Top plant-based dishes you must try
Türkiye, with its vibrant culture and rich culinary history, is a paradise for vegetarians. The country’s diverse and flavorful dishes offer something for everyone, from the bustling streets of İstanbul to the fertile olive groves of the Aegean. Here’s your guide to some of the must-try vegetarian dishes, many of which are vegan, that showcase the best of Turkish cuisine, including a journey through the Olive Route and the delightful world of meze.
Red lentil köfte (mercimek köftesi)
Red lentil köfte is a beloved Turkish dish made from red lentils, fine bulgur, and a mix of aromatic spices. These lentil balls are seasoned with onions, tomato paste, and herbs, offering a savory and satisfying bite. Often served with fresh lettuce and a squeeze of lemon, they are perfect as a snack or a light meal.
Fine bulgur salad (kısır)
Kısır is a refreshing and flavorful salad made from fine bulgur wheat mixed with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions. Tossed with pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and a blend of spices, this vibrant salad is a staple at Turkish tables and a delightful dish to enjoy during warm weather.
Stuffed vine leaves (yaprak sarma)
Yaprak Sarma refers to vine leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs. These delicate rolls are simmered in a tangy lemon sauce, making them a flavorful and satisfying part of any Turkish meal. The combination of tender vine leaves and an aromatic filling creates a unique and delicious experience.
Artichokes braised in olive oil (zeytinyağlı enginar)
A quintessential Turkish dish, artichokes braised in olive oil are both light and flavorful. This dish features artichoke hearts cooked slowly with carrots, potatoes, and a hint of dill, all simmered in olive oil. It’s a perfect example of Turkish cuisine’s ability to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Spicy bulgur köfte (çiğ köfte)
Spicy bulgur köfte, locally known as çiğ köfte, is a zesty dish made from bulgur wheat mixed with a spicy tomato paste and a variety of herbs and spices. These savory patties are typically enjoyed with a side of fresh greens like lettuce or as part of a larger meze spread, offering a bold and exciting flavor experience.
Türkiye has many more vegan-friendly dishes, most of which are made with locally grown olive oil. Türkiye is one of the top five olive oil producers in the world; it also has an olive route that offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich tradition of olive cultivation. Spanning regions from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, this scenic route highlights the importance of olives in Turkish cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the local dining culture, visit traditional eateries, and savor the unique flavors of Turkish cuisine. With its array of vegan and vegetarian delights and a rich olive oil tradition, Türkiye promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.
1/
Spicy Bulgur Köfte (Çiğ Köfte)
2/
Red Lentil Köfte (Mercimek Köftesi)
3/
Fine Bulgur Salad (Kısır)
4/
Artichokes Braised in Olive Oil (Zeytinyağlı Enginar)
5/
Stuffed Vine Leaves (Yaprak Sarma)
Things to consider before traveling
How to choose your accommodation in Europe: a guide
In Europe, there is accommodation for every wish, price range, and desired experience. Whether it’s a tent suspended between two trees, a five-star hotel with a view of a turquoise sea, or a wallet-friendly hostel, it’s all here. The question is, what specific options do you have and how do you go about choosing? That’s […]
The ultimate guide to European currencies
How to convert cash, use cards, and reduce fees One of the great benefits of traveling around Europe is the ease of use when it comes to currencies. On much of the continent, you don’t need to worry about keeping different bills and coins or making mental-math conversations between one currency to another to […]
How to stay safe while traveling in Europe
No matter what, safety while traveling is most important. Luckily, Europe has a stellar safety record, and more than a dozen of its countries regularly appear at the top end of safest places to live and travel lists. To make your adventure safe and secure, consider these tips and best practices! Travel insurance […]
What you need to enter Europe
Visas, documents, and passports So, you are planning to visit Europe. Great! We will be happy to welcome you and share what makes this continent so unique. Here are answers to the most common questions about preparing for your trip. Addressing them now will make your travels smooth, easy, and convenient! Who needs a […]
Your complete guide to planning your daily life in Europe
Tips on local languages, mobile tech, and time zones We all know the feeling: your phone battery is dying or you’re passing through an area of weak signal. At home, it’s usually a simple annoyance, but when you’re traveling, not having access to a communications device is something you’ll want to avoid. So, how […]
Some tips to consider while traveling
Traveling around Europe
Your guide to trains, trams, busses and bikes Europe has one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. From massive metropolises to small towns, you can easily link up from place to place by public transport. Riding the rails across this marvelous continent might be the best way to explore: it’s highly efficient, […]
Tips to communicate in Europe
Why speaking a few words of the local tongue will make your travel experience even better As you may have guessed, English is widely spoken in Europe, especially in northern countries. In many other countries, people have a good, if not fluent, grasp of the language. But that doesn’t mean that learning—and indeed using! […]
Your guide to passenger rights while traveling in Europe
If you’re a traveler, you’ve probably experienced a delay, cancellation, or other unforeseen issue. Of course, no one wants this, but it’s important to be prepared and perhaps most of all, to know your rights and privileges if a problem arises. So, what are your rights in Europe? Keep reading! Air Passenger Rights So, […]
Read more
Fast and fascinating rail travel in Slovakia
Train rides full of the unexpected!
Touring Europe as a Senior Traveler
Post-retirement is an excellent time to go see the world, as you’re less likely to have pressing engagements and can spend more time at your destination. Europe is a great option for seniors as many of the top destinations are not too far from each other cutting down on travel time, while still providing an exciting and enriching travel experience. It’s also relatively easy to find a tour group that goes to the specific destinations you want to see in Europe, and travel in comfort at the same time.
Explore Malta responsibly
Three tips for an eco-friendly getaway.
Serbia’s ancient Roman gem
An imperial residence on the UNESCO list!