Cappadocia - Food

One of our most memorable experiences was a local cooking class where we learned to make fresh gözleme—crafting a delicious vegan version alongside warm, welcoming Turkish women who shared their skills and stories. A joyful, hands-on taste of local tradition. Read our post.

Since we stayed in Uçhisar, we ate here almost everyday. The owner Bayram is the absolute loveliest and became a dear friend of ours. He can point out all the vegan options, but what was really special is that he crafted a one-of-a-kind vegan clay pot dish just for us. Read our post.

This place was a delight, with every meal arriving alongside a generous spread of side dishes—and if you mention you’re vegan, they’ll happily make them all plant-based. We especially recommend the grilled vegetables and the unbelievably good hummus.

In Avanos’ Pottery Village, Neman Cave Restaurant is a true gem, serving up a delicious vegan spinach gözleme, hearty white beans in sauce, and tangy vegan pickles, all in a cozy, character-filled setting. A warm, welcoming spot well worth seeking out.

We visited here as part of a tour, and were suprised to find they have an entirely separate vegan menu. While the vegan kebab is there for the curious, we especially loved the creamy fava bean dip and the grilled eggplant with tomato and red pepper. A bit pricey, but worth it.

In Uçhisar, this place serves up a hearty clay dish loaded with fresh vegetables—completely vegan and full of flavor—and also mentioned they could make their falafel wrap vegan on request. A simple, satisfying find right in the heart of town, perfect for a relaxed meal after exploring.

Tucked into central Göreme, King’s Coffee Shop is a sweet find, offering vegan baklava, a decadent vegan pistachio cheesecake, and other vegan raw cakes. They can also make vegan gözleme, and have plenty of plant-based milks for coffee.

We stopped here during a tour to the Ihlara Valley. They served a tasty vegan clay-pot-style stew with pilaf, full of rich flavor and fresh ingredients. Paired with the restaurant’s lovely river views, it made for a peaceful and satisfying break.