Gluten-Free African Food:
Naturally Delicious & Safe
Your complete guide to celiac-friendly West African dining
Living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety! West African cuisine offers an abundance of naturally gluten-free dishes that are both safe and incredibly delicious. At Koité Grill, we're committed to providing clear guidance and extensive gluten-free options so you can dine with confidence and joy.
Quick Gluten-Free Guide
✅ Naturally Gluten-Free
- • All grilled meats (Dibi Lamb, Beef, Fish)
- • Jollof Rice
- • White Rice & Broken Rice
- • Yassa dishes (without soy sauce)
- • Plantains (fried or boiled)
- • Black-eyed pea fritters (Akara)
- • Most stews and sauces
❌ Contains Gluten
- • Couscous (made from wheat)
- • Fataya (wheat pastries)
- • Some vermicelli dishes
- • Bread/pita
- • Certain marinades with soy sauce
- • Bouillon cubes (check brands)
Important: Always inform your server about celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. We take special precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Complete Gluten-Free Menu Guide
Grilled Proteins (100% GF)
Dibi Lamb
Charcoal-grilled lamb seasoned with salt, pepper, and mustard. Naturally gluten-free. Our most popular dish! Served with GF sides.
✓ Celiac-SafeDibi Beef
Same traditional grilling method as lamb. Simple seasoning, no wheat products.
✓ Celiac-SafeGrilled Fish
Fresh whole fish or fillets grilled with herbs and spices. No flour coating.
✓ Celiac-SafeGrilled Chicken
Marinated in GF spices and grilled. Ask for no soy sauce in marinade if very sensitive.
✓ Celiac-Safe (specify no soy)Rice Dishes (100% GF)
Jollof Rice
West Africa's famous tomato rice. Made with rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. Naturally gluten-free! Available vegetarian or with meat.
✓ 100% GFThiebou Djen (Senegalese Rice & Fish)
Our national dish! Rice cooked in fish broth with vegetables. All ingredients GF.
✓ 100% GFWhite Rice / Broken Rice
Simple steamed rice. Perfect base for any protein or sauce. Naturally gluten-free.
✓ 100% GFStews & Sauces (Mostly GF)
Maafe (Peanut Stew)
Rich peanut butter-based stew with vegetables or meat. Naturally GF. Check that no wheat-based bouillon is used (we use GF brands).
✓ GF (confirm no wheat bouillon)Yassa (Onion-Lemon Sauce)
Tangy sauce with caramelized onions, lemon, and mustard. Usually GF, but some recipes include soy sauce. Ask for GF version.
✓ GF (request no soy sauce)Mafe Kandja (Okra Stew)
Okra-based stew with tomatoes and spices. Traditionally gluten-free.
✓ 100% GFSides & Appetizers
Plantains (Alloco) ✓ GF
Fried or boiled plantains. 100% gluten-free. Fried in dedicated vegetable oil.
Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters) ✓ GF
Made from black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. No flour. Naturally gluten-free!
Salads ✓ GF
Fresh vegetable salads with GF dressings. Ask for oil & vinegar if sensitive to commercial dressings.
Attieke (Cassava Couscous) ✓ GF
Despite the name "couscous," Attieke is made from cassava (yuca), not wheat! Completely gluten-free. A great couscous alternative.
Fataya (Pastries) ❌ Contains Gluten
These wheat-based pastries contain gluten. Avoid if celiac.
Beverages (All GF)
• Bissap (Hibiscus Tea) - Naturally gluten-free
• Baobab Juice - 100% GF superfruit juice
• Ginger Juice - Fresh ginger, sugar, water. GF!
