Albanian Cooking Class at Berat Castle with Mama Nina

Master baklava and Albanian stews in a castle kitchen run by a local chef

This hands-on cooking class takes place inside Mama Nina's kitchen within Berat Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania. You'll learn to prepare traditional Albanian dishes (from baklava to hearty stews and savory pies) using family recipes passed down through generations. Mama Nina, a skilled local chef, guides you through techniques and ingredients while sharing stories about Albanian culinary heritage, and the class includes rakia, wine, and a meal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hands-on Albanian cooking class

• Arrive at Berat Castle
• Meet Mama Nina, local chef
• Learn traditional Albanian recipes
• Prepare baklava, stews, and pies
• Enjoy cultural stories and insights

The experience

Mama Nina's kitchen sits inside the ancient walls of Berat Castle, and that setting shapes the whole experience. You'll work through three to five hours learning the secrets of traditional Albanian cooking, moving from technique to technique under her guidance. The focus is on hands-on preparation: you're not watching a demonstration, you're doing the work yourself, mastering the spices and methods that make these dishes distinct. Small group size means Mama Nina can give you real attention, correcting your knife work and answering questions as you cook.

The recipes come from her family (baklava, stews, pies), and she shares the stories behind them as you work. You'll learn which local ingredients matter and why, and taste rakia and wine as you go. If you book the 11:30 departure, lunch is included. The 17:00 or 17:30 slots include dinner instead. The class accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies if you mention them when you book, so let Mama Nina know in advance if you need vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options.

Private transportation is included in the booking. The castle sits within Tirana's reach, and public transit options are also nearby if you prefer them. The experience suits all fitness levels, so there's no physical barrier to joining.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the class.
• rakia and wine throughout the experience.
• lunch if you book the 11:30 departure, or dinner if you book 17:00 or 17:30.
• hands-on instruction from Mama Nina in English or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Berat Castle

Is this one for you?Choose the 11:30 class if you want to cook and eat lunch in the castle. Pick 17:00 or 17:30 if an evening departure and dinner suit your schedule better. Let Mama Nina know about dietary needs when you book so she can prepare the right ingredients for you.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What dishes will I actually cook during Mama Nina's class?

You'll prepare traditional Albanian recipes including baklava, hearty stews, and savory pies, all from Mama Nina's family collection. She teaches the techniques and spices that define Albanian cooking, and you do the hands-on work yourself.

Is lunch or dinner part of the cooking class, or do I need to arrange a meal separately?

A meal is included: the 11:30 class includes lunch, and the 17:00 or 17:30 departures include dinner. Rakia and wine are served throughout, regardless of which time you choose.

Can Mama Nina accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets?

Yes, she can arrange suitable options if you inform her of allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences when you book. Let her know in advance so she can prepare the right ingredients and dishes for your needs.

What is Berat Castle, and why does the class take place there?

Berat Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania, an ancient fortress with historic walls. Mama Nina's kitchen is located inside the castle, so you cook surrounded by that history, which adds to the cultural immersion of learning Albanian cuisine in its own setting.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the castle, or is transport included?

Private transportation is included in your booking. Public transit options are also available nearby if you prefer to use them instead.