Photograph by Burçin Esin
Whether you’re a hardcore vegan or just here for less meaty options, these vegan-friendly spots deliver. Istanbul isn’t a hard place to be vegan, but many other parts of Turkey can be. If you want the full lowdown on what’s naturally plant-friendly in Turkish cuisine (and what’s sneakily not), check out our Veganing in Turkey guide before you dig in.
When we recommend restaurants, we always want to remind you that a) inflation in Turkey is inconsistent, b) we keep things as up-to-date as possible, but generally do this quarterly, c) some food is seasonal and unavailable at times and d) hours of operation may not be as consistent as you are accustomed to.
Vegan İstanbul (Beyoğlu) ₺
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Plenty of different types of vegan meals here, including fellah köftesi (bulgur balls), falafel, kısır (a Turkish-style bulgur salad), vegan mantı (Turkish dumplings), hummus, mücver (zucchini fritters), and ıspanaklı börek (spinach pastry). If you have a sweet tooth, definitely try the vegan brownie. Prices are great (you can get 3-4 items for under 200 lira) and the owner is super kind and hospitable.
Located in Cihangir, less than a 15-minute walk from Taksim Square.
Kemküm (Kadıköy) ₺₺
Hours: 12:00-22:00
Managed by an Egyptian couple, this place has an authentic atmosphere and probably one of the most delicious falafel wraps in Turkey. Egyptian tea here after your meal is highly recommended. The appetizers are excellent as well- we recommend muhammara (a savory red pepper and walnut spread) and hummus. Students are in luck – with your student ID, you’ll get a generous 50% discount.
Located in Kadıköy, just a 10-minute walk from the Kadıköy ferries and metro.
No:90 Vintage (Kadıköy) ₺
Hours: 07:30-22:00
A popular place for students, No:90 Vintage has a wide range of vegan foods – as well as non-vegan varieties. Vegan purists, do not fret – vegan and non-vegan meals are prepared in different places. We highly recommend the vegan mushroom burger- not only is it delicious but just over 100 lira. If you enjoy coffee, the vegan espresso-based coffees are a must, and for sweet lovers, the creamy vegan hot chocolates, made from Callebaut’s vegan chocolates. Our favorite is the vegan white hot chocolate.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the Söğütlüçeşme stop on Marmaray line.
Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş & Kadikoy) ₺
Hours: 11:00-22.00, closed Tuesdays
Vegan Masa is Türkiye’s First 100% Vegan Stone-Oven restaurant, and our most favourite vegan restaurant in Beşiktaş- known for its affordable prices, classic Turkish meals, and delicious vegan desserts. Pide and lahmacun are Turkish staples, and here they make them vegan and they make them good. Their unique vegan ayran, made with creamy cashew yogurt is a delightful plant-based version of the classic Turkish drink. Don’t miss dessert here – we recommend the fig pudding and vegan kazandibi (Turkish dessert that has creamy texture and caramelized top). The plant-based milk makes kazandibi taste much better than the traditional kazandibi.
Two locations – both within 10 minutes from the Beşiktaş & Kadıkoy ferry ports.
Gazze falafel (Fatih) ₺
Hours: 07:00-01:00
If you find yourself in the Fatih district, we definitely recommend falafel in this little hidden gem. Much more middle eastern than Turkish, Gazze serves a variety of authentic Middle Eastern delights, including beyrut musabaha (similar to hummus, but more chunky and spicy) and mutabbal (a creamy eggplant sauce made with tahini, garlic, and lemon).
Located just a couple minutes from the Aksaray metro station.
Ethique Patisserie & Boulangerie (Kadikoy) ₺₺₺
Hours: 08:00–22:00
This place has it all – croissants, cakes, chocolate, macarons, soups, burgers, and much more. It’s worth the higher prices – it’s reflected in not only the presentation but their sustainable and natural materials- they have a strong ethical stand beyond just veganism as a diet option. In Istanbul on someone’s birthday? They have delicious vegan birthday cakes to order.
Located in Göztepe, just 15 minutes away from the Feneryolu station on the Marmaray line.
Nohut (Kadıköy) ₺₺
Hours: 12:00-22:00
An ideal place to taste the delicious flavors of Antakya (Hatay) region. Our recommendations include Antakya’s peppered bread and their fresh kömbe. Save room for dessert – we love their pumpkin dessert accompanied by freshly brewed tea.
Located in Kadıköy’s center, less than a 10 minute walk from the ferry and metro stations.
Community Kitchen (Beyoğlu) ₺₺
Hours: 12:30-11:00
Right in the heart of Beyoğlu, this cute spot is known for making the meaty and cheesy side of Turkish cuisine vegan. Iskender is typically very meaty, and with lots of dairy – Community Kitchen does a good job of creating their own vegan version. Not into iskender? Try their pide, pizza, mantı (Turkish dumplings), or lasagna. Their cakes are great too- there’s a lot to try here. If you’re vegan and a cat lover, you’re in luck – the staff looks after injured and stray cats, so you can get your oxytocin boost while you wait for your order.
Located just 5 minutes from the Şişhane stop on the M2 metro line.
KafeNAsanat (Beşiktaş) ₺₺-₺₺₺
Hours: 10:30-21:30
This cozy vegan cafe offers a wide variety of vegan options such as rice and Teriyaki tofu, vegan traditional Adana wrap and homemade vegan mantı. Don’t leave without trying the vegan chocolate soufflé. A vegan version of a typical Turkish breakfast is usually pretty doable, but there will always be some substitutions – this place has a perfect vegan breakfast. They also organize art and design workshops on the ground floor- we definitely recommend checking out some of their workshops.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the Beşiktaş ferry port.
Veganarsist ₺₺
Hours: 12:00-21:30
Veganarsist is a trendy vegan and gluten-free café in the heart of Kadıköy, offering creative plant-based alternatives for Turkish and international dishes. Its welcoming atmosphere and artistic interior is perfect for casual dinners with your friends and family. The right place to experience a variety of flavors, from gluten-free vegetable meatballs to vegan kokoreç (typically made from grilled lamb intestines). We recommend trying its vegan içli köfte (a classic Turkish stuffed bulgur ball) along with its herbal teas and fresh juices.
Located 10 minutes from the Söğütlüçeşme stop on the Marmaray line.
Questions? We love people interested in Turkey, we love vegans, and we especially love vegans traveling to Turkey. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you!
Original piece by Doğa Tekneci
