Halal Food in Albania: 17 Best Halal Restaurants to Try Now
If you’re a Muslim visiting Albania, you may wonder if it’s easy to find halal food in this emerging European destination.
To help you out, I have compiled a list of the best-rated halal restaurants in the country, which you should consider visiting during your holiday!
Does Albania have halal food?
Although there are no official statistics, the most common religion in Albania is Islam, followed by Christianity. Religion in Albania is an interesting topic – you see, in the 20th century Albania was ruled under a few governments which enforced a systematic religion ban from the Albanian nation and national culture. This was true especially under Communism, where the regime was not just atheist but anti-theist.
Since Communism collapsed in Albania in 1991, Islam has re-emerged in the country. Today, there are about 800 mosques all over the country, up from zero in 1991. Prior to Independence there were probably double this amount, before their destruction during the Communist rule. Today, however, Albania is a parliamentary secular state with no official religion.
For these reasons, there are many people in the country who eat pork, as well as restaurants that serve it. Nonetheless, many of Albania’s traditional dishes are made with vegetables and fish, so there are plenty of options for Muslims visiting the country.
In this guide, I’m hoping to help anyone wanting to find the best places to eat halal food in Albania. While still scarce, most of the halal restaurants in Albania are located in cities like Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, Vlorë, Sarandë, and Berat. Sadly, the Albanian Riviera is still very poor in halal options so you may opt to stick to a vegetarian diet when visiting this area.
If you’re visiting the Albanian Riviera but not sure where to stay, check out my Complete Guide of Albanian Riviera Towns and Hotel Recommendations.
Is Albanian food halal?
Although many people in Albania eat pork and drink alcohol, many of the country’s traditional foods are vegetarian (or have popular vegetarian variations) or fish-based. Albania’s favourite soft drink is also alcohol-free!
Some traditional Albanian foods that may be halal:
Tavë kosi
Albania’s national dish is a casserole made with lamb meat and rice, baked with a mixture of yoghurt and eggs. Sometimes, the dish can be made using chicken, in which case it’s called “tavë kosi me mish pule“.
Fërgesë Tirane
Fërgesë is a typical side dish originating from the city of Tirana, made primarily with baked vegetables and local salted cheese (orfetaas a substitute). While the dish is vegetarian as a starter, when it’s served as a main, chopped liver or veal are added to it.
Speca të Mbushura
Stuffed peppers is a dish that you will easily find in restaurants across the country. The stuffing is usually prepared with seasonal ingredients and varies between regions and cooks, from meat to vegetarian versions – check with the restaurant for clarity.
Photo byGina JanoschfromPixabay
Byrek
Albania’s favourite snacks, Byrek is a crispy filo pastry pie that can be served with various fillings. The most popular vegetarian fillings are Ricotta Cheese, Onions and Tomatoes, and Spinach.
Trileçe
Trileçe is the Albanian version of theTres leches cakefrom Latin America. It’s made with milk and adds a divine layer of caramel on top. Yummy!
Dhallë
In contrast with the popular alcoholic beverages, Albania’s favourite soft drink is a refreshing yoghurt-based drink called Dhallë.
Want to learn more about traditional Albanian foods? Check out my post on Traditional Albanian Foods to Try in Albania with Restaurant Recommendations.
It is advisable to check directly with the restaurants or providers if a specific food or dish is halal before consumption. While halal slaughter of animals and food is permitted, there is no centralised organisation for Halal certification of food in Albania.
There are also halal food apps available that can help you find halal food in Albania. Two of the most popular ones are Zabihah and HalalTrip.
17 Best Halal Restaurants in Albania
1. Delibros – Hamburger Restaurant
4.9 ★ | Hamburger | Tirana | €€
Concept: After a visit to New York, the founders of Delibros decided to open their own burger restaurant in Tirana. They wanted to have their burgers seen as a nutritious and tasty meal, rather than as a fast food option.
