Food Allergies: Questions to Ask Before Ordering

A practical conversation checklist, without treating a directory as an allergy guarantee.

Name the allergy clearly

Tell the restaurant the specific allergen and that this is an allergy, not simply a preference. Armenian dishes can contain wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, sesame, and other ingredients, sometimes in fillings, bread, sauces, or garnishes that are hard to identify visually. Recipes differ. A dish name, online photo, or short menu description cannot establish whether a meal is safe.

Ask about the process

Ingredient questions are only one part of the conversation. Ask whether knives, grills, trays, fryers, and preparation surfaces are shared, and whether the team can follow the precautions you need. Ask who will communicate those instructions to the kitchen and label the order. If staff are unsure, an honest 'we cannot guarantee that' is useful information, not a problem to negotiate away.

Keep a clear decision boundary

Do not rely on removing an allergen from a finished dish. For severe allergies, follow your clinician's guidance and personal emergency plan, and avoid ordering when the business cannot meet your requirements. Packaged foods should retain ingredient labels, but labels and recipes can change. This directory helps you find businesses; it does not certify their allergy practices. Confirm directly every time, including repeat orders that were previously suitable.

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