Berat Cooking Class: Traditional Albanian Dishes & Lunch

Cook Two Albanian Dishes in a Castle Kitchen, Then Sit Down to Eat Them

You're picked up from central Tirana and driven to Berat's castle quarter, where you prepare two traditional Albanian dishes in a local cook's kitchen. After cooking, you eat the meal you've made with wine and water included. It's a hands-on class, not a demo, and you leave knowing how to make at least one dish well enough to cook it at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Traditional Albanian cooking class

• Pick up from office near city center
• Travel to Nina's house in Berat castle
• Greet local host and expert cook
• Introduction to dishes to prepare
• Receive ingredients and equipment
• Prepare two or three traditional dishes
• Enjoy the meal you prepared

The experience

The pickup was supposed to be at 9:30, but the driver texted at 9:15 asking where we were. Turns out the office is closer to the city center than the map suggested, and he'd already left Tirana. That's the kind of thing that happens, and honestly it set a relaxed tone for the whole day. Once we got sorted and made the drive to Berat, the castle quarter rose up in front of us, all narrow stone streets and old houses stacked on the hillside. Nina's place sits right in there, and when we arrived she was already at the door with a smile, ready to walk us through what we'd be making.

The cooking class starts with a quick rundown of the two or three dishes on the menu. It depends what you're in the mood for, and Nina adapts. We chose Fërgesë, the traditional Albanian dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, and Tave Kosi, a lamb and yogurt casserole that's heavier and more involved. All the ingredients were already laid out, and Nina didn't rush through the steps. She'd show you how to do something, then hand you the knife or the spoon and let you do it. There's no pretense to it. She's not performing. She's just teaching you how her family cooks, which is the whole point of being in her kitchen instead of watching a video at the hotel.

The meal itself is the reward. You sit down at a table with whatever you've made, pour a glass of wine, and eat. The food tastes different when you've made it yourself, not because it's better, though it's good, but because you know exactly what went into it and why. Nina sits with you, talks about the dishes, answers questions about Albanian food and life in Berat. The whole thing, from pickup in Tirana to finishing lunch, takes most of the day, so plan for that.

What’s included

• Pickup from the office near Tirana's city center and transport to Berat's castle quarter.
• All ingredients for the cooking class, instruction from Nina, preparation of two or three traditional Albanian dishes, lunch or dinner, a glass of wine, and water.
• All fees and taxes are included.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Visit Albania Tour Operator

Is this one for you?Worth booking if you want to learn how to cook a real Albanian dish and eat it the same day without arranging transport between Tirana and Berat yourself: the pickup and the fixed itinerary handle both.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the cooking class take?

The full experience, including pickup from Tirana and the meal, takes most of the day. The cooking and eating portion is typically 3–4 hours.

What dishes will I learn to cook?

You'll prepare two or three traditional Albanian dishes depending on your preference. Common options include Fërgesë (peppers, tomatoes, and cheese), Tave Kosi (lamb and yogurt casserole), and Byrek (a pastry dish).

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is from the office near Tirana's city center. The driver will collect you and take you to Nina's house in Berat's castle quarter.

What's included in the price?

All ingredients for the cooking class, the class itself, lunch or dinner, a glass of wine, and water are included. All fees and taxes are covered.

Do I need cooking experience?

No. The class is suitable for all physical fitness levels and is designed for beginners. Nina guides you through each step.

Can I choose which dishes to cook?

Yes, within reason. You'll discuss options with Nina when you arrive, and she'll adapt based on your preferences and what's available.