What to eat in Albania: Vegetarian dishes to try
For vegetarian or vegan travelers, heading over to some countries in the Balkans could be a challenge as there are hardly any suitable options for them to eat. However, such is not the case if they are traveling to the gorgeous nation of Albania, where the local cuisine also includes some authentic and flavorsome vegetarian foods. Take note of a few.
Fergese
Among the most popular vegetarian dishes, fergese is a combination of peeled tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, olive oil, cottage cheese, and feta cheese. Seasoned with authentic Albanian spices, this dish has a thick texture, is quite filling, and can be served with stew or bread. At many places, you will find this dish garnished with basil and chili flakes too.
Byrek
For locals, byrek is a popular and affordable breakfast option. It is a dish featuring baked bread, cheese, and spinach, which makes it nutritious as well as appetizing. Owing to its popularity, you will find this dish at street stalls, bakeries, and restaurants big and small for less than €1. It is typically served with yogurt or fresh salad.
Plaki
Another traditional dish that you should savor in Albani is plaki. Translating to "pie" in English, this offering is a delicious amalgamation of fava beans, tomato sauce, potatoes, cheese, and an array of vegetables. It's a flaky layered pastry that you can pick up from a street stall and relish on the go. This street food is a must-try.
Turli
Turli is a vegetable stew that is served piping hot and features eggplants, potatoes, and okra. At some places, you will find garlic, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, green beans, carrots, and courgettes also added to it, which makes it all the more healthy. To make it more piquant, spices like black pepper, crushed red pepper, tomato paste, and pepper paste are also mixed.
