Albanian Food: Top 10 Traditional Dishes to Try in Albania
Albanian food reflects old gastronomic traditions of various Mediterranean cultures. Countless authentic dishes make up Albanian cuisine; each region offers its spin; among many recipes, these are the most popular dishes to try in Albania.
1. Byrek
Byrek is an iconic salty Albanian pie (albeit it draws inspiration from Ottoman/Turkish cuisine). Thinly rolled dough layers make up this authentic, crunchy pie. Various food fillings lie in between these layers. The fillings vary depending on preference but the fillings’ choice will give the name to a specific Byrek recipe in a series of different pie varieties. The most cooked recipes are “Byrek me Gjizë” (“Byrek with Ricotta Cheese”), “Byrek me Domate dhe Qepë” (“Byrek with Tomatoes and Onions”), “Byrek me Mish” (“Byrek with Meat”), and “Byrek me Spinaq” (“Byrek with Spinach”).
All Byrek variations remain popular across Central Albania. Meanwhile, the southeastern Albanians prefer a much thinly rolled version they alternatively call “lakror”. When in Albania, order a tasty triangular Byrek and savor a simple and fulfilling Balkan flavor.
2. Bakllava
Bakllava is the most popular traditional dish among many Albanian desserts. It has a clear Turkish origin but throughout centuries it gained original and local cooking craftsmanship. Dough layers with sweet nuts or pistachios, one on top of the other, make up this mouth-watering dessert. Then, these layers spend a long time in the oven. After the baking, cookers add a very sweet syrup called “shërbet, making the whole thing a smooth and juicy delight.
Cookers traditionally use a large aluminum or inox tray to prepare Bakllava. This preparation gives it a more authentic feel. The fully prepared dessert is then cut and served into diamond-shaped pieces. This traditional dessert is a must-try during festivities and special occasions.
3. Tavë Kosi (Sour Milk Casserole)
Locals have a special love for the dish they call Tavë Kosi. It is a unique and dense medley or goulash made with lamb or chicken meat, eggs, and yogurt (or sour milk). Cookers then place all ingredients into a casserole and cook them well in the oven. They add seasonal herbs that make the dish somewhat exotic. Like many other traditional Albanian dishes, it’s best when warm.
4. Fërgesë
Fërgesë is one of the most authentic dishes in Albania. Its main ingredients include cottage cheese, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices. The main two variations of this recipe are “Fërgesa me piperka” (“Fërgesa with peppers”) and “Fërgesa me mëlçi” (“Fërgesa with liver”). The first is ideal as a side dish while the latter is perfect as a main course. Many call “Fërgesa me mëlçi” simply “Tavë Dheu”.
Fërgesa is the symbol of simplicity and a little meat mania of the Albania cuisine. This dish is typical in taverns and guesthouses around the country. Along with some warm home-made bread, you’ll feel at home and fill your belly.
5. Jufka
If Italians have spaghettis, the Albanians have Jufka Dibre. Jufka is pasta made by hand with only flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. This delicious dish dates from the 16th century. It seems to have originated from the Dibra region and quickly spread as an easy-to-prepare meal in the Albanian highlands and then all over the country. Cooked and served commonly with boiled and then oven (roasted) uncut chicken, the dish is ideal during winter.
The pasta resembles the tagliatelle and gains flavors from the chicken and its broth, as well as additional herbs such as parsley, and thyme. The cautious cook in the oven results in a dish with gold-colored al dente yet somewhat crispy jufka-s as well as wholesome, succulent, and nutritional chicken meat. Jufka-s with chicken goes along superbly with a seasoned fresh salad. Another variation of this meal replaces chicken meat with generous chops of tender beef.
6. Petulla
Petulla is a household favorite dish among Albanians. It is the nation’s version of pancake or donut. Like other foods of this family, Petulla offers a yummy taste when dipped into some honey or other sweet sidings. The recipe is easy: mainly flour and eggs.
7. Shëndetlie
Shëndetlie is one of the oldest recipes in Albanian cuisine. This stunning dessert tastes like an authentic combination of cookie, cake, and ice-creamy textures. The main ingredients include flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, honey, and butter. Cookers add the additional sticky liquid they call “shërbet” to the delicacy. Water, sugar, cloves, and vanilla can all make up “shërbet“. As in the recipe for Bakllava, “shërbet” is thrown into the dessert once the latter has been cooked in the oven.
8. Imam Bajalldi
Imam Bajalldi is another bizarre Albanian food with some eastern influences. It consists of large stuffed eggplants cooked in the oven. Ingredients used as fillings vary; they commonly consist of garlic, onions, and tomato puree. Other complementing condiments of the recipe are dill, pressed pepper, and olive oil giving this plate a more Mediterranean feel. Imam Bajalldi is the ideal traditional summer dish. Fresh and on-season ingredients combine their powers to serve as an effective and natural appetite stimulant.
9. Tavë Krapi (Carp Casserole)
Albania is a seaside country with a long stretch of coastline. The waters of the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, as well as those of the major lakes and rivers, provide fresh authentic ingredients for seafood lovers. Many restaurants and households across the Albanian riviera offer freshly caught and cooked fish in the oven. For the best and most authentic gastronomic experience try the “Tavë Krapi” (“Carp Casserole”) of the Shkodra region in northwest Albania.
10. Speca të mbushura (Stuffed Peppers)
“Speca të mbushura” (“Stuffed Peppers”) is another meal commonly cooked in Albanian households. It’s frequently prepared and consumed during summer. As the name tells, the dish is made with fresh peppers filled with ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, and seasonal herbs. The stuffing can vary depending on the preferences of the cooker thus, the dish offers room for creative recipe variations.
