Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Istanbul – With Vegetarian Alternatives!
Planning a trip to Istanbul and wondering what to eat? Istanbul is a dream for food lovers – from sizzling street food to rich, hearty dishes passed down for generations. Whether you’re a meat-eater or vegetarian, the city’s food scene is bursting with flavor.
Here’s a guide to the top 10 foods to try in Istanbul – and their equally delicious vegetarian alternatives.
Bonus: You can taste them all on our Istanbul Food Tour,
offered daily at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM –
with both standard and vegetarian options available!
1. Döner Kebab
Vegetarian Alternative: Çiğ Köfte
Nothing says Turkey like a juicy döner kebab wrapped in soft bread with fresh veggies. But if you're vegetarian, don't worry — çiğ köfte (made from bulgur, tomato paste, and spices) is just as iconic, and 100% meat-free.
2. Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Vegetarian Alternative: Peynirli Pide (Cheese Pide)
Thin, crispy, and loaded with minced meat and herbs, lahmacun is a Turkish favorite. For vegetarians, peynirli pide — a boat-shaped bread stuffed with melted cheese — is pure comfort food.
3. Köfte (Turkish Meatballs)
Vegetarian Alternative: Mücver (Zucchini Fritters)
Istanbul’s köfte are juicy, spiced meatballs that pack a punch. Prefer plant-based? You’ll love mücver, crispy zucchini fritters often served with garlic yogurt.
4. Kokoreç (Grilled Lamb Intestines)
Vegetarian Alternative: Grilled Eggplant with Olive Oil (Zeytinyağlı Patlıcan)
This daring street food is not for everyone, but it’s a staple! Vegetarians can indulge in a different kind of grilled delight — silky zeytinyağlı patlıcan, eggplant slow-cooked in olive oil and spices.
5. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
Vegetarian Alternative: Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Vine Leaves)
Midye dolma is a beloved Turkish snack of mussels filled with spiced rice. Skip the seafood? Try yaprak sarma, a vegetarian version using vine leaves and herbed rice.
6. Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs)
Vegetarian-Friendly!
This dish is already vegetarian! Made with eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and olive oil, menemen is a breakfast staple — but tasty any time of day.
7. Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Vegetarian Alternative: Falafel Wrap
Down by the Bosphorus, locals grab a balık ekmek — grilled fish in bread. Not a fan of seafood? A falafel wrap packed with veggies and tahini is just as satisfying.
8. Sucuklu Yumurta (Eggs with Sausage)
Vegetarian Alternative: Simit with Cheese and Olives
Spicy sucuk (dry sausage) is often fried with eggs for a rich breakfast dish. Want a lighter, meat-free option? Try a classic Istanbul breakfast: simit (sesame bread) with cheese, olives, and tea.
9. Baklava
Vegetarian-Friendly!
No trip to Istanbul is complete without baklava. Luckily, this flaky, pistachio-packed dessert is vegetarian and addictive.
10. Turkish Tea & Coffee
Vegetarian-Friendly!
Sip çay (black tea) or thick Turkish coffee with a cube of sugar and enjoy the full cultural experience — no meat required.
Join Our Daily Food Tours in Istanbul!
Want to taste all of this in real life — and learn the stories behind the dishes? Join our best-selling Istanbul Food Tour!
✅ Offered
daily at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM
✅ Both
standard and vegetarian options available
✅ 3-hour walking tour through local neighborhoods
✅ Authentic food, real local spots, small groups
✅ Loved by foodies from around the world
👉 Book your spot now — this experience sells out fast!
Why Choose Us?
✔️ Local guides who love food as much as you do
✔️ Curated tastings from hidden gems
✔️ Vegetarian? No problem — we've got you covered
✔️ The most authentic culinary experience in Istanbul
Ready to eat your way through Istanbul?
Click
here to
book your food tour now!
