Traditional Albanian Cooking Class with a Local Family in Berat

Experience Albanian hospitality with a hands-on cooking class hosted by a local family just outside Berat.

Your experience begins with a meeting in Berat and a short transfer to a traditional family home either in the Uznovë neighborhood or, for larger groups, in the even more rural setting of Drobonik village. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with Turkish-style coffee, following the local tradition of welcoming guests into the home.

The cooking class is led by a local family member, usually the mother of the family or her daughter-in-law, who will guide you through every step of the preparation while sharing recipes, cooking techniques, and family traditions. The experience is fully hands-on, allowing you to actively participate in preparing each dish, although the level of involvement can be adapted to your preferences. 

Depending on the season, you'll prepare some of the region's most traditional recipes, including Byrek with seasonal fillings such as spinach, tomato, cheese, zucchini, or other local ingredients, together with stuffed eggplants and homemade meatballs.

Once the meal is ready, you'll sit down with the family to enjoy everything you've prepared. Depending on availability, the meal is accompanied by two homemade wines, typically a red made from the local Shesh i Zi grape and a white made from Shesh i Bardhë or Pulës, or by one homemade wine and a glass of raki. As you dine, the family will share stories about local traditions, rural life, family customs, and everyday life in the Berat region.

Children and teenagers enjoy the same homemade meal, while homemade fruit juices or buttermilk are served instead of alcoholic beverages.