Istanbul is a city that many travelers fall in love with — not just for its stunning mosques and bustling bazaars, but also for its surprisingly diverse vegan and vegetarian scene. You might think of Turkey as a land of kebabs and meat-heavy dishes, but the city’s culinary landscape is much more layered. For plant-based eaters, options range from private guided tours exploring local veggie hotspots to cozy cooking classes in Turkish homes. We especially like the private Vegetarian/Vegan Istanbul tour for its personalized approach and the chance to go beyond the usual tourist spots.
If you’re curious about how to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine without meat or dairy, you’ll find plenty to love here. Whether you want to sample regional mezes, learn how to cook traditional dishes yourself, or just explore local markets, Istanbul offers a wealth of vegan and vegetarian experiences. Below, we’ve rounded up the three best tours, each offering a different way to experience plant-based food in Turkey’s vibrant cultural hub.
Quick Overview
This guide covers three top-rated vegan and vegetarian tours in Istanbul, each with unique appeal:
- A private, customizable food tour that takes you to local hotspots like Kadikoy and Istiklal Caddesi (see details)
- An intimate, hands-on cooking class at a local’s home, perfect for learning authentic vegan Turkish recipes (see details)
- Another home-based cooking class with a focus on vegan and vegetarian dishes near Taksim, ideal for cultural exchange (see details)
Read on for a detailed look at each experience and find the best fit for your travel style and interests.
1. Private and guided VEGETARIAN / VEGAN tour of Istanbul
This private, customizable food tour offers an ideal way to see Istanbul through its plant-based cuisine. For around $240 per person, you’ll get roughly five hours of guided exploration, visiting vibrant neighborhoods like Kadikoy and Istiklal Caddesi. The beauty of this tour is its flexibility—you can tailor the experience to your dietary preferences and interests. It’s perfect if you want personalized attention and insider tips.
The tour begins in Karakoy, where you’ll enjoy a Turkish breakfast featuring menemen, pastry, kaymak, and honey—though your guide can suggest vegan alternatives. From there, a funicular ride takes you up to Pera, where a walk along Istiklal Caddesi includes a tea or Turkish coffee break. In the afternoon, a ferry whisks you across the Bosporus to Kadikoy on the Asian side, famous for its lively fish market and pickles, which are a Turkish favorite. You’ll visit a local restaurant known for home-cooked-style regional mezes and regional cuisines.
This tour scores a perfect 5.0 rating based on 12 reviews, with visitors praising the host’s knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer noted, “Rojda was a wonderful host, and we enjoyed some great conversation and food.”
Bottom line: This private tour offers a comprehensive, flexible way to explore Istanbul’s vegan and vegetarian options with expert guidance, making it a top choice for those who want a personalized culinary experience.
2. Istanbul Vegan/Vegeterian Cooking Class with Locals at Home
For those eager to bring the flavors of Istanbul home, this interactive cooking class provides a genuine glimpse into Turkish vegan cuisine. At just about $85 per person for roughly three hours, it’s an affordable, hands-on experience. You’ll learn how to prepare a variety of traditional Turkish recipes with a vegan twist, guided by a welcoming local host in her home.
What makes this class special is the small-group setting, allowing for personalized attention and real interaction. You’ll start by chatting over tea, then roll up your sleeves to cook dishes like vegan stuffed vegetables, Turkish lentil soup, or vegan mezes. Afterward, you’ll enjoy eating your creations, with plenty of tips for recreating them at home. The focus on authentic recipes makes this a practical way to expand your plant-based cooking repertoire.
Guests rave about the experience, with one reviewer saying, “Rojda was incredibly friendly and prepared a lot of food. We made seven different meals, and all of them tasted incredible.” The small group size fosters a cozy atmosphere, perfect for connecting with locals and fellow travelers.
Bottom line: This class is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, culinary adventure, plus a chance to cook and eat in a genuine Istanbul home.
3. Istanbul: Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Locals at Home
This roughly 2.5-hour home-based vegan cooking class near Taksim offers a relaxed, cultural exchange experience. For about $96, you’ll visit a local’s home to learn some of Istanbul’s best vegan and vegetarian dishes, while also chatting about the city and its culinary traditions. The focus here is on home cooking with locals, making it perfect for travelers wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Turkish life.
Rojda, the host, is noted for her kindness and depth of knowledge. Guests appreciate her sharing stories about Istanbul alongside recipes for dishes like vegan börek and vegetable stews. The class emphasizes authentic flavors and techniques, giving you practical skills to recreate these dishes back home. Reviews highlight the delicious food and engaging conversation, with one mentioning, “We learned a lot and had great conversations; Rojda is a truly wonderful person.”
While slightly shorter in duration, this experience is highly rated for its cultural authenticity and friendly atmosphere.
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in cultural exchange, home cooking, and authentic Turkish vegan dishes in a relaxed setting.
How to Choose
Picking between these wonderful options depends on your preferences and schedule. For a comprehensive, guided tour exploring local food hotspots with flexibility, the Private Vegetarian/Vegan Istanbul tour is perfect. If you love hands-on experiences and want to learn recipes you can replicate at home, the Vegan/Vegeterian Cooking Class at a Local’s Home offers a warm, intimate setting. For those seeking a more casual, cultural experience focused on home-cooked dishes, the Vegan Cooking Class near Taksim is a great choice.
Consider your budget — the cooking classes are more affordable and shorter, while the private tour offers a more extensive, personalized experience. Also, think about your dietary focus — if you want to explore markets and regional specialties, the guided tour is best; if your goal is to learn recipes, go for the cooking classes. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.
Final thoughts
Istanbul’s plant-based culinary scene is surprisingly rich, with options for guided tours, cooking classes, and cultural exchanges. For a detailed exploration of local flavors, the private Vegetarian/Vegan Istanbul tour stands out. If you prefer to get hands-on and learn authentic recipes, the cooking experiences at home, like those featured in the second and third options, are fantastic choices.
No matter which you choose, these tours open a window onto Istanbul’s vibrant food culture — all from a plant-based perspective. Be sure to book early, and prepare for a delicious journey through Turkey’s surprising vegan and vegetarian delights.