Vegan Cig Kofte (Spicy Bulgur Patties)
Vegan çiğ köfte (etsiz çiğ köfte) is Turkey's most popular street snack: a smooth paste of hand-kneaded fine bulgur with red pepper paste, tomato, walnuts, pomegranate molasses and spices. It has a low glycemic index (clinically reviewed estimate ≈45) and is eaten wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Put the köfte fingers in a large romaine leaf and squeeze plenty of lemon over them; the lettuce adds water and fibre for instant fullness.
Best preparation methods
The ingredients are kneaded hard for a long time until the bulgur softens from the kneading and the acidity of tomato and lemon, without any cooking or raw meat.
Important Nutritional Note
The modern vegan version is completely safe, free of the bacteria and parasites associated with the old raw-meat recipe, and rich in antioxidants, plant iron and fibre.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (100 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g | 5.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 32 g | 32 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 26.5 g | 26.5 g |
| Fat | 3.8 g | 3.8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 5.5 g | 5.5 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Turkish dishes with a glycemic index (7), it ranks 4 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is vegan çiğ köfte safe for people with diabetes and on a diet?
Yes, a great quick choice: its glycemic index is low (≈45), and the fibre of the bulgur and lettuce prevents a rise in sugar and gives steady energy.
What is the nutritional value of 100 g of vegan çiğ köfte (4 fingers)?
It contains about 180 kcal, 5.5 g of plant protein, 4 g of unsaturated fat (from walnuts) and 32 g of slowly digested carbohydrate.
Does the version sold in shops contain raw meat?
In Turkey, modern health rules ban the commercial sale of çiğ köfte with raw meat, and shops serve the vegan bulgur-and-nut version.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.