etsiz

Etsiz is a Turkish adjective meaning "without meat." It comes from et, meaning meat, and the suffix -siz, meaning without. The term is used to describe foods, meals, or menus prepared without meat and is common in Turkish culinary language.

In practical use, etsiz indicates meatless options on menus, recipes, and dietary guides. It does not automatically specify whether dairy products or eggs are included, so an etsiz dish may or may not be vegetarian depending on the recipe. For example, etsiz köfte denotes a meatless version of köfte, but could still contain eggs or dairy depending on the chef. Conversely, a vegan dish would typically be labeled vegan or described as hayvansal ürün içermeyen. People seeking fully plant-based dishes should look for explicit vegan labeling.

Culture and context: The term reflects a broad and flexible concept of meat-free eating in Turkey, where meat has historically been a substantial part of cuisine. With growing interest in plant-based diets, etsiz options are increasingly offered in restaurants and food products.