Gjirokaster: Cooking class with Teta Marjeta & local guide

Summary

Step into Teta Marjeta’s kitchen in Gjirokaster for real Albanian flavors

You’ll cook traditional dishes inside Teta Marjeta’s home in Gjirokaster, guided by locals who treat you like family. Sip homemade raki, learn to make Osa and Qifqi from scratch, then share your meal around the table — an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left Albania.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — onions sizzling somewhere behind a half-open door, and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. We met our guide in Cerciz Topulli square (which is busier than you’d think for such a small town), then walked through winding streets to Marjeta’s house. She greeted us with this huge, warm smile and handed me a glass of raki before I’d even set my bag down. Her husband makes it himself — it’s strong, but somehow goes down easy when everyone’s laughing.

I’ll admit, I had no idea what Osa was before this day trip in Gjirokaster. Turns out it’s a kind of pasta with chicken, but the way Marjeta does it… well, let’s just say my hands were covered in flour within minutes. She showed us how to roll and shape everything — her fingers move so fast! At one point she caught me sneaking an extra taste of the filling and just winked. The kitchen windows were open and you could hear kids playing outside, plus the clink of glasses from next door. It felt like being part of someone’s family for an afternoon.

We also made Qifqi (I still can’t pronounce it right — Li laughed at my attempt), which is this rice ball dish you only find here in Gjirokaster. There was also Hasude for dessert, sticky and sweet, and a salad that tasted like it had just come from the garden. Sitting down together at the end with our guide and Marjeta, passing plates around and pouring another glass of wine… I don’t know, there was something about that moment that stuck with me. Maybe because it didn’t feel like a “tour” at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking Class with Teta Marjeta

• Meet at Cerciz Topulli Square
• Walk to Marjeta's home
• Enjoy welcome drink (raki or soft drink)
• Cook traditional dishes: Osa, Qifqi, Hasude
• Savor the meal with wine, raki, or soft drink
• Receive recipe to take home

Top questions

What dishes do we cook during the Gjirokaster cooking class?

You’ll prepare Osa (a pasta-chicken dish), Qifqi (local rice balls), Hasude dessert, plus seasonal salad.

Is the cooking class led by a local guide?

Yes, your experience includes a local guide who joins you throughout the class.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held inside Teta Marjeta’s home in Gjirokaster.

Are drinks included during the cooking experience?

You’re offered homemade raki or soft drinks on arrival, plus wine or more raki with your meal.

Do I get recipes to take home after the class?

Yes, you’ll receive recipes for everything you cooked so you can try them at home.

Is there an age limit for drinking alcohol?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes meeting your group in Cerciz Topulli square before walking to Teta Marjeta’s house with your local guide. You’ll enjoy homemade raki or soft drinks on arrival, hands-on cooking instruction for three traditional dishes using fresh ingredients, seasonal salad prepared by Marjeta herself, complimentary wine or more raki during your meal together, plus printed recipes to take home at the end.