Fish is cooked in a variety of traditional ways like fish soup (supe peshku) and fish casserole (Tave Peshku).
Of course we can’t forget about coffee. Albanians spend hours sitting at coffee shops talking about anything and everything. Coffee isn’t something you just grab and go, it’s a reason to slow down, socialize and just hang out. I don’t even drink coffee, but that doesn’t matter because “going for coffee” really just means spending time together. Cafés are always full, no matter the time of day, and Albania actually has more cafés per person than any other country in Europe. Don't forget to try a Turkish coffee! The patterns left by the coffee grounds are said to reveal your future!
For me, Albanian food reminds me of home. I’m Albanian-American, and food was one of the only things that kept me connected with my heritage. Growing up thousands of miles away, I still felt close to my roots through the meals I grew up with.
Albanian food always takes time to prepare. Nothing is rushed, and every meal is made slowly and with intention. Families often start cooking early in the morning, preparing stews and soups that slowly simmer all day until dinner. All the food is fresh and locally grown. The flavors are subtle but deep, letting the ingredients speak for themselves rather than overpowering them with spice. It’s a balance of hearty and fresh, rustic and comforting. In villages outside of the city you sometimes need to call the restaurant ahead of time and let them know what you plan to order, since some dishes take hours to prepare. Albanians don’t rely much on menus.
