Vegan Food in Turkey: Best Traditional Dishes + Vegan Restaurant Recommendations for Istanbul

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Turkish food is so much more than just kebabs—and the country is surprisingly vegan-friendly. From hearty lentil soups to delicious street snacks and flavorful plant-based meze, there’s a lot of vegan Turkish food to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a month, it’s easy to find satisfying vegan food in Turkey if you know where to look.

I’ve spent about a month exploring the country—mostly based in Istanbul, where I discovered some of the best vegan restaurants in Turkey, along with plenty of traditional Turkish dishes that are naturally plant-based. So I decided to put together this guide to vegan food in Istanbul, including what to eat, where to eat, and tips for navigating Turkish cuisine as a vegan.

Traditional Turkish Vegan Dishes You Must Try

Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) 

This was hands-down my favorite dish in Turkey! I’m usually not a big soup person, but this hearty red lentil soup became my go-to comfort food—especially during chilly evenings. It’s typically served with lemon wedges for an extra zing (and I love lemons, so it was a match made in heaven).

Tip: Always ask if it’s made without butter—some versions may include it.

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Street food: Simit, Corn, and Chestnuts

Red food carts are a staple on Istanbul’s streets, especially in areas like Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, and Sultanahmet. These carts sell:

• Simit – A sesame-covered bread ring (like a vegan bagel)

• Steamed Corn – Lightly salted and delicious

• Roasted Chestnuts – Warm and satisfying, especially in winter

All of these are 100% vegan-friendly!

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Çiğ Köfte 

Once made with raw meat (yes, pretty gross), traditional Çiğ Köfte has been banned in that form since 2009. Today, it’s a fully vegan street food, made from bulgur wheat, tomato paste, spices, and herbs.
Try it as a dürüm (wrap)—it’s spicy, filling, and incredibly tasty!

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Dolma

“Dolma” refers to stuffed vegetables, and the most common vegan version is grape leaves filled with herbed rice. These are found everywhere from small eateries to upscale meze platters.

Ezme, Hummus & More

Turkey has a rich variety of plant-based spreads:

• Ezme – A spicy tomato and pepper dip

• Muhammara – Made from red peppers, walnuts, and olive oil

• Classic Hummus – Creamy chickpea dip, often served with warm bread

  
  

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Chickpea & Bean Stews

Many traditional Turkish home-style dishes feature legumes like chickpeas, white beans, and green lentils, often cooked in olive oil and tomato-based sauces. These are easy to find at local restaurants and often come with rice or bulgur.

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Falafel

While not originally Turkish, falafel is popular in Istanbul. I’ll be honest—Turkish falafel isn’t the best I’ve had (it lacks the fresh herbs that make it bright green inside), but it’s still a solid option for a quick and affordable vegan meal.

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Pomegranate Juice

My favorite juice in the world! You’ll find freshly pressed pomegranate juice on almost every corner. It’s tart, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants.

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Turkish Tea (Çay)

Turkish tea is offered everywhere as a gesture of hospitality. It’s strong, dark, and traditionally served in tulip-shaped glasses. Even if you’re just browsing in a shop, you might be offered a glass!

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Best Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul

After exploring Istanbul for several weeks, these three vegan-friendly restaurants became my absolute favorites:

Community Kitchen Kumbaracı Yokuşu 57/ A

As I mentioned in my Monthly Recap, this cozy and homely restaurant became my go-to spot. It’s run by a lovely cat-loving woman, and there are always cats lounging around—a huge plus for me as a cat lover!

• The menu changes daily, featuring dishes like lentil soup, vegan kebab (made from seitan), wraps, pasta, and even vegan baklava.

• Communal seating gives it a true “community kitchen” feel.

• The food is freshly prepared, hearty, and homemade.

Falafel Zone Istiklal Cad Öğüt Sok 4

If you’re craving falafel in Istanbul, this is the place. It’s 100% vegan and offers:

• Falafel wraps and burgers

• Salads with homemade pomegranate dressing

• Fresh lemonade that’s absolutely amazing

Everything is affordable, tasty, and served by friendly owners.

Beyoglu Bereket Halk Döner Harbiye, Cumhuriyet Cad. No:33

This isn’t a fancy place—it’s a typical self-service local restaurant near Taksim Square, but I ended up eating here almost daily. Why?

• It’s cheap

• Conveniently located

• Even though this is not a fully vegan restaurant, they always had vegan staples like chickpeas, beans, mushrooms, rice, pasta, and lentil soup

  
  

A great spot if you’re on a backpacker’s budget.

Other Spots for Falafel & Hummus:

While Falafel Zone is my top pick, these are also worth checking out:

• Kikero Falafel – Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No:1

• Falafel House – Şehit Muhtar Cad. 19/1 A

• Old Damascus – Kalyoncu Kullugu Cd. 75

  Note: Kikero Falafel and Old Damascus have since closed, so be sure to double-check opening hours before visiting any smaller restaurants or cafés.

  
  

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Vegan Products in Turkish Supermarkets

While Turkey isn’t overflowing with specialty vegan goods, larger supermarkets often carry:

• Plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat)

• Tofu

• Vegan cheese

• Vegan-friendly snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and tahini

  
  

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