Shellfish Allergen Guide

Information about Shellfish in cuisine around the world.

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About Shellfish

Shellfish appears in many coastal French dishes.

High Prevalence Warning

Shellfish is particularly common in the cuisine of: Spain, Vietnam, Canada, Thailand, Portugal, Singapore, Jamaica

Common Foods Containing Shellfish

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams)Arroz de MariscoBouillabaisseCalamares a la romana (fried squid)CalamariCataplana de MariscoCevicheChili crabClam chowderCrab cakesCrab-based soupsCurriesCurry shrimpDublin Bay prawnsFish and chipsFish soups and stewsFried riceFruits de mer plattersGambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp)Garides saganaki (shrimp with feta)Grilled octopusGrilled prawnsHaemul jjigaeHokkien meeJeonLobsterLobster dishesLobster rollsMussel dishesMusselsOystersPad ThaiPaellaPepper shrimpSeafood chowderSeafood cocktailsSeafood fried riceSeafood gumboSeafood laksaSeafood pastaSeafood potjieSeafood ramyeonSeafood spring rollsSeafood stewsShrimp cocktailShrimp paste (mắm tôm)Shrimp tacosSome saucesStir-friesTom Yum soupVarious stir-friesZarzuela (seafood stew)

Foods That Contain Shellfish

Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse

FR
France

Provençal fish stew originating from Marseille, typically containing various kinds of fish and shellfish.

Contains:

FishShellfish
Gỏi Cuốn

Gỏi Cuốn

VI
Vietnam

Fresh spring rolls with rice paper wrapped around fresh vegetables, herbs, rice vermicelli, and typically shrimp or pork.

Contains:

ShellfishFish sauce
Nova Scotia Lobster

Nova Scotia Lobster

CA
Canada

Fresh Atlantic lobster from the eastern coast of Canada, typically served with drawn butter.

Contains:

ShellfishDairy (with butter)
New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder

UN
United States

Creamy soup with clams, potatoes, and onions. The New England version is milk-based, unlike Manhattan-style (which is tomato-based).

Contains:

DairyShellfish
Lobster Roll

Lobster Roll

UN
United States

New England specialty consisting of chunks of lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise and served in a grilled hot dog bun. Often served with fries or potato chips.

Contains:

ShellfishWheatEggs
Pad Thai

Pad Thai

TH
Thailand

Iconic stir-fried rice noodle dish with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and typically shrimp, flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and chili.

Contains:

PeanutsEggsShellfishFishSoy

Tips for Avoiding Shellfish

Learn Local Terms

Before traveling, learn how to say "Shellfish allergy" in the local language.

Carry Allergy Card

Carry a card in the local language explaining your allergy to show at restaurants.

Research Typical Dishes

Research common dishes in your destination to identify those that typically contain Shellfish.

Pack Emergency Medication

Always carry any necessary allergy medication, including antihistamines or an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.