Turkish cuisine offers a rich array of options for vegetarian and vegan travellers.
While köfte and kebabs may be the first dishes that come to mind, Turkish cuisine also includes numerous vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. In recent years, Türkiye has seen a rise in vegetarian and vegan eateries, making it easier for travellers to enjoy Turkish flavours while adhering to their dietary preferences.
While larger cities boast a variety of restaurants and cafes catering specifically to vegetarians, everyday Turkish cuisine can be easily adapted for those avoiding meat. Simit, sesame-seed-covered bread rolls, similar to bagels, are a popular and convenient snack option. Turkish breakfast plates, known as kahvaltı, offer a plethora of veggie-friendly choices such as fresh bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, and crispy pastries like börek and kalem böreği. Additionally, pide, a type of flatbread, comes with a range of vegetarian toppings.
- Mücver - Turkish fritters or pancakes made from grated courgettes.
Go to: Community Kitchen, Istanbul
Recommended for: Vegan versions of Turkish classics
Located on the north side of the Golden Horn, this cosy brick-walled eatery specialises in vegan Turkish cuisine. Plant-based diners can enjoy their versions of kebabs (made from seitan), kofte, and baklava. The menu changes with the seasons, offering a chance to try their famous vegan doner kebab and sweet treats like vegan brownies. The ambience is relaxed, with plant-based reading materials and rustic wooden furniture.
Access: Take the tram to Beyoğlu Tünel or walk from the Karakoy ferry, just 15 minutes away.
- Kısır - A bulgur-based salad.
Go to: Dr. Falafel, Ankara
Recommended for: Various forms of falafel
Dr Falafel specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine in Ankara's lively downtown area. They offer innovative twists on salads, wraps, sandwiches, and mezze plates; all centred around falafel made from either pea protein or chickpeas. Their meal options include Ayran, a popular cold yoghurt-based drink in Türkiye, and they cater to vegans with lactose-free versions.
Access: A 10-minute walk south from Kızılay metro station.
- Pide - A type of flatbread that can be customised with vegetarian toppings.
Go to: Cappadocia Pide House, Göreme
Recommended for: Pide enthusiasts
Göreme in Cappadocia is a must-visit for its stunning landscapes. After exploring the Göreme Open Air Museum, recharge at Cappadocia Pide House, known for its variety of Turkish flatbreads. Enjoy casual dining inside brick-walled surroundings or al fresco at outdoor tables. Pair your pide with Turkish tea and choose from toppings like mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes, and walnuts.
Access: Göreme is easily walkable; head to no:16 Hakki Pasa Meydani.
- Artichoke (enginar) - Hearts stuffed with vegetables and braised in olive oil.
Go to Bolulu Osman's Restaurant
Recommended for: Traditional Turkish dishes in a historic setting
Along Türkiye's southern coast, near Antalya, lies the ancient city of Patara, known for its Roman ruins and stunning Patara Beach. Bolulu Osman's Restaurant offers a laid-back dining experience with a diverse menu featuring Turkish classics such as kebabs, pide, meze, and ayran. Enjoy affordable and flavorful dishes just a short drive from the beach.
Access: Fly into Dalaman and drive or take a bus 120 km to Patara.
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