Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Indian
Organic
Restaurant and cafe chain is now serving in Beyoglu with the first branch in Turkey. Reported closed to HappyCow, June 2014.
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KM Celebi Mah Ipek Sokak 15/1, Beyoglu (at Parallel to Istiklal St), Istanbul, Turkey
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 16 Dec 2020 by Guest
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Added by govindaistanbul on 06 Dec 2010
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8 Reviews
First Review by AndreaVeg
Kris G
Points +108
Oops - Edit
I tried to eat there but when I opened the door the smell coming from this restaurant just hit me. The mix of steam, heat and smell was a red light so I head to another place.
Read moreGuest
Eric_
Points +734
Scary place - Edit
The food was all right if a bit boring, but the scary religious environment freaks me out. Visited in the fall of 2011.
Read morePros: Location
Cons: Religious chanting as background music
Guest
VeggieMon
Points +274
Decent vegetarian fare! - Edit
I liked this Govinda. The staff are English-speaking, attentive, and friendly. The food was exactly what you'd expect from a Govinda. It was fairly priced and the portions were adequate. I'd say there there might be a bit too much fried food on the menu, but hey, you're in Istanbul probably on holiday, so roll with it.
Read moreIt's sort of your basic vegetarian experience, but in a good way! I went a few times during my week in Istanbul and it suited me just fine. Note that they're located a good tram ride out of the tourist area of Sultanahmet and environs. To me that's anything but a negative, but you might find it less than convenient. I look at it as a way to see parts of town that I wouldn't otherwise get to see. Just take the Besitkas tram to Findikli and hike (and I do mean hike!) up the hill. Or, since it's right off Istiklal cad. it's super easy to get to if you're in that area already. Either way, it's a good, safe place for vegetarians to eat, and I don't take that for granted.
Pros: Service, Value, Vibe
SG213
You can also take the tram a few more stops to Kabatas, then get the Funicular to Taksim. If you like walking, going up the hill from the Tophane stop is a bit easier. Maybe not as much fun as hiking up the hills though :)
Read moreGuest
malcolmsfross
Points +67
Not Indian and not great - Edit
Just come away from a very disappointing experience. I don't know if it has changed owners but the menu is extremely limited and cold drinks-they had still or fizzy water. It is ridiculous to claim that it has any real Indian connection-falafel balls are notIndian-even Marsala Chi is some spices in a tea pot-no boiled milk. It is cheap and it is vegetarian thats about it. Wont be making a return trip.
Read morePros: cheap
Cons: limited menu, not Indian
Guest
SG213
Points +861
Good, but... - Edit
I've been to Govinda's in Istanbul a few times now and I like the place, however, there is a slightly too much emphasis on carbohydrates on the menu. The main menu item is the "plate of the day" and this is especially good value on Mondays when it's half price. This consists of the cooked vegetable dish of the day, plus rice, pakora, falafel and either salad (vegan) or lentil raita (vegetarian).
Read moreThe problem is that, and this may just be my personal taste, but, even though the pakoras and falafels are fine, there is only one subji or hot vegetable dish, and apart from the raita, there is not usually another cooked sauce available. This makes things a bit dry, and cold-ish. They need something like a chunky cooked dhal or spiced bean garnish to balance things out a bit more. Maybe even something with tofu or soya chunks would be good.
Pros: Purely vegetarian, Healthy tasting food
Cons: Needs more hot dishes
Guest
guraytezcan
Points +340
I did my birthday gathering here - Edit
Unbelievable but this small-sized restaurant took 30 people that day. I did my birthday celebration for the first time after years and Govinda made it one to remember! I am told that this is also their first birthday reception.
Read moreThey even made a big vegan birthday cake for me.
Pros: Excellent location, Delicious food, Nice people
Cons: Foods are bit cold
Guest
Jepulis
Points +126
Good and not too expensive - Edit
I stayed in Istanbul for a few days in the new year 2010-2011 and visited this restaurant twice. I took the vegan lunch of the day both times, it included a starter soup (lentils) and bread and a plate that included tasty rice and a vegan saslik that was vegetable in a stick covered with a pastry and deeb fried. The cakes were not vegan, but there was self-made vegan flap jack. The place was very neat and stylish and was situated just by the Istiklal Cadesi and Taksim Square.
Read morePros: cheap, stylish, good location
Cons: more spices please
Guest
AndreaVeg
Points +214
a good shanti place - Edit
it's a relaxing place, nice and clean, with a very friendly staff. the food was good, expecially the Dahl soup and the veg burger. try it!
Read morePros: friendly staff, quiet place, not expensive
Guest
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