Food To Try In Albania

food to try in albania
Nina
Nina 
Updated
| 4 min read

Food is one of the best reasons why you should go to Albania. Today, Albanian cuisine is famous because it’s tasty, excellent, and fresh Mediterranean food that’s more affordable than elsewhere in Europe. In here, you can have a gastronomic experience in the gorgeous setting of this place. What makes Albanian cuisine shine among the rest is that most of its foods are spicy and meaty that promise a festival of taste in every bite. Albania boasts superb dishes from street foods to the fanciest restaurants. If you’re up for a taste-bud adventure, then read more to discover food to try in Albania.

1. Baklava


If your sweet tooth is tingling, look for baklava. It is a sweet dessert pastry that can be made in different ways as it varies from the way it’s rolled or the type of fruits and nuts it contains. The ingredients are easy but the preparation can be a little bit tedious. This dessert is also a masterpiece as it is presented artistically. It is one of the must try and buy in Albania, you can take it back home and let your loved ones taste Albania’s sweetness.

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2. Byrek


Byrek (also called burek) is the best snack while exploring the beauty of Albania. It is a pastry made of several layers of a thin flaky dough known as phyllo and filled with almost everything from cheese to apple to meat. It is also one of the traditional delicacies that can never be missed in Albania. This pastry is sweet and can make you full in just a few bites.

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3. Kaçkavall - Deep fried cheese


Cheesy lovers here is your heaven! Yes, the Kaçkavall or simply the deep fried cheese is a must eat and buy in Albania. It is one of Albania’s specialties - a hard yellow cheese that is deep fried. Here you go, the resulting dish is delicious and cheesy. There’s nothing that tastes better than tasty bread and warm cheese.

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4. Tavë Kosi (Albanian baked lamb with rice)


Indulge yourself in the national cuisine of Albania, none other than the tavë kosi. It is an Albanian casserole of lamb - a combination of yogurt, eggs, wheat flour, butter, and garlic. The wood-fired oven bread and baked cheese are also included, which add to its heavenly taste. Hey, pigging out this dish at the top of a mountain at Llogara is the best gastronomic experience in Albania.

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5. Tirana Furghes

Tave Dheu ( Tirana Furghes with Pepper ) ?

Posted by Smaklig måltid on Thursday, 8 January 2015

If you’re up for a delicious yet healthy dish in Albania, then try the tirana furghes. This a traditional Albanian cuisine which consists of peppers, chopped tomatoes with cottage cheese and served in terracotta dishes. The ingredients are easy to find and the preparation is not that hard, so if you go back home from Albania, you can try making this dish.

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6. Fërgesë


Albanian Fergese is never to be missed in Albania. It is one of Albania’s national cuisines which is easy to make. You can choose between the two versions of this cuisine - Fergese me melçi (made with Liver), the main meal and Fergesë e Tiranës me piperka (made with peppers) - a vegetarian dish that is served as a side. This is a good choice to try after a tiring Albania day tour.

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7. Seafood

Seafood, Saranda, Albania . . . . . . . . . . @sarandablog #seafood #saranda #albania?? #loveseafood #yummy #yummyfood #travelideas #traditionandadventure #udhetim

Posted by Tradition & Adventure on Tuesday, 4 September 2018

If you’re craving for a selection of seafood, do not worry, Albania serves the best seafood that you’ll ever taste. Abundant fresh water resources surround this country, so don’t be surprised if you find a lot of seafood being sold or served. You can choose from fish, crab, squid, and more. One of the best seafood cuisines served in this awesome place is the garlic infused fish. The garlic plays a major role in adding to the unique and superb flavor of this dish. There are a variety of ways on how to cook this, but the best way is always in the oven.

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8. Paçe koke

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Indeed, trying to taste pace koke is a one of a kind experience which you’ll ever have. This is an Albanian meat soup which is made from the meat of the head of a lamb or cow and it’s really appetizing. You’ll notice that the broth is thick and filling, plus the fatty pieces of meat were added to the wow factor of the soup. This is served with chili flakes and garlic oil - another wow factor if you’re in to spicy. It is a good choice to eat to energize you as you continue your Albania escapade.

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9. Stuffed peppers

Stuffed Peppers 08of9 (8736303550)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Breville USA used under CC BY 2.0

Stuffed peppers are famous in many countries, especially in Albania. This dish is one of the best healthy comfort foods that is easy to make and serve. This food is a traditional Albanian summer dish which is versatile - you can cook it in many ways and be paired with anything you like. You can fill them up with cheese or meat, you can also try the vegetarian version with mashed potatoes. The different colors of peppers make them more delicious, you can have a festival of taste in every bite. Eating this dish reminds of a happy childhood memory. For those who do not have tasted it before (just like me), having this dish will remind you of your fun experience in Albania.

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10. Qofte


Who in the world does not love meatballs? Qofte (meatballs) is one of Albania’s national dishes. This dish is really easy to make and find in every restaurant in Albania. It is a combination of mincemeat, spices, and herbs with tomato sauce and vegetables. This dish is best shared with your new found friend in Albania while having a cold beer - say cheers!

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Discover hearty food in Albania

Baklava
Source: Pexels

If Albania is not on your travel bucket list, think again. This country is the home of friendly people and beautiful attractions, and the food is no exception. This country serves the best Meditteranean food. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your gear now!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nina aspires to live life to its fullest and yearns to journey abroad with her loved ones. She believes in her inherent artistic nature and embraces the motto that "God is good all the time" as her...Read more

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