We were quite excited to try the restaurant food because, for the most part, we weren’t disappointed.
Due to Turkey’s growing tourism industry—especially in bigger cities like Fethiye and Kalkan—many restaurants have started to adapt their menus to make them more Western-friendly. It’s a little sad to see, but can’t be helped really. You’ll find plenty of places that serve lots of meat, all day breakfasts, chips, and kebabs. Though there are still some vegan options available in most tourist locations, we found that small, home-cooked restaurants like EV Yemekleri were your best bet.
As the name suggests, the home-cooking restaurants are family run, and generally serve the more authentic Turkish food. And it tastes great. There’s still plenty of meat around if you’re into that, but lots of veggies too. Usually found in the smaller villages or randomly arranged on the side of the road in isolated places
Conveniently, home cooking restaurants often serve larger portions at significantly lower costs than establishments in popular tourist areas. Most of the ingredients are usually home-grown and organic, and the food is freshly prepared on site.
On of our favourite restaurants was Bolulu Osman’s in Patara. Along with a Turkish pizza and fruit salad, he brought us a massive mixed mezze that included bread, hummus, vine leaves, stuffed peppers, aubergines, and beans. He had a big smile on his face and a funny voice. All this came to around 38 lira for the two of us, which is about £10, or $18. Not bad for a feast. We could hardly move afterwards….
One word of note – I ditched being being gluten free during our trip. primarily so I could try all the different foods without having to worry about constantly avoiding gluten, but partially so I could see how it affected my body. Fresh bread is everywhere, and comes free with most meals. It tastes pretty good too.
I think I will be able to include gluten in my diet a little more going forward because I recently got the all-clear from a blood test regarding my suspected case of celiac disease.
As Luke said, salad is pretty scarce, apart from at the markets and more tourist-y areas. If you’re staying in a village like we did, it’s worth finding out if they have a market. Kadikoy hosted a small one every Monday with a few fruit and vegetable stands where you could get salad without having to travel far. They also sell really comfy Turkish trousers (great for the heat) for 15 lira each, about £4/$7!.
The Turkish people love haggling. They actually want you to at the markets. I was chief haggler and it paid off. Set a price in your mind and go lower, and you’ll most likely pay what you want. Just keep trying! Some places, like the local grocery store or the village restaurant with unclear price lists, will attempt to charge you extra simply because you’re not from around here. Don’t let them! Always confirm a price before you buy. After realizing we had overpaid for our gozleme, we did this once. The next time, we decided on a price before placing our order.
Consider how you are going to get around before you arrive. Like us, you’ll want to take in as much of the expansive and varied Lycian Coast as you can.
You can make reservations with tour companies that provide coach or safari transportation; however, they are based in large cities rather than in rural areas. They can also be a bit restrictive with set times. You could get the dolmus, which is a small bus service. These are cheap and regular, but can take a while due to stopping through different villages. Where we stayed the dolmus ran roughly every half hour towards Fethiye and Saklikent. It took around an hour and a half to reach Fethiye, which is normally a 50 minute journey. Furthermore, it would take us roughly thirty minutes to walk from our villa to the village in order to catch the bus. Not fun in the searing heat.
I’d recommend hiring a car like we did. You can pre-book or sort one out whilst you’re there. If you’re staying somewhere remote and won’t be arriving until late, I would suggest scheduling a transfer so the dolmus can go to a town where you can rent a car. Normally, making a reservation entails picking them up at the airport. We were able to work out a deal for £20 per day, and we were also able to upgrade to a small diesel car for an extra £20! If you don’t want to pay this extra, stay closer to the towns, such as in Fethiye or Calis Beach, where there is excellent and plentiful dolmus service!
If you’re anything like us, you’ll not bee too fond of tacky touristy places. While Luke has painted a stunning picture of beaches, ruins, and mountains, there are still plenty of towns in Turkey that are similar to Magaluf.
North of Dalaman airport is where you’ll find most of them, such as Bodrum and Marmaris. There aren’t many along the Lycian coast, but you should avoid Hisaronu, Ovacik, and Olu Deniz. The town of Olu Deniz is a little corny, despite being well-known for its Blue Lagoon Blue Flag beach.
On the other hand, if you’re into all-day hangover breakfasts, these might be the place for you to go! If you’d rather not be in the middle of nowhere, you should also consider Fethiye and Kalkan. Kalkan is expensive, but caters well to tourists whilst still retaining it’s authentic fishing village feel. Fethiye is busier and has everything you need, but definitely still has that Turkish town atmosphere.
Only exchange a small amount of money before you go. The exchange rates in Turkey are usually much better. Just get enough to see you through. Additionally, since they usually prefer it, bring English cash if you plan to rent a car there.
If you don’t like parsley, learn how to ask for your food without it. It’s used a lot in Turkish cooking, especially in potato gozleme. “Hayır maydanoz, teşekkür ederim!” is the translation for ‘No parsley, thank you!’. Might wanna add that one to your list….
It can be risky, but rewarding. We booked our holiday 2 days before jetting off. I’ve been renting out villas for my family for a while, so I’ve developed some negotiation skills.
