Verified in Gaziantep.
İçli köfte is a signature dish of Turkey; we have verified places to eat it in Gaziantep. A bulgur shell moulded thin around spiced lamb and walnut, then fried or boiled. Start with where to eat İçli köfte in Gaziantep.
A bulgur shell moulded thin around spiced lamb and walnut, then fried or boiled. In Gaziantep the shell is worked so fine that the filling shows through when you cut it open.
İçli köfte is made across the southeast, but Gaziantep judges it on the thinness of the shell. Fine bulgur is kneaded with semolina and water until it becomes plastic enough to shape over one finger, and the wall is worked down almost to translucency before the filling goes in. That filling is minced lamb cooked with onion, pepper paste and, in the Antep version, plenty of walnut. The shaped köfte are then deep fried until the shell blisters. Çulcuoğlu is known for a version with a crisp outside and a heavy walnut middle, and home cooks still make them in batches for freezing.
Where to eat in Gaziantep:
Where to eat İçli köfte in Gaziantep: the editor picks
Private tour · 5 hours
Discover Gaziantep’s history, art, and cuisine on a guided tour. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, taste local street food, and explore the city’s vibrant streets.
3 hours
Join a local family in Gaziantep for a traditional Antep cooking class. Learn how to prepare classic dishes, enjoy a warm welcome, and savor the flavors of Gaziantep.
Guided tour · 2 hours
Explore Gaziantep’s culinary delights and cultural heritage on a guided walking tour. Sample iconic dishes, visit traditional markets, and learn about the city’s rich history.
