Kofta in the UK: what it is, how to order it, where to find it
Kofta (kafta) is Lebanese spiced lamb mince, kneaded with onion, parsley and seven-spice, shaped on skewers and grilled over charcoal, or baked with tomato and potato. Juicy, herby and fragrant, it is the lamb centrepiece of the Lebanese grill and a versatile base for baked dishes too.
What kafta is
Minced lamb (or a lamb and beef mix) is kneaded thoroughly with grated onion, finely chopped parsley, salt and seven-spice (baharat: allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) until smooth and elastic, then pressed onto flat skewers and grilled over charcoal. The kneading binds it so it holds without egg. Beyond the grill, kafta is baked with tomato and potato (kafta bil sanieh), simmered in tomato sauce, or shaped into balls. The grilled version is served with grilled tomato and onion, flatbread, hummus and toum. Parsley and seven-spice are the defining flavours, fresher and more herb-forward than a Turkish adana.
How to judge it
It should be juicy and charred, smooth-textured from proper kneading, and fragrant with parsley and seven-spice, not dry or crumbly. Grilled over charcoal beats gas. A dry, grey, under-seasoned kofta is the low end. The herb-and-spice balance and the char are the marks of a good one. It is often the best-value item on the grill.
Kafta across the menu
On the grill it sits with shish taouk and lamb cubes. Baked kafta with potato and tomato is a home-style main. Kafta is the Lebanese take on spiced lamb mince, distinguished from the Turkish adana by its parsley and seven-spice and its milder heat.
Where it is done well in the UK
Lebanese and Levantine grills. The list below shows areas with the most Lebanese restaurants.
How to order it
Order kofta (kafta) as the lamb part of a Lebanese grill; it should be juicy, herby with parsley and fragrant with seven-spice, charred over charcoal. A mixed grill with shish taouk and lamb cubes is the way to share. Baked kafta with potato is the home-style version.
Where it's done well
UK councils with the most kofta specialists, by restaurant name, in our directory.
Restaurants near you
Search by postcode or use your location to find restaurants likely to serve kofta near you.
Make it at home
Serves 4 · 40 min
Ingredients
- 600 g minced lamb (or lamb and beef)
- 1 onion, grated and squeezed dry
- a large handful of parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp seven-spice (baharat), salt, pepper
- flatbread, grilled tomato and onion, hummus, toum
Method
- 01Knead the lamb with the onion, parsley, seven-spice and salt for five minutes until smooth and sticky.
- 02Chill for 30 minutes, then press onto flat skewers.
- 03Grill over hot charcoal, turning, until charred and just cooked.
- 04Rest on flatbread and serve with grilled tomato, hummus and toum.
Knead the mince well so it holds on the skewer without egg. Parsley and seven-spice are the Lebanese signatures.