Albanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, shaped by Ottoman influence and local traditions.
Main Dishes
1. Tavë Kosi
Albania's national dish - tender lamb baked in a creamy yogurt and egg sauce until golden. Rich, tangy, and utterly satisfying.
2. Fërgesë
A Tirana specialty of peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese baked until bubbly.
3. Qofte & Byrek
Qofte: Albanian meatballs with herbs and feta. Byrek: Flaky filo pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat - the ultimate Albanian snack.
Seafood
Grilled Fish
Fresh catch from the Adriatic and Ionian - sea bass, sea bream, and mullet grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Appetizers & Sides
Djathë i Bardhë
Albanian white cheese similar to feta, made from sheep or goat milk. Found on every table.
Sweets
Bakllava & Trilece
Bakllava: Albanian-style baklava with walnuts and sweet syrup. Trilece: Three-milk cake soaked in cream and topped with caramel.
Drinks
Raki: Albania's national spirit - grape brandy. Albanian Wine: Try reds from Berat. Coffee: Espresso culture rivals Italy.
Where to Eat
Seek out family restaurants away from tourist centers. Don't miss breakfast at local bakeries serving fresh byrek with dhallë (buttermilk).
