What to eat in Albania? A cuisine that will delight you

When you think of unique cuisines of the world, Albania may not be the first country that comes to mind. However, this is where the flavors and traditions that are worth exploring are hiding. In this article we will go on a culinary journey through this charming country, where fresh ingredients, Mediterranean influences and the friendliness of the locals create a true paradise for the palate.

What are the characteristics of Albanian cuisine? It is a cuisine that emphasizes freshness and locality of ingredients. Here, vegetables and fruits are picked straight from the garden, and fish are caught just around the corner. This ensures that dishes always smell and taste their best. In addition, Mediterranean influences are an integral part of the culinary heritage here. Olive oil, herbs and fish form the foundation of many dishes, creating flavors that are reminiscent of the smell of a sea breeze.

It is also worth noting that Albanian cuisine is extremely regionally diverse. In the mountains, where lamb and beef play first fiddle, meat dishes dominate. On the coast, on the other hand, fish and seafood are kings of the table. They are served in a variety of delightful and not always obvious forms.

But it’s not just the food that makes Albanian cuisine so special. It’s also about hospitality – Albanians are known for their friendliness and willingness to share a meal with guests. It’s a kitchen that not only tempts with flavor, but also creates an atmosphere for sharing a meal.

The most important dishes of Albanian cuisine

Now let’s focus on the six most important dishes that are symbols of Albanian cuisine. You have to taste them to understand its true flavor and character.

Byrek

Byrek is a true classic of Albanian cuisine. This is a type of bread that comes in different varieties depending on the region. You can find them in the form of triangular dumplings or larger, square pancakes. But it’s the filling that makes this dish special. In one version, the bull’s-eye can be filled with feta cheese, which adds a sweet note and creamy texture. In another – ground beef or lamb gives it a distinct flavor and juiciness. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, a bull’s-eye with spinach or onions is an ideal choice. All the ingredients are wrapped in a thin dough, which becomes crispy after baking and the filling melts in the mouth.

Recipe for bullseye – in a nutshell

1. Ingredients:
   • Filo pastry or puff pastry
   • Filling: feta cheese, ground meat, spinach, onion, egg, spices
   • Olive oil
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
3. Mix the ingredients of the chosen filling with egg and spices.
4. Spread a layer of filo pastry or puff pastry on a baking sheet, greasing each layer with olive oil.
5. Spread the filling on the dough and wrap it in a suitable form (for example, triangles or squares).
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cake is golden and crispy.

Tavë kosi

If you’re a meat lover, you can’t miss tavë kosi. This dish is a real treat. At first glance, it appears to be simply a roasted lamb chop, but that’s not all. What gives it its distinctive flavor is the yogurt sauce in which it is dipped. The sauce is prepared from yogurt, eggs and flour, which gives it a creamy texture and delicate flavor. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and the creamy sauce makes a perfect combination. The whole thing is baked until the chops take on a golden crust. This dish is a true tribute to meat lovers.

Recipe for tavë kosi – in a nutshell

1. Ingredients:
   • Lamb
   • Yogurt
   • Eggs
   • Flour
   • Onions
   • Garlic
   • Olive oil
   • Salt, pepper, spices
2. Fry the sliced pieces of lamb in olive oil until golden.
3. In a separate dish, mix yogurt, eggs, flour, chopped onions, squeezed garlic and spices.
4. Combine the meat and sauce in a baking dish and bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.

Fergesë

I dedicated a separate article to this dish. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, fergesë is an ideal choice. This dish originated in the Gjirokastra region and is a true feast for the palate. The main ingredient is peppers and tomatoes, which are fried in olive oil and stewed with onions and spices. But it doesn’t end there – the dish is then topped with fresh, creamy gjize cheese, which gives it an intense flavor and a slight sweetness. Fergesë is served with delicious fresh bread, which is dipped in a flavorful sauce.

You can find the recipe for fergesë in the dedicated site.

Qofte

Qofte is again something for lovers of meat flavors. Here are Albanian meatballs landing on your plate, which can be prepared with different types of meat, depending on your preferences. The meat is mixed with onion, garlic, egg and aromatic spices to create juicy and tasty balls. They are fried golden and their crispy crust contrasts with the soft interior. Qofte is often served with rice, which absorbs the aromatic juices from the meat. They also often appear on tables accompanied by a fresh salad.

Recipe for qofte – in a nutshell

1. Ingredients:
   • Minced meat (beef, lamb or pork)
   • Onions
   • Garlic
   • Egg
   • Spices (e.g. oregano, ground bell pepper, salt, bell pepper)
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg and spices.
3. Form meatballs from the meat mixture.
4. Fry the meatballs in olive oil until golden brown on both sides.

Gjellë me arra

This traditional Albanian dish means as much as“meat with nuts.” This is a meat dish, usually prepared with chicken, beef or lamb, which is braised in a walnut sauce. Nuts give the dish a unique flavor and creamy texture. The dish is often seasoned with onions, garlic and aromatic spices, which gives it a rich and deep flavor. Gjellë me arra is served accompanied by rice or bread and is a unique representation of Albanian cuisine.

Recipe for gjellë me arra – in a nutshell

1. Ingredients:
   • Meat (chicken, beef or lamb)
   • Walnuts
   • Onions
   • Garlic
   • Spices
   • Olive oil
2. Chop the meat and fry it in olive oil.
3. Add finely chopped onion, garlic and walnuts.
4. Stew the meat with the nuts until it is soft and flavorful.

Peshk

Last but not least on our list is peshk, or simply fish. The Adriatic coast abounds with a variety of fish and seafood, making fish dishes a common guest on the Albanian table. They can be prepared in many ways, but one of the most popular is grilling. The fish is gently soaked in olive oil, drizzled with lemon juice and then sprinkled with fresh herbs. Such serving of freshly caught sea creatures emphasizes their natural flavor. Treating them with a live fire, on the other hand, gives them a unique flavor and creates a crispy crust on the outside.

Recipe for peshk – in a nutshell

1. Ingredients:
   • Fresh fish (such as cod, hake, or other favorites)
   • Olive oil
   • Lemon juice
   • Fresh herbs (e.g. rosemary, thyme, oregano)
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Clean the fish and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
3. Rub the fish with olive oil and lemon juice on both sides.
4. Sprinkle the fish with fresh herbs and salt and pepper.
5. Preheat a grill or grill pan.
6. Grill the fish for about 3-5 minutes on each side (grilling time depends on the size of the fish).
7. Serve the fish hot, drizzled with additional lemon juice and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Summary

Exploring the flavors of Albanian cuisine is not just an exploration of food. It’s like jumping into the vortex of the country’s history, traditions and culture. Each dish, from crispy byreks to aromatic tavë kosi, takes us back in time and space, telling its own unique story and enticing us with its distinctive flavor.

It’s not just the food on the plate, but also a reflection of the freshness and naturalness of the ingredients, the Mediterranean influences that infuse every bite, and the friendliness and hospitality of the Albanian people that make meals uniquely flavorful during the friendly atmosphere of a shared feast.

If you are ready for a culinary experience, Albania welcomes you with open arms and full plates of unique flavors. It’s a trip you’re sure to remember for years to come.