Gastronomy

In Gjirokastër, food is a core part of local identity, rooted in family traditions passed down from generation to generation. The city’s most emblematic speciality is qifqi, a dish you won’t find anywhere else in Albania. These are small rice balls mixed with eggs, dried mint and aromatic herbs, shaped by hand and gently cooked. They look simple, but getting them right requires real skill. Another local favourite is pasha qofte, meatballs served on their own or sometimes in a light rice soup, as well as qofte bobollaqe, a milder regional version prepared with yoghurt. Local cuisine is also deeply connected to the wider Albanian tradition, with dishes like tavë kosi, a baked casserole of lamb, rice, and yoghurt, or fërges, slowly cooked with tomatoes, peppers and fresh cheese. Byrek, flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach or meat, are found everywhere and make for a quick, satisfying meal. Gjirokastër also offers many vegetarian options, such as stuffed peppers, vine leaves or imam bajaldi made with aubergines. Local products play an essential role, especially sheep’s milk cheeses like kaçkavall, dried meats, homemade pickles and traditional preparations such as trahana. To taste this cuisine at its most authentic, restaurants in the old bazaar and the historic centre are often the most faithful to local recipes. In Gjirokastër, eating is not just about food, it’s an invitation into the everyday life of the city, where every dish tells a family and regional story. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Albanian, Të bëftë mirë!