For Sweetbreads in Turkey, Meşhur Kavurmacı leads with 1 review and an average score of 8.5/10. Close behind: Gece Bekçisi Yaşar Usta (5.8/10). Across Turkey, critics have reviewed Sweetbreads 2 times, averaging 7.2/10. The latest review was posted on 20 September 2025.
Uykuluk, or Sweetbreads, is a delicacy made from the thymus gland or pancreas of young animals, usually lamb or calf. While it fits into the category of offal, it has a texture and flavor distinct from other organ meats—remarkably tender, creamy, and mild. In Turkish cuisine, it is typically grilled over charcoal (ızgara uykuluk) until the exterior is crispy and golden while the interior remains soft. It is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Often served in a sandwich or on a plate with fresh onions and peppers, Uykuluk is particularly famous in the Sütlüce district of Istanbul.
| Rank | Place | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meşhur Kavurmacı | 8.50 |
| 2 | Gece Bekçisi Yaşar Usta | 5.83 |
Özgür Akbıyık
I tried the kokorec kidney and sweetbread. All three were incredibly disappointing. The sweetbread was full of large, unbreakable pieces. The kokorec looked like it had burnt some of its fat, or the leftovers from the grill had been scraped onto the bread. Despite this, I can't understand why the place was so packed.
Özgür Akbıyık
The cooking and softness of the sweetbread was very good. It was the best compared to the places I've eaten before. The spices put in the sweetbread in this shop were fresh and there was also chopped hot pepper, which I liked, I recommend it.
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