The secrets of Albanian cuisine: cooking lesson in Tirana

Albanian food tour Learn local recipes while on vacation

Albanian cooking is one of the best features of the local culture for sure! We invite you to participate in a special food tour Tirana, where you can learn a lot about the cooking culture and the secrets of traditional Albanian food from the managers of a small farm. The main focus of this course is to learn how to cook some of the traditional Albanian dishes with the help of typical local hospitality. After getting back home from your vacation in Albania, you will be able to cook an entire Albanian meal for your family or your friends.

This experience is a good choice for all who love good food, cooking, and, for those who are interested in traditional recipes. Albania is a good place to get good quality organic products, preparation and cooking techniques. During a 4-hour class you will discover the classic Albanian hospitality, and how it is connected to Besa, the ancient code of honor that is an important part of the Albanian culture.

Besa and Albanian culture

Hospitality is sacred in Albania, as it was for the ancient Greeks and somehow as it is in some areas of southern Italy. The Kanun, the Albanian code of social law, says that the house is sacred and it is must honor guests. "Before the house belongs to the owner, it belongs to God and the guest". The owner "should always have a spare bed ready at any time of the day or the night, in case a guest arrives unexpectedly". And, beyond the fact that hospitality is a duty, Albanians really enjoy having guests, in fact, they are very proud to have guests.

Albanian food, learning from the experts

With this short cooking class you will taste good food and learn how to cook some of the most delicious traditional Albanian food recipes. The local enthusiasm, hospitality and the qualified staff will make your experience unique and unforgettable. In this cooking class you will learn to cook up some of the typical Albanian food dishes from the start to finish, including some recipes that are handed down from generation to generation. In the end, you will have a full 3-course meal, in good company, with local wine and drinks.

Albanian cuisine: the Albanian recipes included in this cooking class

In this cooking class, your first recipe will be Tave Kosi, the most iconic Albanian dish. It was the favorite dish of Ismail Qemali, Prime Minister in 1912 and founder of modern Albania, tave kosi also has a nickname, "independence dish", and a very particular history. In order not to throw away the base of the marinade and the spiced yogurt, they decided to dip the grilled lamb meat and create a casserole, the tave kosi. Today this dish is cooked with lamb (occasionally chicken), yogurt or kefir, eggs, wheat flour, and butter.

You will then learn how to make homemade byrek, one of the most famous traditional Albanian dishes. Made with puff pastry or filo pastry, stuffed with spinach, cheese, minced meat, byrek is not only a versatile street food, but, above all, a social dish, which is eaten in Albania with family, friends, and guests.

The cooking class will end with a small overview of traditional desserts, before sitting down at the table! You will eat a full meal with the 3 main courses that we have learned to cook.

You will be in the trusted hands of experienced people, who use organic and natural ingredients, starting from the herbs and vegetables they grow in their garden, to the homemade wine and raki.

Indoor activity, not affected by the weather.

Accessible with wheelchair and stroller.

The activity could be postponed or canceled only in case of general electricity or water cuts.

Please inform us first about any intolerances or food allergies.

We will do our best to change the menu on request.