Kaburgacı Orhan – The Legend of Adana-Style Rib Skewers in Istanbul

On the Asian side of Istanbul, in the Kozyatağı neighborhood of Kadıköy, there once stood a culinary gem that brought the soul of Adana’s cuisine to the city: Kaburgacı Orhan. Founded by master chef Orhan from Adana and his wife, this warm, family-run restaurant quickly became a favorite among locals and true kebab lovers.

The Story Behind It

Orhan, who had spent years perfecting his craft in Adana, knew how to choose the right cut of meat and how to work magic over charcoal flames. Realizing how hard it was to find authentic Adana-style rib skewers in Istanbul, he decided to open a place where he could serve his hometown’s flavors exactly as they should be. Together with his wife, he launched Kaburgacı Orhan in Kozyatağı, and word of its mouthwatering dishes spread fast.

The Heart of Flavor: Rib Skewers

The restaurant’s signature dish was kaburga şiş — tender lamb ribs carefully deboned, cut into chunky cubes, and dry-marinated in the traditional Adana style. The meat was then grilled slowly over hot coals, resulting in a juicy, soft, and aromatic texture. Served atop freshly baked “tırnaklı pide” bread, it came with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and a classic onion-sumac salad on the side.

Other Menu Highlights

While the rib skewers stole the show, the menu also featured Adana-style lahmacun, boiled içli köfte (stuffed bulgur balls), fresh mezze, and tangy salads. The lahmacun was paper-thin with a rich, flavorful topping, while the içli köfte offered a perfectly tender shell packed with savory filling.

Atmosphere and Presentation

The restaurant’s design was modest yet warm. As soon as you stepped inside, the smell of the grill filled the air, and the rhythmic turning of skewers by the chefs signaled the skill and dedication behind each dish. Pides arrived hot from the oven, soaking up the juices of the freshly grilled meat, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

Pricing and Accessibility

Before its closure, the rib skewers were priced at around 550 TL, and Adana kebabs at about 475 TL. The restaurant’s address and contact details were:

• Address: Kozyatağı Mah., Değirmen Sk. Şaşmaz Sit. B Block No: 7, 34742 Kadıköy / Istanbul

• Phone: +90 (216) 410 04 15

Current Status

Although Kaburgacı Orhan is no longer in operation, it remains a treasured name in Istanbul’s culinary history. For many, it was the ultimate answer to the question, “Where can I find real rib skewers?” Today, it lives on in the memories of food lovers as one of the finest representatives of Adana’s smoky, coal-grilled flavors in the city.