“Where do I take my vegan friend out for brunch?”
Long-time residents of Istanbul have without a doubt been introduced to the joy of a leisurely weekend brunch Turkish style. Endless varieties of olives, cheeses and pastries fill the table alongside ubiquitous egg dishes like menemen or fried yumurta with spicy sucuk. But what about those of us who are partial to veggie dishes or even have a diet completely free of animal products? I myself was vegan for many years prior to my move to Istanbul, and for the first few months in this city I was eating around dairy dishes and filling up on salad, bread and olives at brunch. I have since adapted a more lenient diet, but still have frequent visitors looking for vegan-friendly options. Thankfully, Istanbul is more aware than ever of its animal loving residents with many restaurants that offer veggie options and several that are completely vegan. After some delicious research I have found my vegan brunch spot of choice tucked into the hip neighborhood of Karaköy. Bi Nevi is Karaköy’s first completely plant-based restaurant and deli offering a creative variety of raw or cooked options. It is the perfect place for those who are looking for high-quality veggie options here in Istanbul. Their Sunday brunch menu is served between 11:00 and 14:00, and offers tofu menemen, seitan tost with cashew cream and a Turkish breakfast plate complete with vegan cheeses. For drinks, I’d recommend a matcha latte or ginger tea. Overall, Bi Nevi is sure to impress vegans and meat eaters alike with their innovative adaptation of traditional Turkish dishes and quality of food, atmosphere and service. There’s no better way to end your weekend than with clean food to nourish your body, cure that hangover and get you ready for a full week of Istanbul madness!
Address: Necatibey Caddesi, Karanlık Fırın Sokak No:5/A, Karaköy, İstanbul
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