Turkey is one of the only places in the world that is completely self-sustaining. Just some of the plants I saw while there: Pistachio trees, olive trees, orange trees, pomegranate trees, pumpkins, potatoes, wheat and carob. Not to mention mountains of herbs and spices. If they suddenly could not import any food, they would actually be totally okay. I consumed two things while I was there that I didn’t see in it’s whole form: peach and cherry juices and jams. And just because I didn’t see them doesn’t mean they perhaps grow in another region.
So you can imagine–the food and drink is just simple and hearty and whole. And while it wasn’t hard in the slightest to eat a vegan diet while in Turkey, there was one night that was surprisingly easy.
These are all vegan and raw:
Raw bread served with 3 raw cheeses (made out of nuts), tapanade, and a fresh salsa.
Apple coconut cake with caramel sauce and tahini ice cream.
A simple scoop of chocolate ice cream
Surprised? Istanbul is a very modern and cosmopolitan city, especially once you venture out of Sultanamet, or Old Town. It actually has a number of vegan restaurants. This particular one we went to had about 30 things go wrong on our trip there and on our arrival–it’s a funny store (now).
Anyway, it was mostly delicious and an interesting experience. 
POMEGRANATE JUICE–a story in pictures.
Ta Da! Fresh Pomegranate juice!
This was actually the one that I tried to make into my Ode to Turkey cocktail: the Burkatini. Fresh pomegranate juice (very Turkish), Raki (the drink made with brandy and anisette–VERY Turkish), and mineral water.
It was absolutely disgusting. I guess I won’t try to splatter burkatinis on menus all across Turkey now.
TURKISH TEA
Turkish tea is everywhere. Everyone drinks turkish tea, all the time. You don’t see kids with soda cans or professionals with Starbucks; you see everyone with hot tea served in a little tulip glass.
Yes, they actually serve tea on the bus. Do you love Turkey yet?
This was common to see outside shops–tea is delivered on little trays to shop proprietors, who drink it up then leave it outside for pick-up.
And of course there’s Turkish Coffee:
It’s typically served in these little cups on these little saucers.
How to make Turkish Coffee
You can use any kind of coffee for Turkish Coffee, it’s really just the way of preparing it. You cook together coffee, sugar and water, then strain out the particles as you pour. There’s always a little sludge left in the bottom of your cup–don’t drink it! It’s not expected, don’t worry. Everyone leaves a little bit.
Here’s one of my favorites drinks: Banana tea! I brought some home, don’t worry. It tastes like warm instant banana pudding. Yum.
Okay, I still have several pictures, but I will close with this one:
Because what food journey of Turkey would be complete without heaps of spices from the Egyptian Spice Market in Istanbul?
did you end up seeing any pumpkins in piles composting? i saw them when i was travelling out of the city. they're the opposite of us where we mainly use the squash and end up throwing away the seeds, they use the seeds and aren't too excited about the pumpkin.
What kind of tea is it? Looks like maybe it's black tea.
The spices look amazing! What a fabulous trip.
Karla, I was told that most of the pumpkins grown are primarily seed pumpkins, but when the other, edible, pumpkins are grown they do like to use them. Though not as much as us, I think!
Mom, it is a black tea. They use a double tea pot–kind of like a double broiler. The tea goes in the bottom, and water goes in the top. Then when you pour your cup, you use half tea and half water.
It's really interesting!
More deets on the banana tea, please? It looks delicious.
Nessy,
Doesn't Turkish coffee have spices such as cardamom and others I can't remember? It's not just the grounds in the coffee is it?
@ ASB: Banana tea actually looks like a powdered mix. Pretty sure it's got nothing real in there; it just tastes fantastic!
@Ahi: The stuff that I had didn't seem to have any spices at all in there.
Hi! Was directed here from the PPK. I lived in Istanbul for about eight months, but have no clue about this raw vegan restaurant. Could you fill me in?
Thanks!