Çiğ Köfte

What is çiğ köfte?

Çiğ köfte is one of the best-known meze of southeastern Türkiye's cuisine. It is not cooked over fire; its flavor comes from kneading the bulgur for a long time with isot pepper and spices.

As it is kneaded, the bulgur absorbs the spices and isot, softens and finds its texture, which is why the taste of çiğ köfte depends so much on the effort put in.

The traditional recipe also uses raw meat; today it is just as commonly made without meat. You can ask our team what goes into the çiğ köfte at Lezzet-i Şark Gusto.

How is çiğ köfte eaten?

Çiğ köfte is wrapped in a lettuce leaf or placed on top of one; a squeeze of lemon brings out the flavor. Ayran or şalgam goes well with it.

At a busy table, a plate of çiğ köfte in the middle becomes a start that everyone reaches for before the main course.

Is çiğ köfte spicy?

Because of the isot and pepper paste it is usually mildly spicy. The heat varies from recipe to recipe; isot gives a dark, slightly sweet aroma more than sharp heat. If you are not fond of heat, balance it with ayran or a yogurt meze such as haydari.