A lot of people ask me the same question: “Where can I eat vegetarian food in Istanbul?” Normally, I suggest a pide, or some rice with beans, though these both often contain some meat products as well. Luckily, I now have a new answer, and that answer is Rulo.
Rulo is a sandwich-wrap shop, sort of in the concept of Subway – but not gross. There are a selection of hot and cold ingredients to add, pick what you want, and it all gets wrapped up into a delicious 4 Lira meal. The selection of burrito innards, while not extensive, is always fresh, seasonal and delicious. Chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, eggplant, cheese, veggies, coleslaw, and a slew of sauces and spices means your dinner is exactly as exciting or boring as you desire. The only meat available is in the shape of those nasty Turkish hot dogs which I highly advise you to stay away from. With so many delicious real foods, why subject yourself to that torture?
The three employees on the night I was there all spoke fluent English – though it’s not clear why – and are extremely friendly and helpful. Also, if you buy 9 wraps the 10th one is free. I am more than halfway there already.
Simple, straightforward, and tasty. Why cant every restaurant be this simple?
Nailbey Sk. No:15B Caferağa Kadıköy, Istanbul
Louis Herman is a contributor for Yabangee. He keeps a blog about the restaurants and food culture of Sirkeci, Istanbul, at www.sirkecirestaurants.com.
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Sounds good – also, HappyCow have the definitive list of Vegetarian places in Istanbul –
http://www.happycow.net/asia/turkey/istanbul/
Vegetarians should focus on ev yemekleri places if they want Turkish food – and all the lokantas have veggie food, generally made without meat stock as much as you would expect of Turkish food in general.
I am now a regular visitor to this café. The falafel durum are so very tasty