Food & drink · 2 min read
Eating in Istanbul with dietary requirements
Questions to ask about allergens, stock, sauces and shared preparation when ordering.
Start with the ingredient or preparation you need to avoid. A dish name and an attractive menu photo rarely tell you how a kitchen makes the food or what else is cooked on the same surface.
Use a short, specific request
Write the ingredient names in Turkish and English before you go. Show the message to the person taking the order and ask them to check with the kitchen. If cross-contact is a concern, ask about shared oil, grills, utensils and preparation surfaces. Türkiye has allergen disclosure guidance for food service, so you can also ask for the venue’s allergen information.
Check the parts you cannot see
Ask what is in the broth, filling, dressing, garnish and bread. A vegetable dish can include stock or a dairy topping, and a simple dessert can contain ground nuts. If you are ordering vegetarian or vegan, ask which preparation the kitchen can confirm for you.
Keep a fallback you can trust
Build time into the day to find a venue that can answer clearly. If staff are unsure, choose another option and follow any personal safety plan from your clinician. A few clearly labelled snacks can help when you are in transit or away from a suitable venue.
Sources and further reading
- Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: allergen information for food service
- Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry · Food labelling guidance
Some linked sources are published in other languages.
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