Köfte
Also known as: Kofte, Kofta, Turkish meatballs, Izgara köfte, Kofte kebab
What is Köfte?
Turkish grilled meatballs made from seasoned ground beef or lamb, shaped by hand and cooked over charcoal. One of the most ubiquitous dishes in Turkish cuisine with hundreds of regional varieties.
Typical Ingredients
Allergen Information
Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.
Most köfte recipes use breadcrumbs (gluten) as a binder. Some versions use egg. Served with bread, rice, or salad. İnegöl köfte traditionally uses only breadcrumbs and onion.
Safer Variations
Allergen-friendly alternatives to ask for.
Questions to Ask Staff
Important questions to confirm with restaurant staff.
More Turkish Dishes
Pastırma
A highly spiced, air-dried cured beef from Kayseri, coated in a thick paste of fenugreek, garlic, and red pepper called çemen. Served thinly sliced as a meze or used in börek and pide.
Sucuk
A dry-cured spiced beef sausage seasoned with cumin, garlic, sumac, and red pepper. Often pan-fried and served at breakfast (sucuklu yumurta), in pide, or on its own as a meze.
Sulu Köfte
Turkish meatballs simmered in a thin tomato-based broth with potatoes and carrots. The name means 'watery köfte,' referring to the soupy sauce. A comforting home-style dish.
Orman Kebabı
A hearty stew from Bolu called 'forest kebab,' made with lamb or beef cubes, carrots, potatoes, peas, and onions slowly simmered with thyme and tomato paste.
Fıstıklı Sarma
A Gaziantep baklava variety where a smooth, bright green pistachio paste is wrapped in a single thin sheet of phyllo dough, creating a roll that showcases the pure pistachio filling.
Good for These Diets
Based on this dish's typical allergen profile, it may be suitable for:
Important Disclaimer
Allergen information is based on typical recipes and may vary by restaurant, region, or preparation method. Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.