7 Turkish Dishes Served On Our Turkey Sailing Tours That Vegetarians Will Fall In Love With

Last Updated: January 27, 2026 | Gastronomy & Vegetarian Delights

One of the biggest misconceptions about Mediterranean cuisine is that it is heavily meat-oriented. In reality, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey offer some of the most sophisticated plant-based dishes in the world. If you choose to sail Turkey in 2026, you will discover that our onboard menus are a paradise for herbivores. From olive oil-infused delicacies to fresh garden herbs, a Turkish sailing holiday is as much a culinary journey as it is a maritime adventure.

Here are 7 vegetarian dishes served on our tours that you will absolutely fall in love with.

1. Zeytinyağlı Enginar (Artichokes in Olive Oil)

A true crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera. These tender artichoke hearts are slow-cooked with olive oil, lemon, peas, and carrots. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly healthy—perfect for a sunny afternoon on the deck.

2. Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Vine Leaves)

These delicate rolls are filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, and various herbs. While exploring Turkish sailing routes, you will find that our chefs pride themselves on the perfect balance of spices in their sarma.

3. Mücver (Zucchini Fritters)

Made with grated zucchini, fresh dill, parsley, and feta cheese, these fritters are golden-fried to perfection. They are typically served with a side of thick Turkish yogurt, making them an irresistible snack between swimming stops.

4. Şakşuka (Fried Eggplant in Tomato Sauce)

Eggplant is the king of Turkish vegetables. Şakşuka features sautéed eggplant, peppers, and zucchini smothered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. It’s a staple meze that tastes even better with the salty breeze of the sea.

5. Imam Bayıldı (The Sultan’s Favorite)

The name literally translates to "The Imam Fainted" supposedly from how delicious it is! This dish consists of whole eggplants stuffed with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, simmered in plenty of high-quality olive oil.

6. Deniz Börülcesi (Sea Samphire)

There is no dish that reflects the spirit of the coast better than sea samphire. Harvested from the rocks where the sea meets the land, it is blanched and dressed with garlic and lemon. It is the ultimate salty, crunchy accompaniment to a sunset dinner.

7. Menemen (Traditional Scrambled Eggs)

The king of Turkish breakfasts. A juicy mix of tomatoes, green peppers, and eggs, often seasoned with red pepper flakes. Enjoying a warm pan of menemen while anchored in a quiet bay is a core memory for many of our guests.

Culinary Excellence on Every Deck

We believe that every guest deserves a world-class dining experience regardless of their dietary choices. For those looking for a fully personalized menu, our private yacht rentals in Turkey allow you to work with your private chef to create the ultimate vegetarian feast. Our focus on sustainable travel in Turkey means we use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients for every meal.

About the Author: This vegetarian guide was prepared by Çağdaş Öğrü, founder of Go Turkey Sail. As a local expert, Çağdaş ensures that the culinary standards on every boat reflect the rich and diverse flavors of Turkey. Connect with me on LinkedIn