The Turkish word “etsiz” means “without meat,” but it may not always communicate everything a vegetarian wants to avoid.
Some people may understand “et” as red meat only. A dish described as etsiz could still contain chicken, fish, minced meat, or meat-based stock. The safest approach is to name these ingredients clearly. Read our guide before ordering vegetarian food prepared by VeganIstanbul.com editors.
Pronunciations below are approximate for English speakers.
Start with this sentence 🗣️
Vejetaryenim. Et, tavuk, balık ve deniz ürünleri yemiyorum. veh-zheh-tahr-YEH-neem. eht, tah-VOOK, bah-LUHK veh deh-NEEZ oo-roon-leh-REE yeh-mee-YOH-room
I’m vegetarian. I don’t eat meat, chicken, fish, or seafood.
Essential questions
| Turkish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bu yemek tamamen vejetaryen mi? | boo yeh-MEHK tah-mah-MEHN veh-zheh-tahr-YEHN mee? | Is this dish completely vegetarian? |
| İçinde et, tavuk veya balık var mı? | ee-cheen-DEH eht, tah-VOOK veh-YAH bah-LUHK vahr muh? | Does it contain meat, chicken, or fish? |
| İçinde kıyma var mı? | ee-cheen-DEH kuh-y-MAH vahr muh? | Does it contain minced meat? |
| 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? |
| Bunu etsiz hazırlayabilir misiniz? | boo-NOO eht-SEEZ hah-zuhr-lah-yah-bee-LEER mee-see-NEEZ? | Can you prepare this without meat? |
| Bu dolma etli mi, zeytinyağlı mı? | boo dol-MAH eht-LEE mee, zay-teen-yah-LUH muh? | Is this dolma made with meat or olive oil? |
“Sebzeli” does not always mean vegetarian ⚠️
Sebzeli means “with vegetables,” not necessarily “vegetarian.” A vegetable dish can still contain minced meat, chicken stock, or meat broth.
Watch especially for:
- 🥣 Soups: Meat or chicken stock
- 🍚 Rice and bulgur: Meat or chicken stock
- 🫑 Dolma and sarma: Minced-meat fillings
- 🥬 Vegetable dishes: Small pieces of meat or minced meat
- 🥟 Börek and pastries: Meat fillings
- 🍝 Sauces: Meat stock or minced meat
Do not accept “we can remove the meat” 🍽️
Removing visible meat from a prepared dish does not make the rest of the meal vegetarian.
Say:
Eti sonradan çıkarmayın. Baştan etsiz hazırlanabilir mi? eh-TEE son-rah-DAHN chuh-kahr-MAH-yuhn. bahsh-TAHN eht-SEEZ hah-zuhr-lah-nah-bee-LEER mee?
Please don’t remove the meat afterward. Can it be prepared without meat from the beginning?
A note about cheese 🧀
If you avoid cheese made with animal rennet, ask:
Bu peynir hayvansal peynir mayası içeriyor mu? boo pay-NEER high-vahn-SAHL pay-NEER mah-yah-SUH ee-cheh-ree-YOR moo?
Does this cheese contain animal rennet?
Restaurant staff may need to check the product packaging to answer accurately.
Save this message 📱
Show this Turkish text to restaurant staff:
Vejetaryenim. Et, kıyma, tavuk, balık ve deniz ürünleri yemiyorum. Yemeğimde et suyu veya tavuk suyu da olmamalı. Süt ürünleri ve yumurta tüketiyorum. Bu yemek benim için uygun mu?
English: I’m vegetarian. I don’t eat meat, minced meat, chicken, fish, or seafood. My meal must not contain meat or chicken stock either. I consume dairy products and eggs. Is this dish suitable for me?
Before eating, confirm once more:
Bu tamamen etsiz, değil mi? İçinde et suyu da yok, doğru mu? boo tah-mah-MEHN eht-SEEZ, deh-EEL mee? ee-cheen-DEH eht soo-YOO dah yok, doh-ROO moo?
This is completely meat-free, right? There is no meat stock either, correct? 🥗
📌 ** Save this guide before your trip and keep the Turkish phrases ready on your phone and don't forget to share with a vegan or vegetarian travel companion.**
Last reviewed: August 18, 2026