Not long before you, go check out villa letting sites. Look up your desired vacation dates, and I promise that there will still be villas or apartments available. Email and ask for a discount, the worse they can say is sorry, no. I emailed to inquire if we could get two weeks for the price of one, and we were successful in doing so! Villa owners are generally open to last-minute bookings as long as they wouldn’t be losing money; after all, they would rather have some income than none at all.
When booking flights consider your flight times. Even if you’re not vegan, I’d recommend ordering a vegan in-flight meal if you’re going to be eating on the plane. Our Thomas Cook flight went well, and even though we weren’t sure what to expect, our meals were essentially free!
On the way out, we had a vegetarian biriyani with a bread roll, crackers, vegan spread, apple, raisins, and orange juice (which we don’t like). On our return it was a Moroccan Tagine with cous cous similar side snacks. These proved to be immensely beneficial during the flight back from Turkey, as the airport offers a wide variety of fast food options, with the healthiest being a McDonald’s salad—yuck! They were delicious, but watch out if you’re traveling with hungry people, as I did.
On the way out it’s easier to stock up on additional food for the flight. If you’re traveling from the UK, look for Starbucks in the airports; they now have delicious vegan, gluten-free humous and roasted vegetable wraps! Boots is a great place to stock up on fruit bags and drinks. We flew from Manchester, for example, so you might even be able to find a Mi Casa Burrito or something similar for a pre-flight meal.
The summer months in Turkey are extremely hot, with the sun shining from 7 a. m. until 8:30 p. m. To shield your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, make sure you use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and look for a five-star UVA protection rating. Our choice was Boot’s Soltan range, which was available for half price at £5 a bottle (a very reasonable price compared to other brands) and offered this essential 5* UVA protection at SPF30. There were other variants available, such as ones that included insect repellent! Those stars are very important!
Having visited Turkey and the surrounding area three times before, I knew exactly what Luke and I needed. Water shoes are a great option for both protecting your feet in the water and climbing the rocks surrounding the bays, as most beaches have pebbles. If you plan on visiting Saklikent gorge, or the nearby Gizlikent waterfall, then these are essential!.
Although you can purchase or rent shoes there, they are ugly, extremely uncomfortable, and have little traction. My third trip to Saklikent was actually made the most enjoyable by our hot tuna water shoes from Sports Direct! You will need to try them on in the stores before you buy them, so I would recommend doing so.
Additionally, since everything will get wet, Saklikent should bring as little as possible. Having a hire care makes this easier because you can leave everything in there. We just took our car key, wrapped in lots of plastic bags, and the entrance fee with us. Also wear as little as possible, especially don’t wear denim as your clothes will get wet. Luke wore only shorts and our amazing shoes, while I wore my bikini with a vest top over. We always keep extra clothes and a towel in the car. Also take a waterproof camera or put it in waterproof casing if possible. If you have less stuff to carry, you’ll enjoy it more and worry less about breaking your possessions!
These are my top ten suggestions, hopefully helping you organize your upcoming trip or getaway to the breathtaking country of Turkey. Thank you for taking the time to read through!.
Overall, it was an incredible experience, and if you haven’t already, I’d strongly suggest visiting Turkey. Not just the food, the scenery, the sun, or the sea, but also the Turkish people were what truly made it incredible.
Most of those we came across were so generous. Like this guy, Ibrahim, the local village green grocer. What a hero. He kept inviting us to his feast at the end of Ramadan and was always willing to lend a hand in any way that he could. Maybe it was just because we were tourists, but it didn’t feel that way.
Despite the language and cultural barriers, most restaurants and cafes were accommodating of our special dietary needs. They might not have understood why we ate the way we did, but they were always polite and willing to help.
2. Happy Cow. A directory of veg friendly restaurants across the globe.
3. Trip advisor. Cool things to do and see in Turkey.
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Visiting Turkey and planning to go vegan? You’re in for a treat! Although the nation is well-known for its delicious meat-based cuisine, Turkey is surprisingly vegan-friendly, providing an abundance of plant-based options to satisfy your palate.
Vegan vs. Vegetarian: Understanding the Differences
Before diving into the Turkish vegan scene, let’s clarify the distinction between veganism and vegetarianism. Vegans abstain from all animal products, including meat poultry, fish, eggs, dairy honey, and even animal-derived ingredients like gelatin. Vegetarians, on the other hand, exclude meat, poultry, and fish but may consume dairy, eggs, and honey.
Vegan-Friendly Turkey: A Culinary Paradise
Vegans can enjoy a wide variety of plant-based dishes that are part of Turkey’s rich culinary legacy. You’ll be spoiled for choice with everything from filling lentil soups and savory vegetable stews to crisp salads and delicious mezze platters.
Traditional Vegan Delights:
- Dolma: These stuffed grape leaves or vegetables are a staple in Turkish cuisine and can be easily made vegan by using rice, herbs, and spices instead of meat fillings.
- Menemen: This traditional Turkish breakfast dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, and onions can be transformed into a vegan delight by substituting the eggs with tofu or chickpeas.
- Mercimek Çorbası: This hearty lentil soup is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is naturally vegan, packed with protein and flavor.
