Ordering vegan food in Istanbul becomes much easier when you know a few essential Turkish phrases. Do not rely only on the word “vegan”: asking about specific ingredients is the safest approach.
Pronunciations below are approximate for English speakers.
Start with this sentence 🗣️
Veganım. Hayvansal hiçbir ürün yemiyorum. veh-GAH-nuhm. high-vahn-SAHL heech-BEER oo-ROON yeh-mee-YOH-room
I’m vegan. I don’t eat any animal products.
Essential questions
| Turkish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bu yemek tamamen vegan mı? | boo yeh-MEHK tah-mah-MEHN veh-GAHN muh? | Is this dish completely vegan? |
| Bunda tereyağı var mı? | boon-DAH teh-reh-YAH-uh vahr muh? | Does this contain butter? |
| Et suyu veya tavuk suyu kullanılıyor mu? | eht soo-YOO veh-YAH tah-VOOK soo-YOO koo-lah-nuh-LUH-yor moo? | Is meat or chicken stock used? |
| İçinde süt, yoğurt veya peynir var mı? | ee-cheen-DEH soot, yoh-OORT veh-YAH pay-NEER vahr muh? | Does it contain milk, yogurt or cheese? |
| Yumurta veya mayonez var mı? | yoo-MOOR-tah veh-YAH mah-yoh-NEHZ vahr muh? | Does it contain egg or mayonnaise? |
| Bal var mı? | bahl vahr muh? | Does it contain honey? |
| Bunu bunlar olmadan hazırlayabilir misiniz? | boo-NOO boon-LAHR ol-MAH-dahn hah-zuhr-lah-yah-bee-LEER mee-see-NEEZ? | Can you prepare this without them? |
Watch for hidden ingredients ⚠️
Some dishes may look plant-based but contain animal ingredients:
- 🍚 Rice and bulgur: Butter or meat stock
- 🥣 Soups and beans: Meat or chicken stock
- 🥐 Börek and pastries: Butter, milk, cheese or egg
- 🥗 Meze: Yogurt or mayonnaise
- 🍰 Desserts: Milk, butter, egg, gelatin or honey
Removing visible meat does not make a dish vegan if its sauce, stock or cooking method contains animal products.
Ask about shared cooking equipment 🍳
If shared oil or cooking surfaces matter to you, ask:
Aynı yağda mı kızartılıyor? eye-NUH yah-DAH muh kuh-zahr-tuh-LUH-yor?
Is it fried in the same oil?
Etle aynı ızgarada mı pişiyor? eht-LEH eye-NUH uz-gah-rah-DAH muh pee-shee-YOR?
Is it cooked on the same grill as meat?
If you have a food allergy, say so separately. “Vegan” does not automatically communicate an allergy or the need to prevent cross-contact.
Save this message 📱
Show this Turkish text to restaurant staff:
Veganım. Et, tavuk, balık, süt, yoğurt, peynir, tereyağı, yumurta ve bal tüketmiyorum. Yemeğin içinde et suyu, tavuk suyu veya mayonez de olmamalı. Lütfen bunları kullanmadan hazırlayabilir misiniz?
English: I’m vegan. I don’t consume meat, chicken, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, eggs or honey. The dish must not contain meat stock, chicken stock or mayonnaise either. Could you prepare it without these ingredients?
Before eating, confirm once more:
Bu tamamen vegan, değil mi? boo tah-mah-MEHN veh-GAHN, deh-EEL mee?
This is completely vegan, right? 🌱
Save this guide before your trip and keep the Turkish phrases ready on your phone And don't forget to share with your friend.