Cuisine in Albania

Signature dishes

Tavë Kosi

National dish of lamb baked with yogurt and eggs.

Region: Elbasan
Main ingredients: Lamb, Yogurt, Eggs, Rice

Fërgesë

Summer staple dish of stewed red peppers and ricotta-style cheese.

Region: Tirana
Main ingredients: Peppers, Tomatoes, White cheese, Onions

Byrek

Light meal of thin pastry filled with cheese or spinach and baked.

Main ingredients: Phyllo dough, White cheese, Spinach

Qofte

Grilled meatballs mixed with herbs.

Main ingredients: Beef or lamb, Parsley, Onions

Raki

Distilled spirit made from grapes or plums, served as an aperitif.

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Grapes or plums, Yeast

Pastërma

Spiced and air-dried beef ham.

Region: Korçë
Main ingredients: Beef, Salt, Paprika, Cumin

Përmet Grape Juice Dessert

Sweet made from boiled grape syrup with walnuts.

Region: Përmet
Main ingredients: Grape juice, Walnuts, Sugar

Saganaki Shrimp

Aegean-style seafood dish cooked with feta cheese and tomatoes.

Region: Southern coast
Main ingredients: Shrimp, Feta cheese, Tomato sauce

Trahana Soup

Sour breakfast soup made from fermented wheat grains and yogurt.

Region: Mountain regions
Main ingredients: Trahana, Yogurt, Butter

Koran Fish

Local dish of Lake Skadar carp baked in the oven and served with vegetables.

Region: Shkodër
Main ingredients: Carp, Tomatoes, Onions, Peppers