- Pilav: This Turkish rice dish is often served as a side dish and can be easily made vegan by omitting any meat or dairy products.
- Meze Platters: These colorful platters of small appetizers often feature a variety of vegan options, including hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and pickled vegetables.
Modern Vegan Innovations:
The number of vegan cafes and restaurants in Turkey has increased recently, and they now serve creative and delectable plant-based cuisine. The options are endless, ranging from plant-based kebabs and wraps to vegan pizzas and burgers.
Tips for Vegan Travelers in Turkey:
- Learn Basic Turkish Phrases: Knowing a few basic Turkish phrases like “Ben veganım” (I am vegan) and “Et, süt, yumurta ve bal istemiyorum” (I don’t want meat, milk, eggs, and honey) can help you communicate your dietary preferences effectively.
- Research Vegan-Friendly Restaurants: Utilize online resources like HappyCow and VegGuide to locate vegan restaurants and cafes in your area.
- Check Restaurant Menus Carefully: When dining out, carefully review the menu and inquire about vegan options. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
- Be Open to Trying New Dishes: Embrace the opportunity to explore the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine and try new vegan dishes you might not have encountered before.
- Communicate Clearly: Don’t hesitate to inform the restaurant staff about your vegan dietary restrictions and any allergies you may have.
Beyond Food: Vegan Lifestyle in Turkey
Turkey’s vegan-friendly scene extends beyond food You’ll find a growing number of shops offering vegan clothing, cosmetics, and other products Additionally, many hotels and tourist attractions cater to vegan travelers, providing amenities and services that align with their lifestyle.
Embrace the Vegan Experience in Turkey:
Turkey offers a welcoming and accommodating environment for vegan travelers. With its rich culinary heritage, innovative plant-based restaurants, and growing vegan community, Turkey is an ideal destination for a delicious and fulfilling vegan adventure.
The Basics: Useful Turkish Food Phrases
Courtesy of Wikibooks and Google translate…
| English | Turkish |
|---|---|
| I am vegan | Ben veganım |
| I am vegetarian | Ben vejetaryenim |
| I eat only products of plant origin | Sadece bitki kaynaklı ürünler tüketiyorum |
| I do not eat meat | Et yemiyorum |
| I do not eat fish | Balık yemiyorum |
| I do not consume dairy products | Süt ve süt ürünleri tüketmiyorum |
| I do not eat butter | Ben tereyağı yemem |
| I do not eat anything that comes from an animal | Hayvansal hiçbir şey yemiyorum |
| I do not eat milk | Ben süt yemem |
| I do not eat eggs | Ben yumurta yemem |
| Home-cooking restaurants | Ev Yemekleri |
We printed off a similar sheet before we left, and it was really useful in the small rural villages where not many people speak English.
The server or restaurant owner will usually be happy to make accommodations if you give them the phrase list ahead of time.
We were quite excited to try the restaurant food because, for the most part, we weren’t disappointed.
Due to Turkey’s growing tourism industry—especially in bigger cities like Fethiye and Kalkan—many restaurants have started to adapt their menus to make them more Western-friendly. It’s a little sad to see, but can’t be helped really. You’ll find plenty of places that serve lots of meat, all day breakfasts, chips, and kebabs. Though there are still some vegan options available in most tourist locations, we found that small, home-cooked restaurants like EV Yemekleri were your best bet.
As the name suggests, the home-cooking restaurants are family run, and generally serve the more authentic Turkish food. And it tastes great. There’s still plenty of meat around if you’re into that, but lots of veggies too. Usually found in the smaller villages or randomly arranged on the side of the road in isolated places
Conveniently, home cooking restaurants often serve larger portions at significantly lower costs than establishments in popular tourist areas. Most of the ingredients are usually home-grown and organic, and the food is freshly prepared on site.
On of our favourite restaurants was Bolulu Osman’s in Patara. With a big smile and funny voice, he served us up a giant mixed mezze with bread, hummus, vine leaves, stuffed peppers, aubergines, and beans, along with a Turkish pizza and fruit salad. All this came to around 38 lira for the two of us, which is about £10, or $18. Not bad for a feast. We could hardly move afterwards…
One word of note – I ditched being being gluten free during our trip. primarily so I could try all the different foods without having to worry about constantly avoiding gluten, but partially so I could see how it affected my body. Fresh bread is everywhere, and comes free with most meals. It tastes pretty good too.
I think I will be able to include gluten in my diet a little more going forward because I recently got the all-clear from a blood test regarding my suspected case of celiac disease.
Anyways, on to the meals…
Mixed Mezze: A Mediterranean Classic
The Mezze’s in Turkey are awesome. Specify beforehand and you’ll get a mixture of veggie dishes, cold or hot. Naturally, rice-stuffed vine leaves, spicy borlotti beans, sautéed okra and green beans, rice-stuffed peppers and eggplants, hummus, and fresh bread
We ordered mezze as a starter a few times, and it was always good. Sometimes a little oily, but still delicious. They range in price from about 7 to 15 lira (£1. 95 – £4. 20 / $3. 30 – $7. 10).