I have a passion for nutrition and healthy eating. I make raw desserts, bake gluten-free cakes and brew my own kombucha. Fortunately for me, there are many İstanbulians with the same taste, and one by one, cafes and restaurants embrace this clean eating trend. Vi is one of a growing number of raw cafes that have sprouted up across the city. It's a small and cozy place in Topağacı. They use organic ingredients wherever possible, completely free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar.
There are plenty of yummy raw vegan desserts. My favourite are so far the cheesecakes, which is surprising, because in general they are not my cup of tea. I think what makes the difference is the filling: a mixture of cashews, coconut cream, and vegan cream cheese. They manage to balance and enhance flavors so it doesn’t leave any waxy texture on the palate. During the cold winter days, “the golden milk” they serve is also a life saver.
The co-owner and chef Beril assured me that everything has been considered as much for its nutritional benefit as well as how it tastes. The only downside is the price. When I compare the portion size, prices are expensive. (This situation is same for every clean eating cafes though -- the ingredients are generally imported or hard to find.)
Ahmet Fetgari Sokak 18b
Per dessert:
TL
24
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.
by
"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...
by
"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...
by
"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!
by
"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!
by
"Nail Kitabevi & Cafe" in Istanbul is in a historical baroque, rococo-style building. I come here for peace of mind and a nice cup of coffee with my book!
by
"Dem Kadıköy" is cheesecake heaven in Istanbul. They've got more than 35 different types (!) and all of them are inspired by some Japanese tea on the menu.
by
"Firuze İKSV" in Istanbul is a beautiful place for meze, cocktail and raki with a modern twist. It has a stunning view over the Golden Horn - how lovely!
by
"Maezae" is my must-visit place whenever I am in Istanbul's Karakoy. I can just spend hours and hours in this lovely, inspiring local design store...
by
"Jacqueline Cookies" Istanbul: my favorite cookies, period, even though they're much more American than Turkish. Try the Extra Dark Chocolate & Pecan Nut.
by
"Misk" is one of my favorite places in Istanbul -- their beautiful flower arrangements and sense of decoration really pushes their moniker 'floral cafe'.
by
"Cuma Cafe" is my favorite spot for a long brunch or coffee & dessert in Istanbul. Their scrambled eggs w/ goat cheese on sourdough toast is a must-taste.
by
236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 236 Insider Tips