Komani Lake, Albania

Photo by Johnny Africa for Unspalash Lake Komani Lake with the Albanian fjords surrounding the boat. 
Komani Lake, Albania
Published on June 8, 2021
SONY, ILCE-6300

🇦🇱 Capital – Tirana

Traditional Albanian Dishes – Naturally Veg or easily veganized

Hospitality matters more than strict menus. Being kind and curious often results in a custom plate made just for you.

• Speca të Mbushura – Stuffed bell peppers, often filled with rice, herbs, and vegetables. *Ask for pa mish (without meat)
• Imam Bayildi – Eggplant slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil.
  *naturally vegan *common and delicious
• Burke me Perime – Flaky pastry filled with spinach, leeks, or mixed vegetable. *Usually vegetarian (containing butter or cheese)
• Fasule – White bean stew, often tomato-based. *frequently vegan, ask if meat both was used
• Turshi – Pickled vegetables – cabbage, peppers, carrots, cucumbers. *vegan & can be found most everywhere
• Bukë & Ullinj – Fresh bread with olives and olive oil. *vegan, staple food

Helpful Albanian Phrases

Learning a few phrases goes a long way. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, effort is appreciated.

• Unë jam vegan / vegjetarian (I am vegan / vegetarian)
• Pa mish, ju lutem (without meat, please)
• Pa djathë dhe pa qumësht (without cheese and milk)
• A ka mish app lëng mishi? (Is there meat or meat broth?)

Cultural Tips for Plant-Based Travelers

Albania is meat-optional, not meat-centric

Family-run restaurants may not label dishes clearly – ask politely

Veggie Trip Notes

Albania is ideal for:

• Adventurous vegetarians
• vegans comfortable adapting
• travelers who enjoy local, seasonal food
• budget-conscious travelers

It may not be a vegan hotspot – but Albania rewards flexibility with flavor, generosity, and beautiful landscapes.

Grocery & Self-Catering Tips

If you’re vegan, this is sometimes easiest. Or for those staying longer or traveling rurally:

• Visit local produce markets – vegetables are fresh and cheap
• Bakeries sell excellent bread
• Supermarkets carry basics like fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, and rice. Plant milks are more common in Tirana.

Best Cities for Vegan & Vegetarian Food

Tirana (Best Overall) – Growing number of vegan cafes and international restaurants. Look For: Falafel, Middle eastern spots, and Italian Restaurants

Sarandë – Tourist-friendly coastal town. Vegan requests are easier in summer, but you can always find fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and beans.

Berat & Gjirokastër – Traditional food culture, with fewer vegan menus, but many adaptable dishes. Ideal for slow travel and home-style meals.

Contribute to this page

Have a dish, travel tips, photos, or stories you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you.

---

Want to keep exploring?

click on the map to discover more veggie travel destinations.

• Instagram