7 Albanian Traditional Foods You Need To Try

30 years ago, you wouldn’t have wanted to go to Tirana. As it emerged from the cocoon of communism, the Albanian capital was in a sorry state; drab, dreary and in dire need of a makeover. A makeover, it has certainly had. Tirana may have been populated since the Palaeolithic era, but in many ways, it’s an entirely new city. Young, lively and colorful, Tirana is proof that Albania is a country with big plans.

Outside the capital, Albania is full of even more surprises. From the rugged peaks of the Albanian Alps to the glistening shores of the Adriatic, natural beauty is everywhere you look. Add in centuries-old castles, Illyrian ruins and hilltop monasteries, Albania rivals even Montenegro for the title “crown of the Balkans”.

Sandwiched between Montenegro and Greece, bordered by North Macedonia and Kosovo to the north, Albania naturally positioned to be discovered whilst just passing through. This convenient location isn’t just good news for planning a Southern Europe itinerary, though. It’s even better news for your tastebuds.

Albanian traditional foods are the result of centuries of influence from its neighbors. Italian and Greek touches were added to the menu during Albania’s time under the Byzantine Empire. When the Ottomans arrived in the 15th century, they brought the taste of Türkiye with them.

Where to stay in Albania

Tirana

Most visitors to Albania will base themselves in Tirana. This is no bad idea. Albania isn’t a massive country, and seeing it on day trips from Tirana is a great way to travel. Plus, you’ll be in the heart of the action, surrounded by fascinating museums, happening nightlife and no end of top restaurants to try the best Albanian traditional foods.

We recommend staying in the center of Tirana, on the north bank of the Lana River. The area around Namazgah Mosque and Skanderbeg Square puts you closest to all the top sights. The Castle Boutique is our all time favorite; the old-time décor provides as nice break from the usual chain hotels. Vila Jasmine is one of Tirana’s best bargains, whilst the Maritim Hotel Plaza is the place to go to be pampered.

Sarande

If you want to be close to Tirana but make the most of Albania’s beautiful coastline, Durres is the place for you. My favorite Albanian coastal city, though, is 225km south of the capital. Sarande sits within touching distance of Greece, and you can even take a ferry across to Corfu for a day trip, or to start a Greek island odyssey. There’s no shortage of restaurants for seeking out Albanian traditional foods, but you will notice a whole lot more Greek influence this far south.

As a popular destination for Albanians looking to escape the city, there’s no shortage of great hotels in Sarande. Of course, the closest you can stay to the beach, the better. Lezet Hotel is our top pick. Book a sea-view room with a balcony to witness some stunning sunsets. For a spot of luxury, you won’t beat Sunset Shoreline Saranda.

Lake Ohrid

Marking the border between Albania and North Macedonia, a visit to one of Europe’s deepest lakes is a must during your time in search of the best Albanian traditional foods. The lakeside city of Pogradec and nearby Udenisht are the places to stay on the Albanian side.

Pogradec Luxe Apartment, which comes with unbeatable lake views, is our go-to in Pogradec. Sleepy Udenisht has a couple of great options. Toka Hotel comes with a beautiful open air hot tub and an excellent restaurant. Alternatively, book a room at comfortable Pashkaj Hotel. The rooms are spacious and many enjoy lake views, but it is a little pricey by Albanian standards.

Shkoder

Albania’s border with Montenegro is marked by yet another famous lake. Lake Shkoder (or Skadar on the Montenegrin side) is the largest in the Balkans. The city which lent the lake its name, is one of Albania’s hidden gems and the perfect place to spend a night or two, especially if you’re coming from, or going to, Montenegro.

The Mont Boutique is the best option if you want to stay right in the city center. For a lakefront location, Buna Park Hotel sits in the shadow of Rozafa Castle. If you don’t mind staying a little further out, Duomo Resort in Shiroka is one of Albania’s very best hotels.

The Best Albanian Traditional Foods

1. Byrek

Having mentioned the Ottoman Empire’s influence on Albanian traditional foods, it comes as no surprise that a Turkish staple tops our list. Byrek is the Albanian spelling of borek, a pastry that anyone who has traveled in Türkiye will be only too familiar with.

The name byrek refers to the type of pastry: thin, flaky filo. Round bryek, known as byrek shtepie is the most common variant found across Albania. A triangular version, bryek trekendesh, is available from street food vendors in Tirana and many coastal resorts.

