Albanian cuisine is a tasty blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, with the byrek standing out. Byrek is a flaky wheat flour pie divided into triangles and filled with various fillings. The most common sort of byrek is filled with cottage cheese, although there are many additional variations, including those filled with spinach or feta cheese, as well as ones filled with meat or beans.

Byrek is a popular dish in Albania, appreciated by both residents and foreigners. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast and is typically coupled with Ayran, a classic yogurt drink. One of the best things about byrek is that it is inexpensive, costing around 50 LEK (around half a euro).

If you visit Albania, you must try byrek, best found in bakeries or speciality businesses that only serve byrek. These stores can be found on street corners across the city. Or you can go to my favorite byrek place, in the Ish Parku neighborhood, Likos bakery. Taking a byrek and strolling the streets of Tirana is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture and cuisine.

If you are like me, who loves trying different types of byrek, you won’t be disappointed whether you choose the usual cottage cheese filling or something unique. Therefore, the next time you’re in Tirana, grab a byrek and enjoy the delectable flavors of Albanian cuisine.