• Bouye - Baobab fruit drink. Gluten-free
• Regular sodas & juices - All GF options available
Complete Gluten-Free Meal Ideas
The Classic Senegalese GF Meal
- • Dibi Lamb Platter
- • Jollof Rice
- • Onion sauce (ask for GF confirmation)
- • Fried plantains
- • Bissap juice
100% Gluten-Free | ~$18.99
The Lighter GF Option
- • Grilled Fish
- • White rice with vegetables
- • Garden salad (oil & vinegar)
- • Boiled plantains
- • Baobab juice
100% Gluten-Free | ~$16.99
The Vegetarian GF Feast
- • Vegetable Maafe (peanut stew)
- • Jollof rice
- • Akara (black-eyed pea fritters)
- • Fried plantains
- • Ginger juice
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan | ~$15.99
The Thiebou Djen Experience
- • Thiebou Djen (rice & fish with vegetables)
- • Side salad
- • Plantains
- • Bissap juice
100% Gluten-Free | ~$17.99
How We Prevent Cross-Contamination
For Celiac Customers:
We take celiac disease seriously. When you inform us of your gluten sensitivity, we implement these protocols:
- • Dedicated prep surfaces: We clean and sanitize surfaces before preparing GF meals
- • Separate utensils: Clean utensils and cutting boards for GF orders
- • Fresh gloves: Kitchen staff changes gloves when handling GF food
- • GF markers: Orders are clearly marked "GLUTEN-FREE" in the kitchen
- • Staff training: All staff trained on celiac protocols and cross-contamination
- • Separate fryers: Plantains and Akara fried in dedicated vegetable oil
Please note: While we take extensive precautions, we are not a 100% gluten-free facility. Our kitchen does handle wheat products (couscous, bread). If you have severe celiac disease, please discuss with our manager.
Tips for Gluten-Free Dining at Koité Grill
Always inform your server. Even if ordering a naturally GF dish, let us know about celiac disease so we can take extra precautions.
Ask about marinades. Some Yassa and grilled dishes may use soy sauce in marinade. Request the GF version.
Skip the couscous. Traditional couscous is made from wheat. Try Attieke (cassava couscous) instead — it's GF and delicious!
Check bouillon brands. Some West African dishes use bouillon cubes. We use gluten-free brands, but confirm if very sensitive.
Call ahead for catering. For large events or catering orders, call in advance so we can prepare a completely safe GF menu.
When in doubt, ask! Our staff is knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about ingredients and preparation.
What Gluten-Free Diners Say
"As someone with celiac, I'm always nervous trying new restaurants. Koité Grill was SO accommodating! The staff knew exactly what was safe, and I had zero issues. The Jollof rice and Dibi lamb are now my favorites. Finally, a place I can eat worry-free!"
"I was thrilled to discover that so much African food is naturally gluten-free! The Thiebou Djen is incredible, and I love that plantains are a side option instead of bread. Great variety and flavors without the gluten."
"Finding restaurants where my daughter can eat safely is challenging. Koité Grill not only has options, but the staff takes it seriously. They brought the chef out to confirm ingredients. She loved the plantains and Jollof rice. Thank you for making dining out stress-free for our family!"
Gluten-Free FAQ
Is Jollof rice always gluten-free?
Yes! Traditional Jollof rice contains only rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. All naturally gluten-free. Our recipe contains no wheat products.
What about soy sauce in marinades?
Some of our Yassa dishes may include small amounts of soy sauce (which contains wheat). Always inform your server, and we'll prepare it without soy sauce or use GF tamari instead.
Are your fryers dedicated gluten-free?
Our plantains and Akara are fried in vegetable oil that's not used for wheat-based items. However, the fryers are in the same kitchen. If extremely sensitive, discuss with manager.
Can I eat Attieke if I'm celiac?
Yes! Despite being called "couscous," Attieke is made from cassava (yuca root), not wheat. It's 100% gluten-free and a great alternative to regular couscous.
Do you have gluten-free desserts?
Our fresh fruit platters are naturally GF. Thiakry (millet dessert) is also gluten-free. Check with us about seasonal dessert options.
Ready to Enjoy Delicious Gluten-Free African Food?
Dine with confidence at Koité Grill. Extensive GF options that don't compromise on flavor!
Have questions? Call us: (240) 839-7782