Traditional Albanian Food: 12 Popular Foods to Try in Albania

If you’re a foodie visiting Albania, I’m sure you’ll want to try as many Balkan and Albanian traditional foods as possible. As a foodie myself, I was completely surprised by the typical foods in the country – and I’m going to help you find them too!

I’ve compiled this guide about Albanian foods and some of the most popular dishes that you absolutely cannot miss during your trip.

What is traditional Albanian food?

Albanian food is the food that’s typical in the country of Albania – located in the western Balkan peninsula and on the Mediterranean Sea. Its geographical location certainly contributed to influencing its gastronomy.

Albania also has differences in its traditional dishes depending on the region. In the north of the country, the cuisine is influenced by the coast and the mountains – meat, fish and vegetables make up the core of the typical dishes here. The central region of Albania is flatter and fertile, with plenty of fish as well as hearty meat dishes and desserts. The south is where most cattle and stock farms are, so you’ll find an abundance of dairy- and meat-based dishes, as well as fish and seafood along the Albanian Riviera. Albanian food is usually not spicy.

Many people ask whether Albanian food is similar to Greek or Turkish food. The answer is that Albanian gastronomy (and Balkan cuisine in general) historically had a strong influence from Byzantine and Ottoman cuisines, which in turn also influenced modern Turkish and Greek gastronomies. As a result, these countries share dishes that not only have similar recipes, but many times also share the same name! For example, the Albanian dish “Byrek” is called “burek” in some other Balkan countries, and “börek” in Türkiye.

12 Traditional Albanian Foods and Drinks to Try in Albania

1. Fërgesë Tirane

Out of all the traditional Albanian foods I’ve tried, this is my absolute favourite – which I fell in love with during my road trip in Albania!

Fërgesë is a typical side dish originating from the city of Tirana, but served in restaurants across the country. It’s a baked specialty made with vegetables, tomato, bell peppers, onions, local salted cheese (or feta as a substitute), basil, butter, flour, and olive oil. It’s served hot and a great traditional option for vegetarians. Believe me, the melted cheese is to die for and, as soon as the bread is put on the table, it all disappears like magic!

Fërgesë can also be served as a main dish, in which case it is served with chopped liver and garlic (then called “fërgesë me melçi” or “tavë dheu me mëlçi“), or with veal (this way called “fergesë e tiranës me mish viçi“).

2. Tavë kosi

Tavë kosi is one of Albania’s national dishes, originating from the town of Elbasan.

This casserole dish is made with lamb meat and rice, baked with a mixture of yoghurt and eggs added to a roux (replacing the original recipe from the 15th century, which used kos, a traditional Albanian soured milk). Due to the use of yoghurt, the dish is slightly acidic and may be an acquired taste for some – but you’ll never know unless you try it!

Occasionally, the dish can be made using chicken, in which case it’s called “tavë kosi me mish pule“.

3. Byrek

One of Albania’s favourite snacks, Byrek is a crispy filo pastry pie that can be served with various fillings. The most popular filling variations are Byrek with Ricotta Cheese (“Byrek me Gjizë”), Byrek with Onions and Tomatoes (“Byrek me Domate dhe Qepë”), Byrek with Spinach (“Byrek me Spinaq”), and Byrek with Meat (“Byrek me Mish”).

Versions of this snack are popular in other Balkan countries, and in Türkiye – called Burek, Byurek, Byrek, Böregi, or Börek, depending on the country.

4. Raki

Raki (or Rakija) is Albania’s traditional alcoholic drink, and it is a very important part of the country’s culture and tradition. It is common for people to make their own raki at home, especially the older generations.

It is a very strong brandy (40% alcohol content) that I would describe as very similar to the Portuguese Aguardente (aptly meaning “fiery water”) that the older generations drink, in my home country. Raki can can be made from various types of fruits, but it is most common to use grapes.

Traditionally, in Albania, raki is sipped slowly, little by little as it burns your throat. It can be drunk before or after a meal, or even accompanied by a cup of coffee in the morning (definitely not for the weak!)

5. Trileçe

From the traditional Albanian foods that I often randomly daydream about, Trileçe is definitely one of them!

This has to be one of the most delicious desserts ever invented, full stop. Although it is similar to the famous Tres leches cake from Latin America, the Albanian version of the recipe adds a layer of caramel on top that is just divine (oops here I am drooling again!).

I had the above slice at Guvat Bar Restaurant in Ksamil, and the fresh fruit paired with the soft cake and the sweetness of the caramel was just pure delight.

6. Albanian Beer

Trying out traditional Albanian foods begs for a traditional drink to go along with it – and the beer lovers will be pleased to learn that there are a few local options to taste.

Among the Albanian beer brands available, you can find Korça, Tirana, Elbar, Kaon and Stela on restaurant menus.

7. Stuffed Peppers (Speca të Mbushura)

If you’re looking to sample traditional Albanian foods over the summer, stuffed peppers is a dish that you will easily find in restaurants across the country during this time of the year.

The stuffing is usually prepared with seasonal ingredients and varies between regions and cooks. Although the dish can be made using meat, it is easy to find restaurants serving the vegetarian version of this dish.

8. Petulla

If you’re looking for traditional Albanian breakfast foods, then look for small bakeries or coffee shops where you can get a petulla.

Petulla is a fried dough snack, commonly served with powdered sugar, honey, jam, or feta cheese (for a savoury version). It pairs well with the typical drink Dhallë, as a snack.

