Vegetarian Gourmet Tour

Join us on a delicious journey through Istanbul’s rich culinary landscape — entirely vegetarian-friendly! This tour showcases some of the city’s most beloved traditional dishes, with no meat in sight. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to explore the lighter side of Turkish cuisine, this experience is designed to satisfy.

Our Tour Highlights Include:

• Spice Tasting at the Historic Spice Market

We begin at the 17th-century Spice Bazaar, originally built to help fund the nearby Yeni Cami (New Mosque). Often called the “Egyptian Market,” it earned its name from the exotic spices that once arrived here from India and Southeast Asia via Egypt. We’ll sample a colorful array of spices and blends that have flavored Turkish cuisine for centuries.

• Traditional Turkish Pastry & Tea/Coffee Break

Just outside the Spice Market, we’ll pause for a typical Turkish morning pastry, served with your choice of strong black Turkish tea or rich Turkish coffee, all enjoyed in a charming local café.

• Ferry Ride to the Asian Side

Next, we’ll cross the Bosphorus by ferry, enjoying the scenic views as we make our way to Kadıköy, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant food districts on the Asian side.

• Vegetarian tastings and Lunch at a Local Favorite

In Kadıköy’s bustling open-air market, we’ll stop for various tastings and then sit down  at a beloved local restaurant to enjoy a generous spread of seasonal vegetarian meze and main courses, each bursting with traditional flavors.

• Sweet Ending: Ice Cream or Traditional Dessert

For dessert, choose between Turkish ice cream with its unique chewy texture, or a warm, syrup-soaked treat like Künefe, a crispy pastry filled with melted cheese and topped with pistachios.

• Return to the European Side