Kokoreç is a traditional Turkish dish made from lamb or mutton offal, especially intestines.
The intestines are carefully washed, marinated, and then wrapped around a special skewer. The prepared meat is slowly grilled over charcoal. Once cooked, the meat is chopped into small pieces with a sharp knife and is usually served in fresh bread.
Kokoreç is a typical example of using the entire animal “from tail to snout.”
The base of kokoreç consists of lamb or mutton intestines, which must be thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes, other offal, such as sweetbreads or liver, is also used to prepare the dish, though this is not always the case.
The intestines are marinated or immediately wound around a long metal rod, and additional offal or fat may be added inside to keep the meat juicy. The next step is slow grilling over glowing charcoal. Once the grilling is complete, the meat is chopped into small pieces with a sharp knife, fried again (or reheated), seasoned with spices, and most commonly served in a sandwich.
Kokoreç is popular across Turkey, especially in Istanbul, Izmir, and other large cities, and it is considered a typical Turkish street food. Its production is relatively inexpensive, making it perfect for street vendors.
Besides Turkey, kokoreç is also prepared in Greece. There, it is known as “kokoretsi” (κοκορέτσι), and its preparation is very similar.
In Turkey, there is also a special variant of kokoreç called “Atom kokoreç.” This type of kokoreç is extremely spicy. It is prepared in the same way as the classic kokoreç, but very hot peppers, chili flakes, and other spices are added. Due to its intense spiciness, this kokoreç earned the name “atom,” symbolizing something extremely hot and strong.
Kokoreç is certainly not for everyone, but it is definitely worth trying for those who enjoy discovering new foods. I regularly have it at the Istanbul bistro Güneş Kokoreç (see “Where to Eat in Istanbul“), where one sandwich costs 60 TRY (3.20 EUR). I also always order a few pieces of stuffed mussels there.
And what about you, would you try kokoreç?
Bon appétit!
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