Istanbul is a city where culinary traditions blend with modern tastes, making it an exciting destination for vegans and vegetarians. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, like Kadıköy and Taksim, are packed with hidden spots and lively markets offering flavorful plant-based options. Among the experiences we love is the Private and Guided Vegetarian/Vegan Tour of Istanbul, which takes you off the usual tourist trail for a personalized look at local veggie dishes. For those wanting to roll up their sleeves and cook, the Istanbul Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Classes with Locals at Home offer authentic, hands-on experiences in friendly home kitchens. And if street food is more your style, the Istanbul Vegetarian Street Food Tour in Kadıköy showcases the best local bites in an energetic neighborhood setting.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours designed to suit different interests and schedules—whether you’re after a private culinary adventure, an immersive cooking session, or a lively street food walk. Each experience offers a unique perspective on Istanbul’s plant-based cuisine, making it easier to pick something that fits your style and appetite for authentic flavors.
1. Private and guided VEGETARIAN / VEGAN tour of Istanbul
This private food tour is tailored specifically to your dietary preferences, making it perfect for travelers who want flexibility and personal attention. It lasts about 5 hours and takes you through some of Istanbul’s most interesting neighborhoods, including Kadıköy and Istiklal Caddesi. The tour focuses on delicious veggie and vegan dishes, from a traditional Turkish breakfast in Karakoy featuring menemen and pastries to sampling pickles in Kadıköy’s lively fish market.
What makes this tour stand out is its customized approach—your guide will adapt the route based on your preferences, helping you discover hidden showcases of Istanbul’s plant-based cuisine. The ferry ride to Kadıköy offers a chance to enjoy the Bosphorus views, and the visit to a local restaurant with home-style mezes will give you an authentic taste of regional flavors.
Rated 5/5 by travelers, reviews highlight the friendly guides and the ability to explore parts of the city others might miss. For around $240, this tour offers a personalized, in-depth culinary experience suitable for food lovers who want to go beyond the standard tourist fare.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a flexible, intimate, and comprehensive tour that showcases Istanbul’s best veggie dishes with a local guide.
2. Istanbul Vegan/Vegeterian Cooking Class with Locals at Home
For around $85 per person, this hands-on cooking class offers a cozy, authentic experience in a local Istanbul home. The class lasts about 3 hours, during which you will learn to prepare several traditional Turkish dishes with a vegan twist. The advantage here is the intimate setting—small groups mean personalized guidance and plenty of interaction with your host, Rojda.
During the class, you’ll get to craft dishes such as vegan kebabs, mezes, or regional specialties, then sit down together to enjoy your creations. The emphasis on home-cooked food makes this experience more genuine than eating at a restaurant, and you’ll walk away with recipes you can recreate at home. Rojda’s warm hospitality and the chance to connect over shared food make this a favorite among travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience.
Reviewers describe it as “probably the highlight of our trip,” praising the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the food. It’s a fantastic choice for foodies who want to enjoy Turkish cuisine and learn vegan cooking techniques in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who love cooking and want to take home a new set of skills along with authentic Turkish vegan recipes.
3. Istanbul: Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Locals at Home
This Vegan Cooking Class near Taksim, at around $96, provides a more central opportunity to explore Istanbul’s plant-based cuisine through home cooking. It lasts about 2.5 hours and is perfect for travelers interested in cultural exchange as they learn local vegan recipes directly from a resident.
The class emphasizes authentic Turkish vegan dishes, with participants exploring local ingredients and cooking methods. It’s very interactive, with the host sharing stories about Istanbul’s food culture while guiding you through the process. Guests consistently praise the delicious food and the personalized experience. Rojda, the host, is noted for her kindness and knowledge, making the session both educational and warm.
This tour is ideal if you’re in the city center, want a shorter but immersive experience, and enjoy cultural conversations alongside cooking. The reviews commend its value for money and the fun, friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a quick, authentic, and interactive Turkish vegan cooking experience without leaving central Istanbul.
4. Istanbul Vegetarian Street Food Tour in Vibrant Kadıköy
For about $96, this 2.5-hour street food tour introduces you to Kadıköy’s lively vegetarian food scene. Led by passionate local guides, this walk focuses on authentic Turkish plant-based dishes like simit, pickles, and börek, visiting small family-owned shops and markets. It’s designed for those who want to experience local life and taste real flavors in a bustling neighborhood.
Starting at Kadıköy Square, the tour takes you to a simit shop to sample Turkey’s iconic sesame bread, then to Özcan Famous Pickles where you’ll try pickle juice, a favorite among locals. The tour continues through local markets and artisanal shops, with plenty of opportunities to interact with vendors and enjoy photogenic street scenes. This experience highlights the authenticity of Istanbul’s vegetarian fare, often overlooked by travelers.
Rated 5/5, reviewers mention the delicious food and the insider knowledge of guides. The tour supports local businesses and provides an immersive, flavorful look at the city’s street food scene.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurous eaters wanting a dynamic, local-focused street food experience in a lively neighborhood.
How to Choose the Right Vegan & Vegetarian Tour in Istanbul
When selecting from these options, consider your budget, time availability, and what kind of experience you crave. If you prefer a personalized, in-depth adventure, the private Vegetarian / Vegan Tour offers flexibility and tailored tastings. For a culinary hands-on experience, the Home Cooking Classes provide authentic recipes and local atmosphere, ideal for food lovers who want to learn skills they can take home. If street food excites you, the Kadıköy street food tour is perfect for a lively, casual exploration of Istanbul’s plant-based snacks.
Budget-wise, the cooking classes are very affordable, offering hands-on learning for around $85-$96. The private tour, while more expensive at $240, grants a more personalized, flexible itinerary. Think about whether you prefer structured classes, guided tastings, or self-guided market exploration.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak travel seasons, to secure your spot and ensure you get your preferred time.
Final Thoughts
Istanbul offers a fantastic variety of vegan and vegetarian tours suitable for every traveler. Whether you want a private, customizable foodie experience, a cozy cooking class, or an authentic street food walk, the city has something for you. For those seeking a deep dive into local flavors, the private tour or cooking classes are excellent choices. If you thrive on street food adventures, Kadıköy’s vibrant market scene will delight.
No matter which option you choose, these tours help you uncover Istanbul’s rich plant-based culinary scene and make your trip more memorable. Be sure to book early—these experiences fill up quickly, especially in high season. Enjoy your plant-based exploration of Istanbul, and prepare to savor every bite.