Time Out

"Ali Usta is a institution, famous for his çiğ köfte, a paste made from bulgur wheat and spices, spread across flatbread and eaten with arugula, lettuce, tomato and lemon juice."

Yasin Berkay

"For meatless cig kofte, we recommend Ali Usta."

Hurriyet

"The Çiğ köfte are meatless, but they are still very delicious."

KCW Today

"Highlight was the Ciğköfte - raw meatballs seasoned with bulghur, onion and chili red pepper; wrapped up in lettuce cups were particularly succulent without being too filling."

Michele Peterson

"If you want a unique cig kofte experience, head to Çiğ Kofteci Ali Usta in Istanbul. It’ll be the most entertaining 4 TL you’ll ever spend."

Jordan Bryant

"10 things to do in Istanbul - Eat Cig Kofte at the Restaurant, Ali Usta’s."

Emilie Kleding Rasmussen

"The best vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Istanbul: Çiğköfteci Ali Usta - Head back to Istanbul’s European side and try çiğ köfte – a type of vegan street food and one of the cheapest dishes in Turkey. Usually, çiğ köfte can be found around every corner, but Meşhur Çiğköfteci Ali Usta attracts special attention. The long queue moves fast, and customers usually get a sample while the owner prepares the dishes."

Istanbul Eats

"Istanbul's Top Street Foods: Çiğköfteci Ali Usta - Ali Usta’s çiğ köfte, a soft, spicy mash of bulgur and onions, is the perfect vessel for the smoky Urfa dried red pepper that gives it its red color and spicy kick."

Louis Herman

"Don’t miss extra spicy portion. Delicious and fast."