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Tavë kosi
(Elbasan tava, Tavë Elbasani, Tava e Elbasanit, Baked Lamb and Rice with Yoghurt)
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.
WHERE TO EAT The best Tavë kosi in the world (according to food experts)
1
Recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other food critic.
"The large menu serves simple, home-cooked traditional Berati fare, including an excellent veal kebab, mouth watering grilled halloumi cheese and tavë kosi (lamb and rice baked in yoghurt and eggs)."
2
Recommended by Time Out Istanbul and 1 other food critic.
"Elbasan Tava (lamb and vegetables bakes with cheese and béchamel) is among the classics."
3
Recommended by Lonely Planet
"For something more involved, try the excellent Albanian dishes, such as the tave Elbasan."
4
Recommended by Erdem Sevgi
"Treasure of taste."
5
Recommended by T T
This is the specialty of the restaurant. They make it with beef or chicken and the recipe has no rice. It is creamy and delicious, definitely love at first bite. They serve it in a clay dish straight from the wooden oven and it is out of this world. Even celebrities like Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and Taika Waititi have visited this restaurant and ordered this dish.
6
Recommended by Mend Zavalani
The small 120-year-old tavern in the heart of Elbasani Castle serves a delicious large portion of the Elbasan casserole. Fresh yoghurt and lamb, baked and crispy on top, you will really get the authentic taste of a dish that is linked with the centuries old shepherd lifestyle and tradition.
