Istanbul even has an entirely vegan store, aptly entitled Vegan Dükkan and owned by Tarkan Apari, who is committed to the principle and philosophy behind veganism and aims to spread information regarding the benefits of veganism. This specialized store and stronghold in the vegan scene, located in the trendy, expat-friendly Cihangir neighborhood, is the ultimate stop for vegan products. It is a meeting point for those who want to purchase exclusively vegan food stuffs, such as spreads, raw food snacks, imitation meats, soy, almond and hazelnut milks, gluten-free products as well as non-animal tested and vegan cleaning supplies, skin and body care products. (Soğancı Sokak 8/A, Beyoğlu) Bi Nevi Karaköy is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that was reopened in August by partners Belkis Boyacigiller and Özge Sen. The menu is centered on their own orientation toward plant-based whole foods and also has options for those on a raw or gluten-free diet. Some of their specialties include zucchini pasta with pesto or puttanesca sauce, a chickpea salad with their own vegan mayo, their house specialty fajitas and a new vegan burger has been added to the menu. This quaint modern café, situated in the new hipster neighborhood of Karaköy, also has outdoor seating. (Karanlık Fırın Sok. No.5/A, Karaköy) Nearby in Tophane is Community Kitchen, opened in July by Oya Toriş as the realization of this vegan chef 's dream of having a place that does not serve animal products. The owner studied Italian cuisine while attending university in Florence and is a fresh pasta expert. The menu includes classics such as vegan İskender, lasagna and burgers as well as sugar-free oatmeal cookies and iced hibiscus tea. (Lüleci Hendek Cad. No. 27, Tophane) Mahatma Café, which opened a few months ago in the Yeldegirmeni neighborhood in Kadıköy, is another colorful all vegan establishment with outdoor seating. Their aim is to operate a business based on healthy and cruelty-free nourishment. The menu of Turkish Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods is centered on local products and they try to avoid using any overly processed ingredients that could contain GMOs. They offer daily vegan specials, including falafel, curried squash, eggless menemen, böreks, tahini biscuits and even a vegan breakfast. (Macit Erbudak Sok. No.50/A, Kadıköy) Komşu Kafe Collective is also located in the up and coming Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood and is a café/gathering place, where you can dine on vegan and vegetarian fare or even make it yourself. This open-minded community space operates under a philosophy of having no boss, no waiters, no customers and even no price, allowing its visitors to pay what they choose. (Uzun Hafız Sok. 83/A, Kadıköy) Teneffüs is a café and performance venue that serves a vegan brunch on Sundays and has vegan items such as menemen with tofu, soy tofu cheese and a number of Turkish vegetable specialties for lunch.Located in Beyoğlu's Tarlabaşı neighborhood, the space is taken over by the Food Not Bombs (Bombalara Karşı Sofralar) crew on Wednesday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an entirely nonprofit, unique, fully vegan dinner and a joining of likeminded individuals pursuing an anti-waste, anti-consumer culture, anti-exploiting and anti-hunger experience. Not only is this event vegan, but it is also "freegan" as in no money is exchanged in the preparation of the meal. There is no set price; those who feel inclined can make a contribution to their donation box. (Aynalıçeşme Cad, No 16/2, Beyoğlu) Parsifal, the vegetarian restaurant stronghold located across the street from Istanbul's oldest vegetarian restaurant, Zencefil, has always been especially veganconsiderate, and features a varied vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu with rotating specials. (Kurabiye Sokak No 9/A Beyoğlu).Although Datlı Maya in Cihangir is certainly not exclusively vegetarian, this hip yet intimate café that was once a local bakery serves up a vegan lahmacun from their wood-fired oven that is a culinary delight. They also offer a vegan wrap, forest mushroom casserole and chestnut and carob rice. (Türkgücü Cd 59/A) Rulo Ezerbozan Lezzetler is a popular and inexpensive fresh salad, sandwich and wrap shop that offers a wide range of vegan options from their buffet of Turkish vegetable, pulse and grain dishes and salads. This locale, set in a bustling side street of the pedestrian shopping avenue Bahariye in Kadıköy, is a popular venue for lunch and great for take-out. (Nailbey Sok. No: 15 B, Kadıköy) Zeplin Pub & Delicatessen has also added vegan tacos and a vegan burger to their menu. (Moda Cad. No. 70, Kadıköy), while Salkım Söğüt, also in Kadıköy, serves up vegan mantı as well as a number of vegetarian options in a cheery and cozy environment off bustling Bahariye. (Miralay Nazım Sokak 2/C, Kadıköy) EcoIstHan is actually a traveler's house as well as a café that uses only vegan and vegetarian products. Their menu changes daily with a variety of soups, salads, vegan quiche and cakes. There is also a top-floor terrace with a view of the old city. Located opposite the historic Galata Tower, this hostel is the ideal place to stay for traveling vegans. (Camekan Sok. No. 7, Beyoğlu)