Turkey is a crossroads for East and West, with three enormous bridges in Istanbul connecting the two sprawling parts on either side of Bosphorus – Asia on one and Europe on the other, both physically and metaphorically. The European and Oriental elements ingrained in this beautiful country are what make it a great holiday destination. There’s just so much to explore, learn and do in Turkey.

The beaches, the history, and the special culinary scene all come together to create Turkey as a global tourist hotspot. We visited Turkey in July, an impromptu holiday thanks to its easy and quick e-visa service, and fell in love with the country. The average summer temperatures of 28°C make it a great holiday destination in summer.

If it’s a culinary quest you’re on, then Turkey won’t disappoint. Whilst traditional cooking methods and flavours continue to largely define the nation’s gastronomical landscape, it’s a country that’s also moving with the times, with its contemporary establishments catering to all different tastes and dietary requirements.

It’s normal for many vegan travellers to feel apprehensive about visiting somewhere new. From language barriers to local preferences, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to go for your holiday meals. But thankfully, we were able to find many vegan restaurants and food in Turkey.

In fact, many of the famous Turkish dishes like Cig Kofte prepared with bulgur wheat rice and spiced up with pomegranate sauce, kuru fasulye, lentil kofte and stuffed vine leaves are naturally vegan.

I’ve created this useful guide to vegan travel in this fascinating country, including the top places to visit in Turkey and the best vegan spots in these prime holiday destinations.s.

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Istanbul

A holiday to Turkey has to start or end with Istanbul - the capital of cultures. You can see so much history in the city through the mix of cultures and religions. Here, some of the most significant historical sites in the country lay side-by-side with more contemporary tourist attractions, meaning there’s something for every type of traveller. Shopping, the sea, beautiful gardens, hammam, museums and not to forget, Turkey's hippest city also takes its food very seriously, and you will not be disappointed with the vegan options the city has to provide. In fact, not just vegan the city can meet all your dietary needs – gluten-free, Jain – I was spoiled for choice even with all my food restrictions.

Here are some of the vegan restaurants in Istanbul I highly recommend:

1.     Veganarsist

A quaint vegan restaurant with delectable food and a rich menu, which includes vegan version of Turkish delights on the menu. The café’s owner, who is also this quaint café’s chef, is very warm and super friendly. He happily accommodated a vegan Jain meal for us on request. Don’t miss the Tahini ice cream at their café, its unique and super yum.

2.     Bi Nevi Deli
One of the best vegan places in Istanbul, which you should certainly consider adding to your culinary tick list is Bi Nevi Deli. This plant-based café serves delicious clean vegan food. We met the owner of this restaurant while eating dinner at Veganarsist and she seemed very friendly. Whether it’s the oat milk latte, yummy cheesecakes for your sweet-tooth, cheese toast, Philly sandwich, pad Thai, falafel burger or a wholesome vegan meal you won’t be disappointed with the food.

3.     Falafel Köy
Craving for some falafel and hummus? Then this vegan falafel joint just off the Istiklal Street in Beyoğlu is the perfect place. Opens at 1pm until 10pm.
Address: Şahkulu, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:69, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Contact: +90-5522187494

4.     Yuzu
If you’re craving for Asian meal, Yuzu is your answer. From sushi, pad Thai, noodles, glazed tofu to Thai curry and gyoza, their Asian menu is expansive and delicious.

5.     Mahatma Café
If you wanted to try the famous Turkish pastry or Turkish breakfasts, this colorful cute café will be the perfect place for you.

6.     Vegan Istanbul
Located in Beyoğlu, this is the place for all your meat alternatives. With a feel of a kebab place, this café undoubtedly serves the best vegan kebabs in town. Don’t miss their vegan gluten-free cakes, vegan lahmacun and İskender,.

7.     Vegan Dükkan Lokanta
Turkey’s first vegan grocery store, Vegan Dukkan also has a café that serves vegan meals prepared with clean, local and organic ingredients.

