Welcome to Albania– where you will find an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and fish. Food in Albania remains simple yet full of flavor, prepared with Mediterranean staples such as olive oil, garlic, and onion, but most importantly, with love!

Located in the heart of the Balkans, Albania offers a diverse array of dishes that reflect its cultural heritage and geographical influences. Turkish influence is evident due to the history with the Ottoman Empire meaning you will see mouthwatering Byrek and Turkish coffee across the country.

Here’s a guide to some of popular cultural dishes and food in Albania we recommend you try:

Tavë kosi – lamb and rice baked in yogurt, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and oregano

Fërgesë – tomatoes, cottage cheese, peppers and onions served hot in a clay dish, usually eaten with bread

Byrek – thin layers of flaky pastry baked with a variety of fillings such as cheese, spinach, leek or meat

Petulla – fried dough that can be eaten sweet with jam/ honey or savory with feta cheese

Qofte – grilled or baked meatballs with herbs and spices

Fasule – white bean soup, full of flavor including tomatoes, onions, bay leaves, paprika and oregano

Speca te mbushura – peppers stuffed with rice which can be made vegetarian or with the addition of minced meat and onion, baked and served hot

Pispili – cornbread mixed with leek or spinach, best enjoyed with yoghurt or fërgesë

Trileçe – a light sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, heavy cream and condensed milk, topped with dark and sweet caramel

Raki – a fiery spirit with a strong alcohol content made from grapes, a true symbol of Albanian culture

Hospitality is an important custom in Albanian society and therefore guests and visitors are welcomed and treated with gratitude, honouring the code of Besa. Besa, a word in the Albanian language meaning pledge of honor, is where Albanians are required to look after their guests as an act of recognition and generosity – a taste of what to expect when visiting this wonderful country.

On top of all the wonderful dishes to try here, Albania is known for its coffee culture with an estimated 18,000 coffee houses within the country, so be prepared to sit back and watch the world go by with your espresso in hand!

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tirana or venturing into the picturesque countryside, be sure to sample these iconic dishes and immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Albanian cuisine.