What is stolen meat in Cyprus?

This is such a popular dish among Cypriots, both in the north and the south. Fortunately, nowadays, you don't have to steal it, you can just buy it.

• History of Kleftiko
• How to prepare Fırın Kebab
• Where to find Kleftiko in Northern Cyprus
• Frequently Asked Questions about food in Northern Cyprus

History of Kleftiko in Northern Cyprus

The Greeks consider the dish their own, but the Turks also claim it and call it Fırın kebab. In any case, it is believed that this method of cooking originated during the Ottoman Empire.

Greek rebels against Ottoman rule, called “kleftes,” used to steal livestock and, to avoid detection, they cooked it in a pit with embers for several hours.

It is believed that this method was discovered by accident — the shepherds stole a goat from the herd owner, buried it, and to hide the traces, they set a fire on top. When they dug up their catch, they were amazed at the tenderness of the meat.

How to Prepare Kleftiko, or Kup-Kebab

Fırın kebab or Kleftiko is made from lamb. It is typically prepared using a lamb leg, which becomes very tender after cooking and is better suited for quick cooking and serving in a pink color. However, the tougher and fattier shoulder part benefits even more from slow cooking, becoming incredibly juicy and rich.

The long cooking time in a well-sealed traditional clay oven allows the dish to become tender in a way that cannot be achieved with regular cooking methods.

Fırın kebab is always cooked with coarsely chopped or even whole Cypriot potatoes. Everything is slow-cooked in the oven for several hours with spices, salt, and pepper, and also carob. The dish is served with mezze.

Where to Find Kleftiko in Northern Cyprus

Some places prepare Kleftiko once a day, usually on Sundays, as it needs to be cooked for about 7 hours in a special oven. Here are some places in Northern Cyprus where you are likely to taste this tender meat:

In a Google search, you can type firin kebab. Here are some establishments in Northern Cyprus where you can enjoy this tender meat:

• Yorgo Kasap Restaurant in Kormakitis
• Red Wine in Kayalar (also the Kormakitis Peninsula)
• The Palm House in Famagusta
• The Lodge in Çatalköy
• Meyhane Galata in Kyrenia
• Altınöre Restaurant in Hamitköy near Nicosia
• Minder Köy Mutfağı in Famagusta
• Kozan Experience in the mountains near Karşıyaka

Frequently Asked Questions about Food in Northern Cyprus

How to make Kleftiko at home?

Cut the lamb into pieces and wrap it with potatoes, garlic, and oregano (and carob if available) in parchment paper, and bake for four hours. To get a crust, open the paper 15 minutes before the end. A clay pot method is also possible.

What other meat dishes are popular in Northern Cyprus?

In addition to Fırın kebab, popular dishes include Shish kebab — pieces of marinated meat on a skewer; Adana kebab — spicy minced meat kebab; Doner — meat roasted on a vertical grill, served in flatbread; Sheftali Kebab — skinless sausage wrapped in fat.

What dough-based dishes can be found in Northern Cyprus?

Gözleme — a delicious Turkish pastry made of dough with various fillings. Lahmacun is also popular — a dough with a thin layer of minced meat and spices. And, of course, pide, often referred to as "Turkish pizza." It is a dough boat-shaped flatbread with various toppings.

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