Vegetarian Food in Istanbul: Best Dishes You Can’t Miss

Nadine Braehmer • September 12, 2025

Istanbul is famous for its grilled meats and kebabs, but did you know it’s also a vegetarian food paradise? From fresh vegetables in the markets to hearty street snacks, there are endless options for those who don’t eat meat.



Whether you’re vegetarian, flexitarian, or just curious, here are the best vegetarian foods to try in Istanbul:

🌟 Top Vegetarian Dishes in Istanbul

  • Çiğ Köfte – Originally raw meat, but today often made vegetarian with bulgur, spices, and herbs.
  • Gözleme – A thin, hand-rolled flatbread filled with spinach, cheese, or potatoes.
  • İmam Bayıldı – A slow-cooked eggplant dish stuffed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
  • Simit – The Turkish sesame bagel, perfect as a snack with tea.
  • Mercimek Çorbası – Comforting red lentil soup, a Turkish classic.


Fun Fact: The name İmam Bayıldı means “the imam fainted” — supposedly because the dish was so delicious!



Why Join Our Istanbul Food Tour as a Vegetarian?

  • We guarantee vegetarian options at every stop.
  • Experience authentic Turkish flavors beyond kebabs.
  • Small groups, daily departures at 3pm and 6pm.
  • Guided by locals who know the city’s food secrets.



FAQs (for SEO & AEO)

Q: Are there enough vegetarian options in Istanbul?
A: Absolutely! Turkish cuisine is full of vegetarian-friendly dishes.


Q: Do your tours include vegetarian food?
A: Yes, every Foodprint Tour in Istanbul includes vegetarian alternatives.


Q: How can I book?
A: The best way is directly at
foodprint.tours/istanbul — guaranteed lowest price.


👉 Ready to taste vegetarian Istanbul?

Book your spot today!

Pastel de nata, bolo rei e copos de Ginjinha sob as luzes de Natal do Baixa de Lisboa
By Nadine Braehmer December 15, 2025
Descubra o lado mais doce de Lisboa: pastel de nata, bolo rei e luzes de Natal no Baixa. Viva a magia com o nosso tour gastronómico de inverno.
Pastel de nata, bolo rei y copas de Ginjinha bajo las luces navideñas del Baixa de Lisboa
By Nadine Braehmer December 15, 2025
Descubre la Lisboa más dulce: pastel de nata, bolo rei y luces navideñas en el Baixa. Vive la magia en nuestro tour gastronómico de invierno.
Pastel de nata, bolo rei, and Ginjinha served under Lisbon’s Christmas lights in Baixa
By Nadine Braehmer December 15, 2025
Taste Lisbon’s festive side — from pastel de nata to Christmas pastries, warm lights, and sweet traditions on our cozy Baixa food tour this winter.
Castanhas assadas, copos de Ginjinha e frango piri piri numa tasca acolhedora de Lisboa no inverno.
By Nadine Braehmer December 14, 2025
Descubra Lisboa no inverno: castanhas assadas, frango piri piri, Ginjinha e ruas iluminadas do Baixa no nosso tour gastronómico imperdível.
Castañas asadas, copas de Ginjinha y pollo piri piri en una tasca acogedora del Baixa de Lisboa en i
By Nadine Braehmer December 14, 2025
Descubre Lisboa en invierno: castañas asadas, pollo piri piri, Ginjinha y calles iluminadas del Baixa en nuestro delicioso tour gastronómico.
Roasted chestnuts, Ginjinha glasses, and Piri Piri chicken served in a cozy Lisbon tavern in Baixa d
By Nadine Braehmer December 14, 2025
Discover Lisbon’s cozy side this season — roasted chestnuts, Piri Piri chicken, Ginjinha, and glowing Baixa streets on our delicious winter food tour.
Vegetarische Wintergerichte in Barcelona mit gemütlichen Gràcia-Gassen und katalanischen Aromen.
By Nadine Braehmer December 12, 2025
Entdecken Sie Barcelonas beste vegetarische Winterküche, gemütliche Gràcia-Spots und authentische katalanische Aromen.
Plats végétariens d’hiver à Barcelone avec ruelles cosy de Gràcia et saveurs catalanes.
By Nadine Braehmer December 12, 2025
Découvrez les meilleurs plats végétariens d’hiver à Barcelone, les adresses cosy de Gràcia et les saveurs catalanes authentiques.
Vegetarian winter dishes in Barcelona with cozy Gràcia streets and warm Catalan flavors.
By Nadine Braehmer December 12, 2025
Discover Barcelona’s best vegetarian-friendly winter dishes, cozy Gràcia spots, and authentic Catalan flavors on a seasonal food tour.
Winterliche Gassen in Gràcia, Barcelona mit warmem Licht und gemütlichen lokalen Food-Spots.
By Nadine Braehmer December 11, 2025
Erkunden Sie Barcelona im Winter durch Gràcias warme Gassen, lokale Aromen und authentische katalanische Küche auf einer köstlichen Food Tour.
More Posts