Kofte

Although it is possible to prepare meatballs with different ingredients, from bulgur to vegetables, from chicken to fish, when meatballs are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is varieties made with red meat. This is basically prepared by adding onions and spices to ground beef or lamb, then kneading. 

Different Meatballs You Have To Try

Every region has a famous meatball. As a matter of fact, almost everyone loves these meatballs, which are easy to make and taste great, and they cook in the kitchen. Let’s take a look at the types of Turkish meatballs without making you wonder anymore.

A legend that everyone adores: Mom’s Meatballs (Anne Köftesi)!

Dried meatballs, one of the most popular dishes, are also one of the most practical. Mother patties are prepared by kneading minced meat, bread crumbs, garlic, onion, mint, parsley, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. After being shaped, it is fried in a low-oil pan. If you wish, you can prepare the meatballs by putting some cheddar cheese in the middle while shaping them.

İnegöl Meatballs (İnegöl Köfte)

İnegöl meatballs are grilled meatballs made in the İnegöl district of Bursa. It was created by Turkish immigrants who came to İnegol from the Balkans at the end of the 19th century. The amount of spice in it is minimal as of the hesitation that the spice flavor will overpower the meat flavor. It has a unique, long, and narrow shape.

İnegöl meatballs have been registered and geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office

Tekirdağ Meatballs (Tekirdağ Köfte) 

It is thought that Tekirdağ meatballs which are prepared with ribs, were brought into the culinary culture of Turkey by Thessaloniki immigrants. Tekirdağ meatballs are always served with a hot pepper sauce. It is similar in shape to İnegöl meatballs, that is long and narrow.

Meatballs with Pita Bread (Pideli Köfte)

This one is a very unique dish with its multiple elements. Pideli köfte originates from Bursa, and it is highly favored, not to say extremely tasty. The deal with this meatball recipe is the layout of the dish. Pita bread, cut into square pieces, is laid on the bottom of the plate and soaked with a very flavorful, thick tomato sauce. Then the meatballs that are soaked in the same sauce are laid upon the pita bread with a serving of yogurt with roasted peppers and tomatoes.

The last golden touch is the sizzling molten butter poured over the dish right after they serve it on your table. It definitely is one of the best delicacies you can have a taste of if you are fond of meatballs! Be careful; this is a very heavy dish, so be sure to spoon the yogurt from time to time as it helps with digestion. 

İzmir Meatballs (İzmir Köfte)

This meatball recipe is one that we share with Greek people as they were the first ones to make it when they used to live within the Ottoman Empire borders. It contains ground beef, onions, eggs, black peppers, cumin, and salt, all mashed together and then given into the oven. It is garnished with tomatoes, and potatoes and simmered in meat broth with the last touch of olive oil.

Places to Eat Meatballs in Istanbul

We know, we talked about a lot of meatballs, maybe more than you can try, but no worries! Here we will give you two of the best restaurants that excel at the meatball business in Istanbul. 

Namlı Rumeli Köftecisi

This is hands down one of the most famous, if not the most, meatball restaurants you can ever see. It even made it to the list of some of the prominent gourmets. It is not just a culinary destination as it is located in Fatih, the district of the Historical Peninsula. There are lot to see and look around the shop.

Meşhur Filibe Köftecisi

This place is very close to the one we mentioned right now, but they would have tight competition in terms of taste. We should also tell you that this place has been in service since 1893!