Kokoreç is a Turkish specialty made from chopped, grilled, or roasted lamb intestines. It can be used as a snack for Turkish-French baguette (Francala) can be eaten or it can be served on a plate with a side dish as a main meal. Kokoreç is all over Turkey known and popular. It is also common in Balkan countries.
After careful cleaning, the intestines are wound around the skewer like a coil. The core and middle layer of this casing roll are made from lamb fat to prevent the food from drying out when grilling or roasting.
Kokoreç is either fried on a hot plate or traditionally rolled on horizontal skewers and then grilled in a special grill, usually charcoal fired.
The most commonly used spices are primarily salt, pepper, thyme, cumin and hot chili powder or coarsely chopped chilli powder.
Whether you taste bread or not, anyone who has tasted Kokoreç will love it.
We have 8 of the best Kokoreç restaurants in and Istanbul tested for you. This culinary attraction should not be missed on the Istanbul street food tour.
1. Cengelköy Kokoreççisi in Uskudar
Their mascot is a cartoon chef known as "the man who makes you eat" (Turkish: Yediren Adam). If you really don't like red meat, then the fragrant mussels are a delicacy not to be missed.
2. Reks Kokoreç in Kadikoy
Reks Kokoreç is one of the best Kokoreç restaurants in Istanbul. If you don't want to eat offal, however, this enticing restaurant also serves meatballs, chicken, and sucuk (Turkish garlic sausage) on a plate, wrapped in wraps.
Address : Reks Kokoreç, Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:1, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
3. Gala Kokoreç in Beyoglu
If you are absolutely sure that Kokoreç is the right meal for you, Gala Kokoreç is in beyoglu, close to Galata Tower, one of those rare places where you can stuff a whole loaf of bread with delicious grilled lamb intestines or sucuk. This is a chain of stores that is popular for its simplicity and value for money.
Address : Gala Kokorec, Şahkulu, Müeyyedzade, Galip Dede Cd. No:111/A, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
4. Özen Kokoreç in Besiktas
One of the best places in Besiktas, Ortaköyto eat kokorec. The clam pan is good too.
Address : Ozen Kokorec, Mecidiye, Dereboyu Cd. No:11, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
5. Kokoreçiler Kralı Zülfu Usta in Fatih
Located in the tourist heart of Istanbul, this humble place is an undiscovered gem loved by those in the know. Kokoreç is grilled on the rustic embers of charcoal, leaving behind a smoky flavor that fascinates all grill lovers.
Address : Kokoreçiler Kralı Zülfü Usta, Mercan, Uzun Çarşı Cd. No:4, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
6. Ozzie's 1968'Den Beri Kokoreç in Beyolgu
Kokoreç is a perfect late night meal. in last Time however, kokoreç has become a staple on gourmet restaurant menus. Ozzies Kokorec is the best Kokorec restaurant in Istanbul according to foodies.
7. Güneş Kokoreç in Bahcelievler
If you stroll through the streets of Istanbul, far from the tourist district, the seductive scent will meet you. This is the place and it will seduce you long before you set foot in it. The decoration is kept a bit simple, but in terms of hygiene, great importance is attached to details.
Address : Güneş Kokoreç, Bahçelievler Merkez, Lale 1 Sk., 34180 Bahçelievler/İstanbul, Turkey
8. Kral Kokoreç in Sirkeci / Eminonu
This take away restaurant has been serving one of the best Kokoreç restaurants in Istanbul since 1992. They have the Izmir and Istanbul versions and stuffed mussels. A little more expensive than others, but the exquisite taste will surprise you.
Address : Kral Kokoreç Sirkeci, Hobyar, Büyük Postane Cd. No 26/1, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
The most frequently asked questions about Kokorec
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what's in Kokoreç?
Kokoreç is a Turkish specialty made from chopped, grilled, or roasted lamb intestines.
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How is kokorec made?
Kokoreç is either fried on a hot plate or traditionally rolled on horizontal skewers and then grilled in a special grill, usually charcoal fired.
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Why is Kokoreç banned in Germany?
The EU bans the sale of intestines, liver, spleen, brain and eyes of slaughtered cattle. A guideline to combat BSE and other diseases.
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How does Kokorec taste?
It tasted very spicy, like a piece of grilled meat, a bit harsh, but really good.
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What is kokorec made of? What's in there?
Kokoreç is a combination of lamb's large and small intestines, called mumbar, with delicious spices, eg: thyme. The addition of tomatoes and peppers is unprecedented for flavor.
