I've ever had any reaction to food. I figured it was an overdose of MSG as I have no problem with peanuts. It is wonderful food for someone without any food allergies.
I understand how you have to be overly careful about food allergies, however.

Posted by
9022 posts

Call the tour office and ask them. They'll want to know about the allergy anyway.

Posted by
2456 posts

Mike, certainly talk to the RS staff about this in advance, and your guide first thing. I don't know where this meal takes place, but I imagine there is a way to arrange alternative dishes. RS in general, their guides in particular, and generally European restaurants are very ready for and attentive to special dietary limitations.

Posted by
92 posts

Mike,
We did the tour earlier this year. As the waiter brought the various items to the table he indicated which ones were peanut based. However it was several different small plates or bowls which were then passed family style, so frankly it was difficult to keep up with which were which.

Talk to your guide at the start of the trip, since this may be an issue at other meals and they will certainly work to avoid problems. My wife has shellfish issues and alternative meal choices have always been arranged. That said, if you have worries, you can always opt-out of any meal or activity. I do not know if a voucher would be provided.