Albanian cuisine has become one of the most appreciated travel experiences, according to a survey conducted during June by “Monitor” with 250 foreign tourists in Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, Gjirokastër, Vlorë and Berat. Low prices, traditional flavors, and authenticity of cuisine are increasing the economic value of local tourism.
Most favorite dishes
Traditional Albanian dishes and drinks are increasingly winning the hearts of foreign tourists. At the top of the preferences is the earthenware casserole, with 22% of respondents calling it the most delicious dish of their trip to Albania. It is followed by baked fish (17%), showing the importance of the freshness of seafood in the gastronomic experience.
Another positive sign is the growing popularity of qifqi, a typical dish from Gjirokastra that until recently was missing from restaurant menus. Tourist preferences are directly influencing the local offering, bringing these recipes back into the spotlight.
Most favorite drinks: Wine and brandy at the top
In a tourist market increasingly oriented towards authenticity, traditional Albanian drinks are taking a central role in the experience of foreign visitors. Local wine is the most consumed drink, with 63% of respondents including it in their culinary experience, while rakia, a symbol of Albanian gastronomic heritage, is chosen by 52% of them.
It is worth noting that domestic beers are more consumed than foreign ones (47% versus 35%), which demonstrates a clear trend towards local products.
This orientation towards authentic consumption not only enriches the tourist experience, but also creates added value for local producers and the agri-food sector as a whole.
Price perception
Prices in Albanian restaurants are considered very favorable by most foreign tourists. About 38% consider them “very cheap”, while another 45% consider them “affordable”. Only 3% called prices “expensive”, a clear indication that Albania continues to offer a very competitive price-quality ratio in the region.
Overall rating: 5 stars for Albanian cuisine
The survey results show an overwhelmingly positive assessment of the culinary experience in Albania by foreign tourists. 52.8% of respondents gave Albanian food the maximum rating of 5 stars, while 26.4% gave it 4.5 stars.
Only a small portion (15.2%) rated it 4 stars, and less than 6% gave it a rating of 3 stars or less.
This high level of satisfaction signals that gastronomy is becoming a key component of the Albanian tourism product.
When asked about the cities where they had the best culinary experience, tourists ranked Gjirokastra in first place, with 91% of positive ratings, followed by Berat (88%), Vlora (85%) and Shkodra/Thethi (82%).
These destinations are distinguished by the presence of authentic restaurants and agrotourism, where traditional cuisine is no longer a symbolic element, but a central part of the menu.