Why go? The restaurant claims to be 100% halal, prioritising the sourcing of the finest halal-certified meats and poultry from trusted suppliers. There are also vegetarian burgers available.
Address: Rruga Komuna e Parisit, sh.19, k.1 A.55 Tirana 1001, Tirana, Albania
Contact: https://delibrosfood.com/
2. Hayal ET
4.8 ★ | Mediterranean Barbecue | Tirana | €€-€€€
Concept: Founded by Turkish celebrity chef Ali Parıltan (known as Alipstyle), you may even catch entertaining performances as your food is served at this restaurant!
Why go? The restaurant makes it a high priority to accommodate Muslim visitors. In 2024, the restaurant has even created a special Ramadan menu with affordable prices for Iftar.
Address: 8R78+F7M, Rruga Sami Frashëri, Tirana 1001, Albania
Contact: https://hayal-et.com/
3. Snack Bar Simple
4.8 ★ | Albanian cuisine | Gjirokaster | €€
Concept: Rustic restaurant serving traditional Albanian dishes in the historic town of Gjirokaster.
Why go? One of the only food spots in Gjirokaster where you can find halal food, including chicken and beef. They also serve traditional vegetarian dishes.
Address: Rruga Ismail Kadare, Gjirokaster, Albania
Contact: +355 69 852 0590
4. Spices of Malaysia Restaurant
4.8 ★ | Malaysian cuisine | Tirana | €€
Concept: Malaysian restaurant serving tasty and authentic dishes, including combo meals and buffet menus.
Why go? The restaurant is fully halal – they don’t serve pork or alcohol, although they do have alcohol-free beer. They also have plenty of vegetarian options and offer free delivery.
Address: Lana, Bajram Curri, Gjergi Fishta Road No.9, Tirana 1000, Albania
Contact: +355 67 606 0767
5. Pizza Treni Halal
4.7 ★ | Pizzeria | Tirana | €
Concept: Pizza restaurant serving pies, sandwiches, and other fast food bites like donner and souvlaki.
Why go? If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s halal – you can be completely at ease ordering from the menu here.
Address: 8RP8+83, Rruga Reshit Petrela, Tirana 1001, Albania
Contact: +355 69 667 0262
6. Laguna Gostivari
4.7 ★ | Pizzeria | Ksamil | €€
Concept: Local restaurant serving a no-frills and varied menu including pizza, salads, and meat dishes.
Why go? One of the very few restaurants serving halal food in Ksamil, Albania.
Address: Sheshi miqesia Ksamil, 9706, Albania
Contact: +355 69 875 0122
7. Pizza Champion & Halal Fast Food
4.7 ★ | Pizzeria | Durrës | €
Concept: Halal fast food joint serving affordable pizza, calzone, sandwiches, and other bites.
Why go? As one of the few fully-halal food spots in Durrës, you can have a stress-free experience while choosing from their menu.
Address: Rruga Pavaresia, Durrës 2008, Albania
Contact: +355 68 305 5855
8. Hallall PIZZA VLORA
4.7 ★ | Pizzeria | Vlorë | €-€€
Concept: Small local fast food spot, showcasing a fully-halal menu.
Why go? One of only a couple of halal restaurants in Vlorë. Head here if you’re visiting the city!
Address: FF9R+77F, Rruga Onufri, Vlorë, Albania
Contact: +355 69 224 3711
9. Ciao Italia PIZZA HALLAL
4.6 ★ | Pizzeria | Vlorë | €
Concept: Affordable and fully-halal fast food restaurant, located near the beach in Vlorë. The menu includes combo options.
Why go? Another reliable option for halal food in Vlorë. With a location closer to the beach, consider coming here if you’re holidaying in the area!
Address: FF3P+GV Vlorë, Albania
Contact: +355 69 356 0700
10. الذوق العربي Restorant Arabesque
4.6 ★ | Middle Eastern | Tirana | €€
Concept: Claiming to be one of Albania’s first Arab restaurants serving Arabic food, this food spot is proudly halal and caters to both local and visiting Muslims.
