Ask yourself “What to eat in Albania?” What to drink? If you are looking for something, you should know that you will find a lot of delicious Balkan food.
Albanian food culture is mostly based on meat dishes. We think this will make meat lovers happy. In this, the effect of consuming the meats of animals that grow naturally and comfortably in the country is quite large. Especially in the cities located in the central region of the country, red meat is very popular.
In the sea coasts of the country, fish and other seafood are much more preferred. Of course, the fact that fresh seafood caught from the sea is very tasty and that it is prepared with suitable cooking methods has a great weight in this.
We remind you that outstanding examples of Italian cuisine can easily be found in Albania, a country influenced by Italian culture.
Do you want to know more about traditional Albanian cooking and cuisine? Here are the 20 flavors you must try when you visit Albania;
1. Pie
Pie, one of the most popular dishes in Albania and the Balkans, is a type of delicious pastry. You can see this paste in different sizes in different parts of the country. Especially the pie made with spinach is very popular. No matter which version you eat, you can be sure that you will have a wonderful taste on your palate.
2. Fergesa
This dish, which is among the traditional dishes of Albania, is quite tasty even though it is prepared in a simple way. Pepper, tomatoes and cottage cheese are used in its production. Especially in Tirana and its surroundings, it happens a lot. These fresh products are cooked together in a cream and eaten with delicious homemade bread.
3. Yogurt Casserole
Sour casserole is considered one of the country’s national dishes. Therefore, this dish is one of the flavors that should not be missed when you come to Albania. This dish is available anywhere in Albania, from the most remote mountain villages to the most luxurious coastal cities. Food is made with lamb, eggs, rice and yogurt. Yogurt casserole can also be made with chicken.
4. Peppers with cottage cheese
Stuffed peppers prepared with cottage cheese is one of the most special flavors you can find in Albanian restaurants. The only difference from the stuffed peppers that are prepared in our country is that cottage cheese is also used in the filling. It is one of the must-try flavors for those who follow vegetarian food.
5. Fried Kačkavall
The cheese called Kaçkavall is widely used in the Balkans and Italy. Kaçkavall, a salty yellow cheese, is usually served fried in restaurants.
6. Bakllava
Turkey’s star baklava can be found in abundance in the Balkan lands. On your visit to Albania, you can find plenty of this delicacy in different sizes. Baklava, which is usually made from hazelnuts, can sometimes be made with pistachios.
7. Trilece
This dessert has become very popular in our country recently. Trileçe, which means “cake made with three milks”, goes very well especially after heavy meals, as it is a very light dessert. If you like, “What to eat in Albania?” If you are looking for the sweetest and easiest answer to the question, this dessert is definitely one of the answers you are looking for.
8. Meatballs
We said that Ottoman cuisine is very common here. Meatballs are one of the most common meat dishes in Albania. Meat seasoned with various spices and mint, served with onion and salad. It is usually served with round immigrant bread.
9. Grilled Meat
The Balkans, like the Turks, love grilled meat. These dishes, which are called “Zgara” and are a very tasty form of meat, occupy an important place among the traditional dishes of Albania, and you can try delicious kebabs in every city of the country.
10. Vegetables in the car
“What should we eat in Albania?” Another traditional flavor that should be called into question is grilled vegetables. Many different vegetables you can think of are grilled and consumed with love.
11. Fish
Albania, a country created by the sea, is also very famous for its seafood. You can order fish at affordable prices on the large terrace of many restaurants in the country and spend an unforgettable dinner.
11. Chicken fillet with breadcrumbs and mushrooms
Although beef and lamb are consumed a lot in Albania, chicken is also consumed in abundance. Prepared with grilled chicken breast and mushroom sauce. If you are not fond of red meat, it will be useful to consider this food option.
12. Qifqi
Quifki is a good choice for vegetarians as it does not contain meat. These meatless meatballs, prepared with egg, rice, mint, black pepper and olive oil, are very popular due to the practical preparation.
13. Flia
Another taste that we can count among the traditional dishes of Albania is this dish in the style of pancakes. Served with sour cream, the loaf resembles a pastry. This dish is so popular in the country that March 18 is celebrated as “Flea Day” throughout Albania.
14. Petulla
Pancakes, a light pastry snack, are prepared by frying yeast dough in hot oil. This food goes particularly well with tea and is usually eaten with honey or jam.
15. Jani Ben Fasule
Do you like dried beans? So, “What to eat in Albania?” What to drink?” You definitely should not miss this item on our list. This dish made with white beans is almost the same as dry beans in our country. Therefore, you can comfortably eat without hesitation, even its bread soak in water.
16. Shëndetli
Shëndetli, a type of cake with honey and hazelnut, is perfect for those who want something sweet with tea. Add this dessert to your basket with its soft texture and wonderful taste and try it when you go to Albania.
17. Raki
The nightlife in Albania will delight you and you can try many different types of alcoholic drinks in the country. Of course, while we’re at it, let’s just say that the most preferred alcoholic drink is brandy. You can experience a different taste with the types of brandy prepared specifically for the country.
18. Cevapcici
These stick-shaped meats, very similar to İnegol meatballs, are one of the important meat dishes that you can find all over Albania, prepared on the grill. Cracked pepper, hot sauce and pepper are among the foods that are always served with meatballs.
19. Pizza
As we mentioned at the beginning of our article, you can find many tastes of Italian cuisine in Albania, a country influenced by Italian culture. One of the most popular of them is, of course, pizza. Therefore, “What to eat in Albania?” What to drink?” one of the answers you will get will probably be “pizza”.
20. Chocolate Delight
Cafe culture is very popular in Albania and there are many cafes in the country where you can sit and enjoy something. Chocolate delight is a very delicious dessert that you can enjoy in these cafes.