Albania has a rich and diverse culinary tradition, influenced by Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman flavors. Here are the top 10 foods you should try when visiting Albania:
1. Byrek (Burek)
- A savory pastry filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes. It's commonly enjoyed as a snack or a meal.
2. Tavë Kosi
- A traditional Albanian dish made with lamb, yogurt, and eggs, baked to perfection. It's a delicious and hearty meal, often served with rice or bread.
3. Fërgesë
- A rich and flavorful dish made with peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and sometimes meat. It's typically served with bread and is especially popular in the central and southern parts of Albania.
4. Grilled Fish (Peshk i Pjekur)
- Due to its long coastline along the Ionian and Adriatic seas, Albania offers delicious grilled fish dishes, especially fresh seafood like sea bass and sardines.
5. Qebapa
- Small, grilled minced meat sausages, often made with a mix of beef and pork. These are usually served with flatbread, chopped onions, and yogurt.
6. Sarma
- Grape leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat, and herbs, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce. It's a traditional dish in Albania, often served during special occasions.
7. Pasticë
- A traditional Albanian pastry, often filled with custard, fruit, or chocolate. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
8. Shkëmbi i Gjirokastrës (Gjirokastra Stone)
- A specialty of the city of Gjirokastër, this dish involves lamb cooked with a variety of herbs and served with potatoes, often roasted in a stone oven for an authentic taste.
9. Bajgë
- A traditional Albanian bread made from a mixture of flour, salt, and water, baked in a clay oven. It’s often enjoyed with olive oil or yogurt.
10. Kadaif
- A sweet dessert made from shredded dough soaked in syrup and often filled with nuts. It's similar to baklava and can be found in many Albanian bakeries.
Albanian cuisine offers a blend of bold and fresh flavors, with plenty of dishes to discover.