Traditional Ottoman dishes work brilliantly for plant-based eating because of historical religious fasting periods. Stuffed grape leaves (yaprak dolma), lentil soup, imam bayildi (eggplant with olive oil), and tons of mezze plates are naturally vegan.

Pandeli Restaurant above the Spice Bazaar has an entire Ottoman vegetarian section alongside their famous meat dishes. Most traditional dishes are either vegan or easily modified. Turkish breakfast spreads work really well too - olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jam, fresh bread.

Street food is trickier but roasted chestnuts, fresh corn, and simit are safe bets. Ask for dishes 'etsiz' (without meat) and 'sütsüz' (no dairy).