There is no end to the delicious fillings byrek can be stuffed with. Ground meat with onions is ever-popular, which is to be expected when Albania consumes the fifth highest number of onions per head of any country. Cheese, spinach and egg, potato, pepper and kidney beans, and tomato and onion are some of the most common vegetarian options. Whilst less popular, sweet byrek, stuffed with pumpkin or nettles, can also be found.

2. Goulash

Wherever you are in this part of Europe, you won’t be far from a hearty, warming bowl of goulash. Although this filling stew is most associated with Hungary, goulash remains one of the most-loved Albanian traditional foods.

You’ll find goulash almost anywhere in Albania, but it’s most widely available in the north of the country. This makes sense, as we recently ranked goulash as one of the top traditional Serbian foods.

The Albanian version of the dish follows the original Hungarian recipe, with a rich red wine gravy, infused with paprika, forming the base. Beef and vegetables are added to the gravy which is then slow-cooked for several hours.

3. Fergese

One of the Albanian traditional foods which is unique to the country, fergese is often nicknamed summer stew. With a rich tomato base, it’s layered with cottage cheese, green peppers and garlic.

In more rural areas, you’ll often find fergese with meat added. Chopped liver is the most traditional addition, but veal is becoming more popular as liver has, just as in most of Europe, fallen out of favor. The meaty version of fergese is often served with bread as an entrée, whilst vegetable fergese is more commonly a side dish. If you’re seeking out Albanian traditional foods in Tirana, the chances are you’ll be served the latter.

4. Tave Kosi

Baked lamb with rice might not sound all that exciting, but tave kosi is a culinary masterpiece. If this isn’t your first rodeo in Albania, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. Tave kosi has a certain affection amongst Albanians which has earned it status as one of the country’s national dishes. Like all good national dishes, it’s so popular, neighboring countries have cottoned on.

Whereas several of the Albanian traditional foods we’ve included have their roots in the Ottoman Empire, tave kosi has gone the other way. In Turkiye, you’ll find it on menus as Elbasan tava, after the city of Elbasan where the recipe originated.

The great thing about tave kosi is how simple it is to make. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal, so if you get hooked during your time in Albania, it’s a super-easy dish to recreate at home. Simply combine the lamb and rice with yoghurt and eggs and bake until juicy and tender.

5. Peshk ne Zgare

If you make it to the Albanian Riviera, you have to sample seafood on your quest for Albanian traditional foods. You’d be right to think that, traditionally, meat and vegetables make up much of Albania’s cuisine, but by the coast, seafood has always been the staple.

Zgare is Albanian for grill, so it doesn’t take much to work out exactly what peshk ne zgare is. Yes, it’s grilled fish. Always grilled whole, you’ll usually be served peshk ne zgare with a side of potatoes. Some more elaborate, modern versions of the dish entail the fish being baked with tomatoes and spices for extra flavor.

6. Qofte

Whether you spell it kofte, kofta or qofte (although I think the Albanian take jumps off the page just that little bit more), qofte is qofte. A culinary staple throughout the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East and even Central and South Asia, there are few dishes which enjoy such widespread popularity. And that alone is testament to just how good it is.

Depending on where you are in the world, qofta can take many forms. Albanian traditional foods take on it is a simple fried, sometimes grilled, lamb and herb meatball. You’ll often find it served with French fries or salad, usually with a yoghurt dip on the side. These days, many street food vendors sell qofta on their own. They make the perfect snack whilst you’re exploring Albania.

7. Qifqi

There’s a reason qifqi follows qofta on our list of Albanian traditional foods, and it’s not only for the alliteration. If ever a natural meat-free meatball existed, qifqi is it.

A cross between meatballs and arancini, qifqi are a mixture of rice, eggs and dried mint, held together by a generous drizzle of olive oil. The mixture is rolled into balls and fried in olive oil. If you want to try truly authentic qifqi, you’ll need to ensure they’ve been cooked in the correct pan. The Gijirokaster original are fried in a special socket-bottomed frying pan.

For an even more authentic experience, you’ll want to pair your qifqi with a glass of dhalla. You might not recognize the name, but you will recognize the taste; dhalla is Albania’s taken on ayran.

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