İmam Bayıldı is a classic Turkish vegetable dish: stuffed aubergine with a savoury filling of onion, garlic and tomato, braised in olive oil and served cold or lukewarm. It's naturally vegetarian and belongs to the zeytinyağlı dishes (prepared in olive oil).
What does İmam Bayıldı mean?
The name literally means "the imam fainted". According to legend, an imam fainted with delight when he tasted the dish — or in shock at how much precious olive oil went into it. Both stories are part of it.
How is İmam Bayıldı eaten?
You usually eat it cold or at room temperature, as a starter or side. The soft aubergine and sweet onion filling make it rich but fresh.
İmam Bayıldı vs. karnıyarık
Both are stuffed aubergine, but karnıyarık contains minced meat and is eaten warm; İmam Bayıldı is vegetarian and cold. More plant-based? See the vegetarian dishes or the menu.
Frequently asked questions
Is İmam Bayıldı vegetarian?
Yes, it's naturally vegetarian (and vegan) — stuffed aubergine without meat.
Do you eat it warm or cold?
Mostly cold or lukewarm, as a starter or side.
What's the difference from karnıyarık?
Karnıyarık contains minced meat and is eaten warm; İmam Bayıldı is vegetarian and cold.
Last updated: June 2026.
