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Flavors · Tekirdağ

Tekirdağ köftesi

Small cylindrical beef meatballs made with day-old bread, red onion, cumin and pepper, grilled over charcoal and served in portions of ten, with spicy sauce and roasted pepper.

Traditional dish from Tekirdağ

Also known as: Tekirdağ köfte, Tekirdag koftesi

Updated October 2026

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Tekirdağ köftesi — Tekirdağ, Turkey — Tekirdağ köftesi

Tekirdağ köftesi — Tekirdağ, Turkey

Tekirdağ, on the European coast of the Sea of Marmara, lends its name to one of Turkey’s best-known köfte. The meat is beef from male calves raised on the native pastures of the province. It is ground together with day-old wheat bread baked over wood fire, red onion, garlic and fat, and then seasoned with salt, cumin and black pepper, without additives.

The mixture is kneaded until homogeneous and rests chilled for 18 to 24 hours. It is then shaped into small cylinders of about 15 grams, 6.5 centimeters long, and grilled over charcoal until it reaches a light coffee color.

The portion includes ten köfte, served with spicy sauce, roasted pepper, tomato, sliced onion and parsley.

The name "Tekirdağ Köftesi" has a geographical indication registration since 2020 (No. 517), filed by the Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The registration file states that the köfte was created about a hundred years ago by a master from the province, without naming them, and that it then gained fame throughout the country.

Where it comes from

Tekirdağ
Köfte made with meat from calves raised on the pastures of the Tekirdağ province.

Ingredients

Beef, day-old wheat bread, red onion, garlic, beef fat, salt, cumin and black pepper.

How it is eaten

In a portion of ten, with spicy sauce, roasted pepper, tomato, sliced onion and parsley; with fork, with bread on the side.

When it is eaten

Year-round, for lunch or dinner.

Your questions

Questions about Tekirdağ köftesi

What is the difference of Tekirdağ köfte?

It is made with beef from calves raised in the province, day-old bread, red onion and cumin, shaped into small cylinders and grilled over charcoal. It comes in portions of ten.

Is Tekirdağ köfte spicy?

The meat contains cumin and black pepper, without strong heat. The spicy sauce is served on the side for those who want it.

Where is Tekirdağ located?

In Thrace, on the European coast of the Sea of Marmara, west of Istanbul.

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