Turkish Vegan Dishes: An Exceptional Journey Through Cuisine and Culture

The Art of Living in Turkey contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimers for more information.

Are you headed to Turkey and wondering about Turkish vegan dishes? Then you are in for a treat!

Since living in Turkey for more than five years, I’ve had the chance to explore the country’s rich culinary traditions in six of the seven regions. I have often found that many dishes naturally align with a vegetarian and or vegan diet.

So while I am not a vegan, nor a vegetarian for that matter, I know there are many, many options for you!

Turkey is known for its amazing street food and home-cooked meals. The wealth of vegan options that are full of flavor, variety, and cultural significance are so worth trying.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting for the first time, navigating Turkish cuisine as a vegan doesn’t have to be challenging. Because it is olive oil country, olive oil is often used above butter. You will be glad to know you have lots of options.

I’ll guide you through my favorite vegan appetizers, main courses, wraps, and desserts that you’ll find across Turkey—dishes that are just as delicious as they are satisfying.

Let’s dive in and explore these plant-based gems!

Vegan Appetizers (Mezes)

Turkey has a rich meze culture—small dishes often served before the main course or alongside rakı (the traditional anise-flavored spirit). Many of these mezes are naturally vegan.

ÇİĞ Köfte (Raw Meatballs)

Çiğ Köfte is an iconic Turkish dish that you’ll often find on the streets. It was originally made with raw meat, but the vegan version has become a popular street food, featuring bulgur wheat, tomato paste, and a blend of spicy, smoky flavors.

I had the chance to make it from scratch at a Turkish language camp at Turkish Now, and I learned that Isot Pepper is the key to its deep, rich flavor. Çiğ Köfte is often served in a durum wrap, loaded with fresh lettuce and veggies.

SİMİT (Turkish Sesame Bread)

Simit is a beloved Turkish street food—think of it as a sesame-coated thinner bagel. Though you can find it at street carts, I highly recommend getting it from a bakery (fırın) for the best experience. The street versions are often stale, but the fresh ones from the bakery are heavenly!

You can also find Nutella or cheese to add to it (though no vegan cheese is available), but I love it plain with just the sesame seeds. It’s perfect any time of day!

MERCİMEK Çorbası (Lentil Soup)

No list of Turkish vegan cuisine is complete without mercimek çorbası, a warming red lentil soup that’s simple but full of flavor. It’s commonly made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices, and it’s a regular part of my diet in Turkey.

I never ate lentil soup in the States, but now it’s one of my go-to comfort foods. You’ll often see it as the first course in a meal. If you want just a little with your dinner, you can order it in half portions (yarım porsiyon) if you prefer a smaller serving or just order soup for a full serving.

Çoban Salatası (Shepherd’s Salad)

This refreshing salad is a perfect palate cleanser. It’s made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and green peppers, tossed with a tangy dressing or my preference, just some olive oil.

It’s light, simple, and can easily be made at home when you’re craving something fresh. Add a drizzle of the finest Turkish olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper, and you’ve got a healthy, satisfying dish.

Vegan Main Courses

Turkey has so much to offer when it comes to main vegan dishes. These hearty meals are packed with flavors and are perfect for anyone craving something filling and satisfying.

Kuru Fasulye (Turkish Bean Stew)

Kuru fasulye is a staple in Turkish households—a comforting bean stew that’s slow-cooked to perfection. The dish is made with white beans (or chickpeas), onions, tomatoes, and spices, with a rich tomato or red pepper paste sauce that gives it depth and flavor.

It’s often served with rice and is the ultimate comfort food.

I first learned to make kuru fasulye from my Turkish roommate, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The recipe is simple, but the long cooking time makes the beans incredibly tender and flavorful.

Imam Bayıldı (Stuffed Eggplant)

The name Imam Bayıldı translates to “the imam fainted,” a reference to the rich flavors of the dish. It features eggplants stuffed with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, then slow-baked to perfection. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth experience that will make you forget all about meat.

This is one of the dishes I had never tried before moving to Turkey, but now it’s cousin—Karnıyarık (the one with meat)—one of my favorites. The combination of tender eggplant and the savory stuffing is irresistible. Yummmmm.

Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza)

Similar to pizza, pide is a Turkish flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients.

The vegan version typically includes tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, baked to crispy perfection. Some places may even add corn, though it’s not to everyone’s taste!

Pide is commonly served with a side of ayran (a yogurt-based drink), and it’s a great option for vegans who want to indulge in Turkish flatbread.

Mücver (Zucchini Fritters)

Mücver are Turkish-style zucchini fritters, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The fritters are made with grated zucchini, fresh herbs, and flour.

It’s best to try them at places that specifically offer vegan options since many restaurants in Turkey aren’t familiar with vegan diets. But once you try them, you’ll be hooked—crispy, savory, and perfect.

Vegan Wraps and Rolls

In Turkey, wraps (dürüm) and rolls are popular, and vegan versions are just as delicious as their meaty counterparts. They’re filled with veggies, legumes, and grains, making them a wholesome and satisfying option.

Sarma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Sarma consists of grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, pine nuts, and herbs. These bite-sized rolls are delicious, whether served hot or cold. You can find them in many restaurants and markets, and they make for a great snack or light meal.

This dish is traditionally made by “moms,” who whip it up effortlessly. Unfortunately, the younger generation often doesn’t know how to make it or relies on tools to fold the grape leaves neatly.

Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables)

Dolma refers to vegetables like peppers, zucchinis, or tomatoes stuffed with a flavorful rice and spice mixture. My personal favorite is the kuru patlıcan (dried eggplant), which is rehydrated, stuffed, and cooked. It’s a classic dish that can vary from region to region.

Last time I was in Selçuk we came across a woman with a stand on the side of the road. She had amazing dried eggplants on strings and tarhana soup mix. She was absolutely precious.

Sigara Böreği (Vegan Cigarette Rolls)

These crispy pastries are often stuffed with cheese, but the vegan version is made with potatoes, seasoned with herbs, and wrapped in filo pastry. They’re a popular snack and can be found in most Turkish bakeries.

You can find them ready at BİM and Migros if you aren’t close to a bakery.

Vegan Desserts: Sweet and Tempting!

You might think that being vegan means giving up sweets, but Turkish cuisine has you covered with delicious plant-based desserts.

Vegan Baklava

Baklava is the most iconic Turkish dessert—layers of filo pastry, nuts, and syrup. In the vegan version, plant-based margarine replaces butter, making this sweet treat completely vegan.

It’s not always easy to find, but Karaköy Güllüoğlu offers a vegan version worth the try!

Bal Kabağı Tatlısı (Candied Pumpkin)

This sweet pumpkin dish is made by cooking pumpkin chunks in sugar for several hours, resulting in a deliciously sweet treat. It’s often topped with tahini and walnuts for added flavor, which is my favorite. The tahini cuts a bit of the sweetnes.

Lokma (Turkish Doughnuts)

Lokma are deep-fried dough balls soaked in sweet syrup, often flavored with honey or sugar. They are sometimes served during special occasions and festivals, and if you’re lucky, you might even find them given away for free in honor of someone who’s passed away.

Read more:

• Summer in Istanbul is full of fun options
• Visiting Istanbul and need a 3-day itinerary? Read on…
• The Tulip Festival is a gorgeous display of flowers on display
• Don’t miss my favorite gifts to take home…