Low-Oxalate Turkish Dining Guide: Savor Safely

Turkish cuisine delights with bold flavors, but those managing oxalate levels for kidney health need mindful choices. Many Turkish staples use high-oxalate ingredients like spinach, beets, nuts, and sesame. Fear not—you can still relish authentic flavors by focusing on safer options:

High-Oxalate Traps to Avoid

• Ispanaklı Yemekler: Spinach-based dishes (e.g., ıspanaklı börek, gözleme)
• Pancar Salatası: Beetroot salads
• Baklava & Şöbiyet: Nut-heavy desserts (pistachios/walnuts) and tahini sauces
• Mercimek Köftesi: Lentil patties
• Sesame-Crusted: Simit (bread) or tahini-dressed mezze

Low-Oxalate Favorites

• Grilled Proteins: Chicken or lamb kebabs (Adana, Şiş), plain grilled fish
• Yogurt-Based: Cacık (tzatziki-like dip), haydari (herbed yogurt)
• Rice Dishes: Plain pilav or iç pilav (avoid nut/vegetable additions)
• Safe Vegetables: Eggplant-based dishes like şakşuka (check for tomato moderation)
• Herbal Teas: Apple tea or sage tea (skip rosehip)

Smart Dining Tips

1. Request olive oil instead of tahini for dipping.
2. Select grilled meats without spice mixes (check for nut content).
3. Swap risky salads for cucumber-tomato options with lemon dressing.

Simplify with mm food App

• Translate Menus Instantly: Decipher ingredients in any Turkish restaurant.
• Oxalate Filter: Set your dietary restriction to auto-flag risky dishes.
• Custom Alerts: Add allergens or specific ingredients to avoid.

Enjoy bustling bazaars and cozy lokantas with confidence—mm food ensures every bite aligns with your health goals!