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Kokoreç is served in just about every neighborhood in Istanbul. For me, it’s become the perfect late-night treat.
What Is Kokoreç?
Basically, it’s a mixture of finely chopped lamb or goat intestines, diced tomatoes, and peppers, perfectly spiced to your taste with a dash of lemon. It’s usually served in bread – in a half loaf (yarım), or quarter (çeyrek) – that soaks up all the tasty juices. If you’re avoiding carbs you can also get a portion of meat only and skip the bread.
Sound good? No? Not putting anything in your mouth that sounds like “cockroach”? Chopped up intestines might not sound very appetizing to 99% of my readers. But, I guarantee if somebody gave you kokoreç and told you to eat it without telling you exactly what it was, chances are, you’d love it.
Long Night?
Kokoreç, or kokoretsi (κοκορέτσι) in Greek, isn’t one of those foods you just sit down to eat for a nice meal. Of course, it very well can be. But in most cases, it seems to come at you spontaneously at the end of a long night of drinking. Or a really weird night, i.e. “I have a feeling this night is gonna end with kokoreç”.
Where To Eat Kokoreç in Istanbul
Most Turks will tell you the best safest place to get this delicacy is a popular chain found all over Turkey called Şampiyon Kokoreç. Think of them as the McDonald’s of guts. In my opinion, it’s pretty good, but not out of this world.
Ozzie’s
My absolute favorite is Ozzie’s, which is in the Dolapdere neighborhood. It came highly recommended by my friend Deniz and didn’t disappoint. I visited at their old location in Asmalı Mescit off Istiklal Street. It’s a good idea to make reservations before visiting. Trust me – this is the best I’ve ever eaten.
Reks
On the Asian side in Kadıköy, I prefer a little place called Reks on Kadife Sokak, conveniently located right next to a row of bars and across the street from Rexx Cinema in the Moda neighborhood. I’ve never had a bad meal there, but I prefer their sandwich version.