8.     Juico
This cold-pressed juice bar has several locations in Istanbul including the Kanyon shopping mall. They have some raw vegan treats for your emergency healthy fix. 

9.     Falafel House
Known to serve as the best vegan falafel in town.

10.  Vegan Bella Vista Hostel
Whether it’s a vegan restaurant or accommodation, this fits the description of both. The location is apt too as it's situated in the heart of Taksim district with all the buzz.

11.  Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler
This vegetarian sandwich and wrap shop, also has a buffet with Turkish dishes and offers lots of vegan options. Opens Mon-Sat 11:30am-9:30pm, Sun 12:30pm-9:30pm. 
Address: Caferaga Mahallesi Nailbey Sokak, Unit 15, Kadikoy (at Bahariye Street), Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: +90-5075004547

Vegan Community Kitchen is also a great spot but is only open on weekends. You can do deliveries for the rest of the days.

After food, if you are looking for some sustainable shopping, then head to the Cukurcuma area. There are local vintage and secondhand shops and antiques all over the neighborhood, sourced from Turkey and Europe. Don’t leave the city without taking a long walk on the Bosphorus.

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Cappadocia

Of all the places I’ve been to (in over thirty countries), Cappadocia so far was certainly one of the most exotic. Endowed with an endless list of breathtaking attractions, I have to say there’s no place on Earth like Cappadocia. Known as the city of caves, the moment you land there you feel like you have been transported to another planet. Its unique landscape with whimsical fairy chimneys, underground cities, and peculiar rock formations make you marvel at the beauty and power of nature. Its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations, which were formed due to intense volcanic activity and erosion, make it an Instagram wonderland.

Fortunately, the Goreme region in Cappadocia even has an all-vegan restaurant Sister’s Plant Based. Plus, there is an abundance of fruits in summer. I practically lived on cherries during my trip – they were so good and are my favorite. Few other good restaurants, though not completely vegetarian or vegan but offer a wide range of vegan options on their menu including Lil’A in Uchisar, The Plum in Uchisar (part of Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge) and Seten in Goreme.

Here is my complete guide to Cappadocia, including places to visit and things to do in this magical region. 

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Antalya

 Antalya is a beautiful city located on the southern coast of Turkey. It’s known for its clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and lush landscapes. Antalya is also a great place to find vegan food, so if you’re looking for delicious food in a stunning setting, look no further than this alluring seaside resort. Indeed, many of the city's restaurants offer vegan versions of traditional Turkish dishes, but there are also establishments offering exclusively vegan fare.

 One of the most popular restaurants for vegans is Ch’i For Life. Found inside the Nirvana Cosmopolitan hotel, this foodie’s paradise offers a range of stunning dishes for all dietary requirements, but it’s particularly famed for its delicious vegan desserts. It’s sure to provide a holiday meal you won’t soon forget. Other vegan places in Antalya include gluten-free healthy restaurant Level, Nohut Paşa Café offering Middle Eastern dishes, Pisekar Vegan Food which has international cuisine including Miyazaki soups, burritos, and falafel wraps.

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Bodrum

Sparkling marina, whitewashed houses, and laid-back vibe – that’s Bodrum for you. Spending a lazy afternoon on one of the many beaches and wandering through the maze of alleys that make up Bodrum’s old town is a must for any visitor out in this beautiful city on Turkey’s southwest coast. But there is also a castle and several museums ready to be explored, for those looking to soak up some of the local culture as well as the cuisine.

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat between sunbathing stints in Bodrum, head to Vegan a la Turca for sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream all feature on the menu at this quaint deli – it’s your one-stop shop for vegan eats in Bodrum. Vegan Masa, municipal run vegan café Ağaçlı Kadınlar Kahvesi and Bodrum Botanicals Health Shop & Café are other vegan cafes in town..

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Turkey is a beautiful country that will surprise you with its beauty and charm. And not to forget, amazing vegan food options!