A koefte is a Southeastern European, Middle Eastern and South Asian meatball or dumpling. In its simplest form, the balls are prepared with minced or ground meat—usually beef or lamb—and kneaded with spices and onions.

Izmir Köftecisi is the typical stand for having one of these original meatballs. Once ordered, the kitchen prepares it with fresh ingredients—filling crispy bread with red onions, rucola, diced tomatoes, and a magic poof of pungent spices. Apparently the aroma travels far—long lines means longer wait time during peak eating hours.