Albanian Food: Must-Try Dishes from Albania (Updated January 2026)
Albania’s cuisine blends Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman influences, shaped by its mountains, coast, and history. Fresh ingredients like olive oil, herbs, yogurt, and seasonal produce shine, with hearty meats in the north and seafood along the Adriatic.
Travelers rave about Albania’s affordable, flavorful meals—often healthier and more diverse than neighbors. Here’s a curated list of must-tries, from mains to drinks.
Main Dishes
Fërgesë — A creamy stew of roasted peppers, tomatoes, onions, and gjizë (sour cottage cheese). Often vegetarian, sometimes with meat—perfect comfort food.
Byrek (Burek) — Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, meat, or veggies. Grab slices from street bakeries for breakfast or snacks—spinach-gjizë is classic.
Tavë Kosi — Albania’s national dish: baked lamb (or variants) with rice in a yogurt-egg sauce. Rich and tangy—try in traditional spots.
Fli — Northern layered “crepes” with butter or cream. Addictive and filling—pair with honey or yogurt.
Qofte — Grilled spiced meatballs (beef/lamb). Street-food staple with bread and salad.
Speca të Mbushura → Stuffed bell peppers with rice and meat. Homey and satisfying.
Jani me Fasule — Slow-cooked white bean soup with tomatoes and herbs. Warming winter favorite.
Snacks & Sides
Qifqi — Gjirokastër’s fried rice balls with eggs, herbs, and mint. Crispy and addictive.
Other highlights: Petulla (fried dough), tarator (cucumber-yogurt soup), gjizë cheese, and lakror pies.
Desserts
Baklava — Phyllo layers with nuts and honey syrup—Albanian versions often walnut-heavy and extra sweet.
Also try kadaif (shredded phyllo), revani (syrup cake), shëndetlie (honey-walnut cake), and tullumba (syrup fritters).
Drinks
Raki — Potent grape (or fruit) spirit—homemade versions in plastic bottles are legendary.
Pair meals with kafe turke (thick coffee), dhallë (buttermilk), or emerging Albanian wines.
Albanian food is fresh, affordable, and welcoming—eat like locals at family-run spots. Gëzuar (cheers)!