Cheap and Delicious Traditional Albanian Food

I could still smell the food, the smell of the Mediterranean that hung in the air.

Albania is amazing during summer. Tirana, the capital, is Albania's beating heart. A dense metropolis sparsely studded with discreet high-rise, the city can easily be recognized by its loud vibrant colors and cinematic graffiti-plastered walls. The teens, proud and aloof, are clad only adequately to expose their perfectly sun-kissed skin. Albania, in my opinion, is the most badass country in Europe, and its local cuisines are equally as fierce and wicked.

Delicious Traditional Albanian Food

Listed below are a few popular Albanian food which have made my stay in Albania extra delightful and satisfying:

Cheap and Delicious Traditional Albanian Food

Paçe Koke - "Head Meat Juice" - served with garlic-infused wine vinegar and various spices

Cevapcici - Grilled skinless minced meat sausage

Pilaf - An Albanian variation of Pilau

Tavë Dheu - Fried meat in curds

Tavë Me Mish Viçi - Pan of calf meat

Patate Furre - Oven-baked potatoes

Grilled lamb chops

Byrek Me Spinaq and other pastries

Albanian Wine - strong with a very unique sweetness

Raki - A traditional Albanian fruit brandy

My biggest regret is probably not getting to try Tavë Kosi, the national dish of Albania. It is a dish of baked lamb and rice served with a generous portion of yogurt sauce. Will try to create the dish using the recipes online, but I am pretty sure the taste will be nowhere close to the ones prepared there. Wishing I could turn back time!

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