Why go? If you’re craving Arabic food, this is the place for you! Some special dishes require pre-order, so make sure to check their website if you’re looking for any of those.
Address: Kavaja St, Tirana 1001, Albania
Contact: https://arabsyrianfood.com/
11. Royal Fish & Chicken
4.6 ★ | Fast Food | Tirana | €€
Concept: Fast food joint serving halal options, including paninis, traditional snacks, fried chicken, burgers, and other bites.
Why go? Come here if you’re craving a quick, tasty, and fully-halal meal in Tirana. For the month of Ramadan they also offer special Iftar menus.
Address: Përballë xhamisë Dine Hoxha, Kavaja St, Tirana 1001, Albania
Contact: +355 67 313 1331
12. Fisi Restaurant – Traditional Food
4.5 ★ | Mediterranean Barbecue | Shkodër | €€
Concept: Traditional Albanian grill offering a halal meat menu, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
Why go? Book a table if you want to eat tasty meat using traditional recipes and plenty of choices, without any compromise.
Address: 4001, Bulevardi Skënderbeu, Shkodër, Albania
Contact: https://fisirestaurant.com/
Looking for vegan food in Albania? Check out my list of the Best 9 Vegan Restaurants in Albania!
13. مطعم عربي في تيرانا Oriental food
4.5 ★ | Fast Food | Tirana | €
Concept: Fully-halal restaurant that doesn’t serve pork nor alcohol. The menu includes shawarma, sandwiches, and burgers.
Why go? Come here if you are in Tirana and want a fully-halal and affordable bite.
Address: Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta, Tirana, Albania
Contact: +355 69 330 1553
14. Laguna Pizza & Ice Cream
4.5 ★ | Pizzeria | Tirana | €
Concept: Small pizza joint serving the best of both worlds – pizza and ice cream. And it doesn’t stop there, as they also serve doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes, burgers, and sandwiches, to name a few things. And all of it is halal!
Why go? Stop here if you need a quick halal bite to eat on the go.
Address: Bajram Curri Blvd, Tirana 1001, Albania
Contact: +355 69 391 0004
15. Capitol Meat & Chicken
4.3 ★ | Fast Food | Tirana | €€
Concept: Restaurant serving 100% halal meat dishes, along with traditional desserts.
Why go? A great place to stop for a convenient meal in the heart of Tirana.
Address: Kavaja St, Tirana, Albania
Contact: +355 69 600 2500
16. Restaurant WilDor & Chef Toska
4.3 ★ | Traditional cuisine | Berat | €€
Concept: Traditional Albanian restaurant serving classic halal dishes in the heart of Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows.
Why go? One of the very few restaurants serving halal food in Berat, Albania.
Address: Antipatrea on the left side gate 4 Berat 5001, Berat 5001, Albania
Contact: https://cheftoska.al/
17. Pizza Nepsi – Sarandë (Hallall)
4.3 ★ | Pizzeria | Sarandë | €€
Concept: No-frills pizza place serving both savoury and sweet options, only a short walk from Sarandë Beach.
Why go? One of the very few places in Sarandë serving halal food. Besides being a sit-down restaurant, they also do take-away and delivery.
Address: Rruga Idriz Alidhima, Sarandë, Albania
Contact: https://piceri-nepsi.al/menu/
Final thoughts
I hope this post on where to find halal food in Albania is useful for your upcoming visit. Unfortunately, many cities in Albania (including the majority of the Albanian Riviera) still don’t offer many halal options. However, many traditional Albanian foods can be halal, so you can always look out for these.
Though if you’re looking for some reassurance that you enjoy a true halal meal, I hope this list of the 17 best halal restaurants in Albania is helpful for when you find yourself in Albania.
Planning to visit Albania and looking for halal food? Pin this post to save it for later!
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