Navigating Mediterranean Menus: PKU-Friendly Dining Made Easy

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil – making it a promising option for PKU diners. Yet hidden protein sources lurk in staples like feta cheese, legume-based dips, and marinated meats. With smart strategies and mm food's technology, you can savor Greek salads, roasted veggies, and more while strictly managing phenylalanine intake.

Core Challenges at Mediterranean Restaurants

• Hidden Proteins: Tzatziki contains yogurt, hummus uses protein-rich chickpeas, and dolmades often include meat
• Language Barriers: Menus in authentic restaurants may lack English translations or detailed ingredient lists
• Cross-Contamination: Shared grills and cooking oils pose risks for trace proteins

Your PKU Dining Strategy Toolkit

1. Target Safe Dish Categories

Focus on inherently low-protein options:

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil
• Simple Salads: Horiatiki without cheese, tabbouleh (hold the chickpeas)
• Olive & Pickle Platters: Protein-free starters
• Plain Rice/Potatoes: Request cooked in olive oil only

2. Master Order Modifications

Phrases that work:

"No cheese, yogurt, beans, or meat please – medical dietary restriction"
"Can vegetables be grilled separately from meat?"
"Bring sauces/oils on the side"

3. Leverage the mm food App

Revolutionize your ordering process:

• Instant Menu Translation: Scan Greek, Turkish, or Arabic menus → see in your native language
• PKU Guardrail: Set your phenylalanine limits and scan dishes. The AI highlights safe choices like:
  • Shrimp saganaki (hold feta)
  • Briam (oven-baked veggies)
  • Skordalia potato dip (without walnuts)
• Custom Alerts: Flag risky ingredients like tahini or pine nuts in your profile

Mediterranean PKU Survival Guide

Dish Type Safe Order Avoid Dips Olive oil dip (ladolemono) Hummus, tzatziki Mains Grilled octopus/seafood Moussaka, gyros Sides Lemon potatoes Fava puree, gigantes beans

Pro Tips

• Call ahead asking about low-protein cooking options
• Use mm food's restaurant pre-check feature for verified PKU-safe eateries
• Carry printed PKU explanation cards in the app's language tools The vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean can be yours without compromise. With vigilant ordering and mm food's real-time analysis, you’ll expand your safe dining horizons.