MIA stands for Made in Albania and it is my absolute favourite shop that I go to when I miss the authentic and original taste of healthy and delicious Albanian products. MIA organics is both a shop and an online platform that brings a few handpicked bio-farmers from all over Albania and happy consumers together. Every product comes straight from the field (or mountain) and has been grown naturally, without the use of any chemicals or pesticides.

What I like most about MIA organics is that the shop is mainly conceived as a social business, meaning that apart from the commercial nature of the business, they also contribute to a socially relevant field, which in this case is agriculture. They sustain and encourage local producers to continue their organic agriculture and provide them with a large market. I can find nearly everything in MIA organics, from fruits and vegetables to delish Albanian white cheese (which I highly recommend!), spices, liquors, honey and jam. I only have to simply step in the shop and the fresh, sweet smell of harvested tomatoes or the strong aroma of cheese will definitely make my mouth water.

Happiness is as simple as this, we say in Albania: a good meal with soft bread, a pinch of salt, some pieces of cheese and a blood-red tomato. Have this, and the best of Albanian soil will feast the taste buds. I’d recommend also adding some olive oil: MIA for sure has it!