Byrek, raki and lamb baked in yoghurt. Look for these things on the menu in Albania!
Albanian cuisine is composed of many well-known flavors from several neighboring countries. You will find influences from Greece, Italy and Turkey. Many of the dishes are quite simple, with few, but high quality ingredients taking the center stage. Albanian food is not particularly spicy, but they use a lot of herbs and spices to add flavor.
Here are some local Albanian dishes you should try.
Fërgesë
Fërgesë is a traditional Albanian stew and consists of tomato sauce, cottage cheese, paprika and garlic.
It’s delicious, and is usually served with bread.
Tavë Kosi
Tavë Kosi is one of the most distinctive Albanian dishes, and completely different from anything else I’ve eaten.
The dish is usually made from lamb, but you can also use chicken. The lamb is baked in the oven together with yoghurt, rice and eggs. The yogurt becomes almost like soured milk/kefir when it is baked for so long, and the meat becomes very tender and delicious.
This dish is really tasty, but a bit heavy and weird for my taste, so not something I craved every day. But you should definitely try it at least once!
Byrek
Byrek, on the other hand, I can happily eat every day. Albanian byrek comes in different shapes and with many different fillings. My favorite is spinach and feta, but they also come with chicken, meat, onions, tomatoes, vegetables, different types of cheese and herbs.
Fresh byrek from the bakeries is very affordable, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, a snack on the go, on the beach or on a longer bus or car trip.
Grilled meat
Albanians are very enthusiastic about barbecue, so expect to be served food cooked over an open flame.
Tave Mishi is a plate of different types of grilled meat and sausages, and the menus often contain many different kebab and skewered dishes. The meat is basically served as is, so remember to order vegetables, rice or salad on the side if you want side dishes.
Grilled fish
Albania has a long coastline, and fish (peshk) is a popular dish. It is preferably grilled whole, topped with a little olive oil and salt and served with tomatoes and a slice of lemon. So simple, but so incredibly delicious!
At a small restaurant in Saranda, we got a tip from the waiter that they had just brought in a completely fresh fish of a different type than the one we had ordered. Maybe we would rather have the fresh one? Of course we would!
Stuffed vegetables
One of our favorites was grilled stuffed peppers – a delicious flavor bomb that you absolutely have to try.
You will also find other stuffed vegetables on the menu, such as squash, eggplant, cabbage leaves or vine leaves.
The filling consists of minced meat, lamb, cheese or just vegetables and rice together with wonderful herbs and spices.
Do you like a cold beer with your food? Check out our guide to Albanian beer!
Albanian Desserts
Baklava
Baklava is one of my favorite desserts. The Albanian variety often comes with walnuts instead of peanuts.
Ashure
Ashure is a porridge-like dessert originating from Turkey. It consists of nuts and fruit, and is served cold.
Trilece
Trilece is a kind of milk cake. It actually comes from Latin America, but is also popular in Turkey and Albania. It is made from different types of milk and topped with caramel.
Petulla
Petulla is simply fried dough. We bought this crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside delight on the beach in Saranda, from an old woman who was selling sweets and corn on the cob. It comes with different types of toppings, such as chocolate, jam or honey.
Teshpishte
Pastries with nuts and dried fruit are a common in Albania. Here you see the cake Teshpishte, served with a dessert wine.
Kadaif
Kadaif is the Albanian version of Turkish Kunefe. On the outside, it consists of fried shredded phyllo dough, and on the inside, there is warm cheese. It is often served with pistachios and syrup or honey on top.
Rakija/Raki
Raki is a popular drink among the locals. Many Albanians drink their morning coffee with a small glass of raki as it is supposed to be good for their health.
As raki consists of 40% alcohol, we weren’t quite ready for it during breakfast. After dinner, however, it’s perfect! Albanians are very open and friendly, and it is not unusual for the waiter at the bar to have a raki with you.
Gëzuar! 🙂
Considering a trip to Albania, but not sure which city to choose? Read our posts about Saranda and Tirana:
Tirana – Albania’s Quirky Capital
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