Panettone, Christmas Puddings and Stuffing: Here’s How to Have a Very Gluten-Free 2020 Christmas in Sydney
Words by Shaney Hudson · Updated on 08 Dec 2020 · Published on 07 Dec 2020
Sydney’s best gluten-free cafes, bakeries and stalls are making Christmas 2020 a year to remember for those with coeliac and gluten-free diets (and their friends and family members who want their loved ones to enjoy Christmas as much as the rest of us). From mince pies and panettones, to turkey stuffing and nut roasts, there’s no need for people with dietary requirements to miss out on the festivities this year. Just remember to get in early – these treats are bound to sell out.
Nutie , Balmain and Surry Hills
While its savoury Christmas menu has sold out, Nutie still has dessert covered, from gluten-free takes on pumpkin and pecan pies to rum balls and mince tarts. Recently added to the selection due to popular demand are two-person trifles, in addition to larger trifles that serve 10 people. There’s also gingerbread house kits, beautiful gingerbread and chocolate amaretto tarts and banoffee pie. Order a minimum of three days in advance for pick up until December 24. Plus, on December 12 it’s hosting a a pop-up Christmas market at its Balmain store, with local artisans manning stalls, and card-making and gift-wrapping to raise money. It’s all in the name of its annual charity drive, which sees the team deliver hampers and meals to those in need on Christmas Eve.
Wholegreen Bakery, Waverley and CBD
Both Wholegreen’s CBD store and its Waverley digs are going large this Christmas, with mince pies; gingerbread Christmas trees and snowfolk (with holes for hanging from the Christmas tree); mixed-berry éclairs; and an eagerly anticipated gluten- and dairy-free panettone. Plus, it’s now delivering most items outside of the Sydney area – including the Blue Mountains, Canberra, the central coast and Newcastle – via courier.
GF Eats, Bellambi
A short drive from Sydney in Bellambi, a suburb of Wollongong, GF Eats has quietly carved a loyal following among coeliacs for its generous serves, home-cooked fare and brilliant take-home range (not to mention its amazing schnitzel burgers). It’s worth trekking south this Christmas for the enormous lemon meringue pie, which serves up to 16 people, as well as savoury treats such as the spinach and French onion cob loaf, and roast beetroot and goat’s cheese tart. There’s also gluten-free pavlova, fruit cake and even croissants for Christmas breakfast. Orders close at 8pm on December 16, for pick up on December 24.
Hudson’s Bakery , Entertainment Quarter and Carriageworks Farmers Markets
Newcomer to the GF scene Hudson’s Bakery has been making a splash at both the Entertainment Quarter and Carriageworks Farmers Markets with its selection of gluten-free breads and sweets. In the lead up to Christmas it’ll have Christmas cake, gingerbread, mince pies and, in the last week of December, turkey stuffing. You can pre-book so you don’t miss out. Our pick for the Christmas table is its savoury flatbread, developed by former Southern Ocean Lodge (Kangaroo Island) pastry chef Kirsten Paris. Find Hudson’s at the Entertainment Quarter markets every Wednesday and Saturday up until Christmas, and Carriageworks Farmers Market on December 19 and 23.
Best of the rest
Those wanting to build their own gluten-free gingerbread house should check out Gingerbread Folk, whose DIY kits are endorsed by Coeliac Australia. gingerbreadfolk.com.au
Itha’s Puddings and Gourmet Foods has long been a favourite with coeliacs for its triple-chocolate gluten-free puddings. Available from single serves to giant two-kilogram tubs, they can be ordered online or at Itha’s annual pop-up in Miranda Mall, which is open daily in the lead up to Christmas. ithaspuddings.com.au
And Naturebake is offering gluten-, dairy- and soy-free Christmas cake mixes for those who want to have a go at cooking this year’s Christmas cake themselves. naturebakeau.com
