18 Vegetarian Dishes You Can’t Miss In Turkey Last Updated: January 2, 2025

When you think of Turkish cuisine, kebabs and meat-heavy dishes might be the first things that come to mind. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover a vibrant food culture that celebrates fresh vegetables, legumes, and spices. Turkish meals are a communal affair, often beginning with a spread of mezze (small plates) and moving into hearty mains, followed by decadent desserts and, of course, a strong cup of Turkish coffee.For vegetarians and vegans, the country offers a lot of options that showcase its love for fresh, flavourful ingredients. Let’s explore the must-try vegetarian dishes in Turkey:

Mezze: Small Plates with Big Flavours

Mezze is a staple in Turkish dining, often shared as an appetiser or even a full meal. Here are some vegetarian-friendly favourites:

• Hummus: Creamy chickpea and tahini dip with garlic and lemon juice. Best enjoyed with fresh pita bread.
• Patlıcan Ezmesi: A smoky aubergine (eggplant) purée/dip with olive oil and a hint of garlic. Pair it with toasted bread for the best experience.

• Cacık: A cooling mix of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and mint. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect on a hot day.
• Şakşuka: A medley of fried aubergine, courgette, and potatoes coated in a rich tomato sauce. Savour it with a drizzle of olive oil.

• Fava Beans: Puréed broad beans mixed with olive oil and fresh dill. An earthy, velvety delight.

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Comforting Mains and Hearty Dishes

• Imam Bayıldı: This literally translates to “the imam fainted,” and it’s easy to see why. Aubergines are stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, then slow-cooked in olive oil until they melt in your mouth. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete meal.

• Dolma: A true crowd-pleaser, dolma refers to vegetables (like vine leaves, bell peppers, or zucchini) stuffed with spiced rice and herbs. They’re light, aromatic, and often served cold with a squeeze of lemon.
• Pide: Often called Turkish pizza, pide is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with cheese, tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms. Vegetarian versions are easy to find and utterly delicious.
• Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası): A comforting bowl of red lentil soup seasoned with cumin, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a staple in Turkish households and a must-try for anyone seeking warmth in a bowl.
• Kumpir: Turkey’s answer to the loaded baked potato. The base is a fluffy potato, mashed and mixed with butter, then piled high with toppings like olives, corn, pickles, and roasted veggies.

Snacks and Street Food

When wandering through Turkish streets, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian dishes in Turkey to snack on:

• Simit: A sesame-encrusted bread ring, slightly chewy and perfect for a quick bite. Pair it with tea for a classic combo.
• Lahmacun (Vegetarian): Traditionally a flatbread topped with minced meat, but vegetarian versions with spiced tomato, onion, and parsley mixtures are gaining popularity. Roll it up with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!

Sweet Treats You Can’t-Miss

• Baklava: The quintessential Turkish dessert, made of thin layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup. Pistachio is a popular choice, but walnut versions are equally divine.

• Lokum (Turkish Delight): Chewy, fragrant cubes flavoured with rosewater, lemon, or pistachios. A classic accompaniment to Turkish coffee.
• Revani: A moist semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup, often garnished with a sprinkle of coconut or pistachios. It’s light and utterly satisfying.

• Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma): Unlike any other ice cream, it’s thick, stretchy, and served with a side of fun from the vendors.

Drinks To Enjoy

No meal in Turkey is complete without a drink to match:

• Turkish Coffee: Bold, unfiltered, and often served with a piece of Lokum. Sip it slowly and enjoy the deep, rich flavours.
• Çay (Tea): Turkish tea is black and strong, served in iconic tulip-shaped glasses. It’s a staple at every meal or snack time.

A Few Tips For Vegetarian Travellers In Turkey

1. Ask questions: While many dishes are naturally vegetarian, some might include meat-based broths or garnishes. Don’t hesitate to ask.
2. Say “Etsiz”: It means “without meat” and is a useful phrase to know.
3. Explore local markets: Turkish markets combine fresh produce, nuts, dried fruits, and vegetarian-friendly snacks.

Turkey is a haven for food lovers, and vegetarians have no shortage of delicious options to explore. If you need help planning your vegetarian trip to Turkey, feel free to reach out to me at theveggietravels@gmail.com. I’d love to help you discover the best vegetarian dishes in Turkey!