If you haven’t had the pleasure of diving into Albanian cuisine, you’re seriously missing out.
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Albania offers a food culture that’s as vibrant and soulful as its breathtaking landscapes.
From hearty stews to flaky pastries, Albanian dishes are a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and rich, bold flavors.
Ready to spice up your meal game? Stick around because we’ve curated the ultimate list of Albanian recipes you’ve gotta try at least once.
These dishes are like a little passport to the Mediterranean, all without leaving your kitchen. Trust us—you’ll be hooked.
1. Byrek – Flaky Albanian Pie
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 bunch spinach (washed and chopped)
How to Make It: Start by mixing flour, water, and salt into a soft dough. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Roll out thin layers of dough and brush them with olive oil. Alternate layers with a mixture of feta cheese and spinach, then bake at 375°F for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why did this make it to our list? Byrek isn’t just food—it’s tradition. Every flaky bite is a taste of Albanian hospitality.
2. Tavë Kosi – Baked Lamb and Yogurt Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder
- 3 cups Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Brown the lamb in a skillet and transfer it to a baking dish. Mix yogurt, eggs, flour, garlic, salt, and pepper, then pour over the lamb.
Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. The result? A creamy, tangy casserole with melt-in-your-mouth lamb.
Why we selected it: Tavë Kosi is comfort food with an Albanian twist. It’s rich, satisfying, and straight-up delicious.
3. Färgës – Summer Peppers with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Roast the peppers until slightly charred. Mix the ricotta, feta, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the peppers with the mixture, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Why we chose it: This dish is simple but packs a punch. It’s light, cheesy, and perfect for summer evenings.
4. Speca me Glizë – Peppers with Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Grill or roast the peppers until tender. Mix yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and salt to create a tangy sauce. Pour it over the peppers and serve warm or cold.
Why we selected it: Speca me Glizë is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to whip up and delivers big on flavor.
5. Qofte – Albanian Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and shape into small balls. Fry them in olive oil until golden brown. Serve with fresh bread or a side salad.
Why we selected it: Qofte is Albanian comfort food at its best. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
6. Pite – Albanian Flatbread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup water
How to Make It: Mix flour, salt, olive oil, and water into a dough. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
Roll it out thin and cook on a hot griddle until golden spots appear on both sides.
Why did this make it to our list? Pite is versatile. Use it as a wrap, pair it with dips, or eat it fresh off the pan.
7. Trahaná – Fermented Grain Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup trahaná (fermented grain)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Boil the trahaná in chicken broth until tender. Add milk and butter, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer until creamy.
Why we selected it: Trahaná is hearty and comforting—a warm hug in a bowl.
8. Baklava – Albanian-Style Sweet Pastry
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 cups walnuts (finely chopped)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup butter (melted)
How to Make It: Layer phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter. Sprinkle with walnuts every few layers.
Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Combine sugar, honey, and water to make a syrup, then pour it over the warm baklava.
Why did this make it to our list? Baklava is the ultimate Albanian dessert—sweet, flaky, and absolutely irresistible.
9. Fli – Layered Pancake Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp butter
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It: Make a thin batter with flour, milk, eggs, and salt. Pour a layer into a baking dish, bake until firm, then add another layer.
Repeat until all batter is used. Brush with butter before serving.
Why we chose it: Fli is unique and unlike anything you’ve tried. It’s perfect for lazy weekends.
10. Jani me Fasule – Bean Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white beans
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Soak beans overnight, then boil until tender. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots. Add tomato paste and beans, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Why we selected it: Jani me Fasule is hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly—what’s not to love?
11. Petulla – Albanian Fried Dough
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup yogurt
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make It: Mix flour, baking powder, yogurt, and salt into a dough. Shape into small rounds and fry until golden.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey.
Why we chose it: Petulla is simple, sweet, and totally addictive.
12. Sheqerpare – Albanian Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
How to Make It: Mix flour, butter, and vanilla into a dough. Shape into small cookies and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Boil sugar and water into a syrup, then pour over the cookies while warm.
Why we chose it: Sheqerpare is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Conclusion
Albanian cuisine is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Each recipe on this list tells a story of tradition, flavor, and love.
So grab your apron and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you. Got a favorite Albanian recipe? Share it in the comments below!