Falafel House

Many unsuspecting foreign arrivals in Istanbul are shocked to discover that falafel and hummus aren’t actually part of the traditional Turkish diet – nor are they widely available here, despite Turkey’s proximity to the Middle East. Eventually, though, most vegetarians get tipped off about the Falafel House in Talimhane, the hotel district near Taksim Square. Run by a friendly Palestinian father-and-son duo, this small restaurant serves up plenty of hummus, fresh-to-order falafel, tabbouleh salad and soups. Sit inside or on the sidewalk and enjoy a tasty falafel and salad sandwich (6 TL) or a full combo plate of falafel, tabbouleh and hummus (14-16 TL). No alcohol.