Is itsu Low FODMAP? Menu Guide

How this guide was checked

On December 26, 2025, the FODMAP Gut Diet Editorial Team reviewed itsu's published menu or allergen information for the United Kingdom market. We compared 6 potential options and 10 higher-risk items with common FODMAP ingredient and portion concerns. This is a time-stamped ingredient review, not laboratory testing of the finished dishes.

Suppliers, recipes, serving sizes, and staff procedures can vary by location. Confirm the current ingredients before ordering. A FODMAP assessment does not establish allergy safety, gluten-free status, or freedom from cross-contact.

✓ Potential Lower FODMAP Options

Item	Notes	Modifications
Sashimi	Plain raw fish	Skip the soy sauce (bring gluten-free tamari)
Plain Rice	Sushi rice or steamed rice	—
Edamame	Small portion only (75g max)	Plain, no chilli or garlic oil
Rice Paper Rolls	Check fillings carefully	Some may contain safe ingredients
Seaweed Salad	Small portion	Check dressing ingredients
Plain Cucumber	If available as a side	—

✗ Items to Avoid

• Soy sauce (contains wheat)
• Gyoza (wheat wrappers + garlic/onion filling)
• Teriyaki items (soy sauce + sugar)
• Miso soup (soy + may contain onion)
• Katsu items (wheat breadcrumbs)
• Tempura (wheat batter)
• Most hot dishes (contain garlic/onion)
• Ramen (broth contains onion/garlic)
• Noodle pots (typically contain soy and onion)
• Most dipping sauces

Example Orders

Sashimi Lunch

✓ Salmon sashimi
✓ Tuna sashimi
✓ Plain rice
✓ Bring your own gluten-free tamari

Tip: Skip the soy sauce provided - it contains wheat

Light Option

✓ Edamame (small)
✓ Cucumber pieces
✓ Green tea

Tip: Very light but safe

Rice Paper Selection

✓ Rice paper rolls (check fillings)
✓ Plain rice
✓ Water or green tea

Tip: Ask about specific roll ingredients

Quick Summary

itsu offers Japanese-inspired food that can work for FODMAP dieters if you focus on sashimi and plain rice. The main challenges are soy sauce (contains wheat) and hidden garlic/onion in most hot dishes.

Best bets: Sashimi + plain rice + small edamame (bring your own GF tamari)

Always avoid: Soy sauce, gyoza, teriyaki, miso soup, katsu, tempura

The Soy Sauce Problem

Traditional soy sauce is made with wheat and is NOT gluten-free or FODMAP-safe. At itsu:

All provided soy sauce contains wheat
Most hot dishes use soy sauce in cooking
Many dressings contain soy

Solution: Bring your own gluten-free tamari (available at supermarkets). It provides the soy sauce flavor without wheat.

What Works at itsu

Sashimi - Best Option

Plain raw fish is naturally FODMAP-safe:

Sashimi	Status	Notes
Salmon	✅ Safe	Don’t use their soy sauce
Tuna	✅ Safe	Don’t use their soy sauce
Other fish	✅ Safe	Plain only

Bring your own GF tamari for dipping.

Plain Rice

itsu’s rice is safe when plain:

Sushi rice ✅
Steamed rice ✅
Avoid any flavored or dressed rice

Edamame - Portion Control

Edamame (soybeans) are low FODMAP in small amounts:

Amount	Status
Small handful (75g)	✅ Safe
Large portion	❌ High FODMAP

Order edamame plain - skip any chilli oil or garlic additions.

Rice Paper Rolls

Some rice paper rolls may be safe, but check fillings:

Potentially safe fillings:

Cucumber ✅
Carrot ✅
Plain fish ✅
Lettuce ✅

Avoid fillings:

Anything with sauce
Teriyaki items
Unknown fillings

What Doesn’t Work

Gyoza - Always Avoid

Gyoza are problematic because:

Wheat-based wrappers
Filling typically contains onion and garlic
Served with soy dipping sauce

Miso Soup - Avoid

Miso soup at itsu contains:

Soy (the base)
Often contains onion
Sometimes contains wheat noodles

Katsu Items - Avoid

All katsu (breaded) items use wheat breadcrumbs.

Teriyaki - Avoid

Teriyaki sauce contains:

Soy sauce (wheat)
Sugar
Often garlic

Noodle Dishes - Mostly Avoid

Ramen broths contain onion/garlic
Rice noodles may be okay plain, but sauces aren’t
Most noodle pots have problematic seasonings

How to Order

For sashimi:

“Can I have the salmon sashimi please? I’ll skip the soy sauce - I have my own.”

For checking items:

“I have dietary restrictions. Does this contain soy sauce, garlic, or onion? And are the wrappers wheat-based or rice-based?”

Drinks

Safe:

Green tea ✅
Water ✅
Black coffee ✅

Avoid:

Mango smoothies ❌
Apple juice ❌
Most sweetened drinks ⚠️

itsu vs Other Asian Options

Chain	Sushi/Sashimi	Hot Food	Difficulty
itsu	Good option	Limited	Medium
Wagamama	N/A	Very limited	Hard
YO! Sushi	Good option	Limited	Medium

Tips for Success at itsu

Bring GF tamari - Essential for enjoying sashimi
Focus on sashimi - The safest option
Ask about rice - Ensure it’s plain
Skip hot dishes - Too many hidden triggers
Small edamame - Portion control matters

Allergen Information

itsu provides allergen information for their menu items. Check their website or ask in-store for detailed ingredient lists.

Similar Restaurant Guides

Looking for more UK options?

Wagamama - More Asian options (challenging)
Nando’s UK - Grilled chicken
Pret A Manger - Quick service

Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm ingredients with staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is itsu low FODMAP? ▼

Yes, itsu has low FODMAP options including Sashimi, Plain Rice, Edamame. Always confirm with staff about current ingredients and preparation methods.

What can I order at itsu on a low FODMAP diet? ▼

Safe low FODMAP options at itsu include: Sashimi, Plain Rice, Edamame, Rice Paper Rolls, Seaweed Salad, Plain Cucumber. Ask for modifications when needed.

What should I avoid at itsu on a low FODMAP diet? ▼

Items to avoid at itsu include: Soy sauce (contains wheat), Gyoza (wheat wrappers + garlic/onion filling), Teriyaki items (soy sauce + sugar), Miso soup (soy + may contain onion), Katsu items (wheat breadcrumbs). These contain high FODMAP ingredients like onion, garlic, or wheat.

What is a good low FODMAP meal at itsu? ▼

A great low FODMAP meal at itsu is the Sashimi Lunch: Salmon sashimi, Tuna sashimi, Plain rice, Bring your own gluten-free tamari. Always verify current ingredients with staff.