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What to eat in Albania? Top 5 Albanian Meat Dishes

Last update: Thu Feb 13 2025
Top 5 Albanian Meat Dishes
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01

Ground Meat Dish

ALBANIA and  9 more regions
4.4
Sarma
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One of the staples of traditional Turkish cuisine, sarma consists of a filling that is snugly surrounded by leaves or leafy vegetables. There are numerous versions of this dish but the mixture typically combines ingredients such as minced meat, rice or bulgur, various herbs, seasonings, red pepper, paprika, ground sumac, or tomato sauce, while the typical wrapping usually includes vine, cabbage, or sauerkraut leaves, or a variety of leafy vegetables such as collard greens and swiss chard.


Having its roots in the Ottoman Empire, sarma is also traditionally consumed in the Balkans, the countries of Central Europe, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East. Although it is commonly enjoyed as a filling lunch or dinner (typically during the winter season), sarma is often prepared on special occasions and holidays. 
02

Meatballs

ALBANIA and  one more region
4.0
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These delectable fried meatballs are prepared in both Albania and Kosovo either as a main dish or an appetizer. The origin of qofte fërguara can be ascribed to Turkish and Middle Eastern influence on the region, evident in both the ingredients and the method of preparation.


The mixture for the meatballs is made by combining either minced lamb or beef, and sometimes even chicken meat with feta cheese, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs, and mint leaves. The mixture is seasoned with salt, pepper, often oregano, and sometimes cinnamon. 

MOST ICONIC Qofte fërguara

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03

Casserole

ELBASAN, Albania
3.5
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Tavë kosi, dubbed the unofficial national dish of Albania, is a casserole dish consisting of lamb meat and rice that's been seasoned and topped with kos, Albanian soured milk made from goat's or ewe's milk. The dish dates back to the 15th century and originates from the town of Elbasani, but today it is enjoyed throughout Albania and Kosovo, as well as Turkey, where it's known under the name Elbasan tava, topped with béchamel sauce instead of kos.


The original recipe has now been modified, so instead of soured milk, the dish is usually coated with a sauce made of yogurt and eggs, while another common variation, tavë kosi me mish pule, replaces lamb with chicken meat.

MOST ICONIC Tavë kosi

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04

Ground Meat Dish

KORÇË COUNTY, Albania
n/a
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Kernacka Korçë is a traditional dish of small, grilled sausages from minced meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with onions, garlic, bread crumbs, and various spices. The mixture is formed into small sausages and grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meat dish.


Kernacka is typically served with fresh bread and salads and sometimes accompanied by a yogurt-based sauce or pickled vegetables. This dish is a popular staple and street food in Albanian cuisine, particularly in the Korçë area.

05
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Çervish me mish të pulës is a traditional chicken stew from Albania. This savory stew typically includes chicken pieces cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, thickened with corn flour (or wheat flour and corn flour) to create a rich, flavorful gravy.


It may also include tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables, depending on the regional variation. The dish is typically served with bread or rice, making it a hearty and comforting meal that is enjoyed in Albanian households.

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Albanian Meat Dishes