9. Dhallë

If you ever feel the need for a refreshing drink in Albania, look for a bottle of Dhallë. It is the favourite soft drink in Albania and, as a nice contrast to Raki, it is made with nothing else but yoghurt, ice-cold water, salt and pepper.

It is very refreshing, especially on hot summer days. However, for some foreign visitors it may be an acquired taste. Try it and check out for yourself!

10. Tave Peshku

Whether you’re visiting the Albanian coast or its lakes, you have to try some local fish dishes. Tave Peshku is a typical oven dish made with white fish (like cod or sea bass), onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. It is often served with potatoes and other vegetables.

This is a very simple dish, similar to other oven-baked fish dishes that you can find along the Mediterranean coast in Europe. I had this beautiful serving (made fresh to order for myself and my partner) at Taverna Fish-Time, in Sarandë.

11. Qofte fërguara (Fried Meatballs)

Considered one of Albania’s national dishes, Qofte fërguara (fried meatballs) are popular either as an appetiser or as a main dish.

The traditional Albanian dish is prepared by combining minced lamb or beef (or occasionally chicken) with feta cheese, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs, and mint. The mixture is then seasoned and fried. Whether shaped into balls, patties, or sausages, they’re commonly served with a yoghurt-based dip and pair well with local beer.

12. Baked cheese (Djathë i pjekur)

If there was a dish that I ordered again and again during my trip to Albania, it was baked cheese. Personally, I am obsessed with cheese (despite the fact that I am lactose-intolerant) – and there’s something about melty, hot baked cheese that just gets me.

This is a very simple yet delicious dish of baked white cheese and vegetables (such as tomatoes and bell peppers). It’s usually served as a starter, and accompanied by bread.

What are the prices for food and drink in Albania?

To understand the cost of food in Albania, you should understand that the minimum wage (in 2024) is 385 Euros per month, or just over 4,600 Euros per year. Albania has one of the lowest minimum wages in Europe, and far lower than that of its neighbour, Greece.

As such, food and drink in Albania will be generally cheap, when compared to other European countries. This will be more noticeable if you travel in the north of Albania, or in the inland towns away from the coast.

In Tirana, you may notice that food prices are not far off from those in other Eastern European countries. If you head to Ksamil, south of the Albanian Riviera, some trendier bars and cafes may practice prices similar to those in other popular European summer destinations.

For reference, it is not uncommon to find main dishes in restaurants for 6-7 Euros (600-700 LEK), and starters like baked cheese for 2-4 Euros (200-400 LEK). Bottled beer usually costs less than 2 Euros (200 LEK). When I travelled with my partner, our restaurant meals often cost around 24 Euros for both of us, including starters, mains, drinks, and desserts.

If you’re planning to visit the Albanian Riviera but not yet sure where to stay, check out my Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay in the Albanian Riviera.

Where to try traditional foods in Albania?

If you’d like to go on a foodie adventure in Albania and sample all the popular foods, you can do so on your own by going to local traditional restaurants (of which there are plenty!). However, you can also try out a traditional food cooking class.

Traditional Food Cooking Classes in Albania

In my opinion, cooking a country’s traditional food is one of the best ways to familiarise yourself with its history and culture. Cooking classes often also introduce you to local people who love to share their norms, customs, and sometimes even their homes – while teaching you all about their typical dishes.

Choose from these best-rated traditional cooking classes in Albania:

Traditional Albanian Food Restaurants in Albania

Restaurant Beratino

4.5 ★ | Albanian cuisine | Berat | €€

Concept: Typical rustic Albanian restaurant in a traditional Ottoman stone house. Located at the heart of Berat’s city centre known as the “Town of a Thousand Windows”.

What to order: The Fërgesë here is absolutely divine! You should also try the Berati Beef (Vienezi i Beratit), which is a traditional dish from the city of Berat itself.

Address: Rruga Zoi Tola, Berat 5001, Albania

Contact: +355 69 481 7117

Antigoni

4.2 ★ | Albanian cuisine | Berat | €€

Concept: Traditional Albanian restaurant serving local dishes and drinks with beautiful views over the hilly “Town of a Thousand Windows”. Try to get a table by the window or outside for a privileged view.

What to order: Tavë kosi – Albania’s national dish.

Address: PW3X+8MX, Rruga Kristaq Tutulani, Berat 5001, Albania

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/AntigoniRestaurant/?locale=en_GB

Taverna Fish-Time

4.3 ★ | Seafood | Sarandë | €€-€€€

Concept: Seafood restaurant serving fresh fish, made to order. I had a lot of trouble finding restaurants that would serve fresh fish cooked in the oven in Sarandë, until I came across this restaurant. It did not disappoint!

What to order: The oven cooked fish (Tave Peshku)! Made to order and delicious – one portion was enough for both my partner and I, and we were FULL.

Address: Rruga Abedin Dino 140, Sarandë, Albania

Contact: +355 69 465 2020

Lefteri’s Tavern

4.4 ★ | Albanian cuisine | Himarë | €€

Concept: Oldest restaurant in Himarë, serving fresh seafood and traditional Albanian food.

What to order: The Fërgesë here is absolutely delicious – the fish was fresh and super tasty too.

Address: SH8 Spile , Central Road, Himarë 9425, Albania

Contact: +355 67 497 0164

Final thoughts

I hope this post about Albanian traditional foods and where to eat them is helpful for your travels. There are many more typical Albanian dishes that you can discover in the country, but this list is a good start.

If you have questions about any part of this post, feel free to reach out in the comments below!

Visiting Albania soon and looking for typical foods to try? Pin this post to save it for later!