Albania, with the turbulent political past, over the centuries has been influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Italian; all this gave rise to a cuisine rich in very different flavors and dishes with very interesting traditional recipes.

10 typical dishes not to miss in Albania

Tavë Kosi

 Albanian nation dish, it is a mix of egg, yogurt and lamb baked with soufflé-esque results.

Meze

A selection of small dishes that usually include hard or creamy cheese, cold cuts (salami, ham), sausages, bacon, vegetables, and vegetable paste.

Byrek

A triangular filo pastry usually filled with cheese, spinach or meat.

Sarma

Minced meat rolled in grape or cabbage leaves and boiled.

Ferlik

A spit-roasted lamb cooked for 8 hours with aromatic herbs.

Paçë Koke

A thick sheep’s head soup.

Speca Me Gjizë

Baked peppers filled with rice, spiced, and cottage cheese.

Tave Dheu

A beef stew cooked in an earthenware bowl with white cheese, tomato, bay leaf, and oregano.

Fërgesë

For vegetarians, a creamy casserole made of green and red peppers, skinned tomatoes, onion, cottage cheese, and spices. It is usually served with some bread.

Baklava

A sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey.

Ayran

A cold savory yogurt-based beverage that is mixed with salt.

Kafe Turke

Turkish coffee made in the traditional Balkan way, with grounds and sugar brewed together.