Istanbul's Ultimate: Köfte Ekmek
Grilled meatballs in fresh Turkish bread, a street standard for a century
Köfte ekmek is a grilled meatball sandwich, and it has been one of Istanbul's most popular street foods for generations. The köfte are made from ground beef or lamb mixed with onions, garlic, parsley, and each shop's own spices, then grilled over charcoal and served in fresh Turkish bread with tomatoes, onions, and spicy peppers. The bread matters as much as the meat: it soaks up the juices from the grill. The best shops have been doing exactly this, and nothing else, for decades.
Köfte ekmek is sold from grills and small stands, especially near ferry piers, parks and football stadiums.
What it is
- The köfte: small grilled meatballs made of minced meat, onion and spices.
- In bread: served in half a loaf of fresh bread with onions, tomato, peppers and parsley.
- A classic on the go: quick, filling and cheap, loved by locals of every age.
Where to try it
- Sultanahmet: the area is famous for its traditional köfte restaurants.
- Eminönü and Karaköy waterfront grill stands
- Football match days around the stadiums
Tips
- Try a plate of köfte with piyaz (white bean salad) at a sit-down köfte restaurant.
- Add chilli flakes and a little salt.
- Ayran is the classic drink.
More Istanbul street food
Hungry for more? See the Istanbul guide for more dishes, or explore the food streets of Kadıköy. A guided food tour is the easiest way to taste many dishes in one afternoon.
Köfte Ekmek: frequently asked questions
What is köfte ekmek?
Grilled Turkish meatballs served in fresh bread with onion, tomato and peppers.
Where can I eat köfte in Istanbul?
Sultanahmet has famous köfte restaurants, and you’ll find köfte ekmek stands near ferry piers and stadiums.
What do you eat with köfte?
Usually piyaz (bean salad), grilled peppers, bread and ayran.
Book tours & tickets
🎟️ See Istanbul food tours →Free cancellation on most tours · secure booking with GetYourGuide
Photo: Sandstein, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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