3 Traditional Foods
You Have To Try in Gjirokastër

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. The resulting mass can be shaped into balls, patties, ovoids, or even sausages, which are fried and served warm with potato fries and rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables, accompanied by a yogurt-based dip.Expand

Qifqi is a traditional dish originating from Gjirokastra. These rice balls are usually made with a combination of rice, eggs, dried mint, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Cooked rice is mixed with beaten eggs, dried mint, salt, and black pepper. The mixture is divided into small balls that are fried in olive oil in a specially customized socket-bottomed frying pan. Once golden, the rice balls are usually accompanied by a green salad or ajvar relish on the side, and paired with a glass of dhallà, a drink based on yogurt, salt, and water. Expand

Shapkat is a traditional corn pie casserole that's usually filled with feta cheese, dill, and spinach. The dish originates from the city of Gjirokastra. Although this casserole is traditionally stuffed with spinach, there are also variations that replace it with leeks, wild cabbage, and various local greens. Other ingredients for the casserole include corn flour, olive oil, green onions, and milk. Shapkat is baked until the surface develops a golden brown color, and it's then served warm, ideally with a glass of yogurt on the side.Expand