Halal, Vegetarian and Dietary Options Near the Clinic

Halal

Almost all Turkish restaurants serve halal meat by default; it is the norm rather than a category. What to check for is alcohol, which many places in Nişantaşı and Şişli do serve. Ask for alkolsüz if you would prefer somewhere that does not.

Vegetarian and vegan

Turkish cooking has an entire tradition of olive-oil vegetable dishes — zeytinyağlı — that happen to be vegan. Meze counters, lentil soup, stuffed vine leaves and white bean stew are everywhere. Say etsiz for no meat and vegan, which is understood.

Gluten-free

Harder, since bread arrives with everything. Grilled meat and fish, rice dishes and most meze are naturally gluten-free. Glutensiz is the word, and the larger supermarkets in Nişantaşı stock gluten-free bread.

What to eat after surgery

• First 48 hours: soup, yoghurt, soft food. Turkish lentil soup is ideal and available everywhere.
• Avoid: very salty food, which worsens swelling, and anything spicy after nasal surgery.
• Protein matters: eggs, chicken, fish, legumes. Healing needs it.
• No alcohol for at least two weeks, and none at all while taking the prescribed medication.
• Drink more water than feels necessary. Istanbul tap water is treated but most residents drink bottled; your hotel will provide it.

After a hair transplant, bring a straw for the first two days. Leaning over a bowl is uncomfortable and you should not be bending forward much anyway.