Vegetarian Cooking Class in Gjirokastër

Enjoy a memorable culinary experience in the historic city of Gjirokaster
Learn to cook authentic Albanian dishes with the help of a host
Experience the joy of preparing a three-course meal
Sit together and enjoy the dishes you prepared with wine
Try your hand at making Qofte bobollaqe, Qifqis, Hasude
Receive detailed recipes after the class to recreate these at home
Walk through the charming streets of the city's oldest quarters
Smartphone Vouchers are accepted, no need to print the tickets

Experience the authentic flavours of Albania with a unique cooking class in the beautiful city of Gjirokaster. Explore the rich flavours of traditional Albanian cuisine with this tour- starting from the legendary Cerciz Topulli Square and walking through the Pazar i Vjeter with an expert host. During the experience, you will meet your expert host, Marjeta, and her husband, who will guide you through a hands-on cooking class. They will introduce you to the traditional Albanian recipes and cooking techniques using fresh local ingredients. You will learn how to make three traditional dishes, such as Qofte bobollaqe, Qifqis, and Hasude. After cooking, you will sit together and enjoy the meal you prepared with homemade wine or traditional Raki. This experience offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the local culture, cooking traditions, and everyday life in Gjirokaster. By the end of the class, you will not only enjoy a delicious meal but also gain new cooking skills and memorable cultural insights.

Begin your culinary journey in the historic heart of Gjirokastër at the lively Cerciz Topulli Square, where the experience starts with a warm introduction to the traditions and flavors that define Albanian cuisine. From here, stroll through the charming cobbled lanes of Pazar i Vjetër, one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric quarters, where centuries-old stone houses, artisan shops, and local stories create the perfect backdrop for a memorable culinary adventure. Soon you will meet your welcoming host, Marjeta, and her husband, who invite you into their kitchen to share their passion for traditional home cooking.

Inside the cozy cooking space, all ingredients and kitchen facilities are prepared for you, along with aprons and detailed recipes that will guide you through each step. The experience begins with a refreshing drink, where you may choose a glass of homemade raki, a local specialty, or another beverage before starting the hands-on cooking session. Under Marjeta’s guidance, you will learn how to prepare several traditional vegetarian dishes that reflect the authentic flavors of the region. You will craft the beloved “Qofte bobollaqe,” a comforting dish enriched with yogurt, followed by the unique “Qifqis,” a specialty closely associated with Gjirokastër made from rice and aromatic herbs. The culinary journey concludes with the preparation of “Hasude,” a traditional sweet dessert that adds a delightful finish to the meal, alongside a fresh seasonal salad that complements the menu.

After the cooking is complete, gather around the table to enjoy the full meal you have prepared together. The dishes are served with homemade wine, raki, and additional beverages, creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests share stories, laughter, and insights into Albanian culture. As the experience comes to an end, you will receive detailed recipes for all the dishes, allowing you to recreate these authentic flavors at home and carry a piece of Gjirokastër’s culinary heritage with you. Personal expenses are not included in the experience.

All the ingredients for the menu
Kitchen Facilities & aprons
Full meal
Homemade wine raki (local alcoholic drink) and more beverages
Detailed recipes for all the dishes and more

Personal Expense
Gratuities

Voucher Information: Mobile Vouchers are accepted !
Disclaimer: Participation in the cooking class is subject to availability, and the final experience may vary based on instructor guidance, ingredient availability, and group size. Customers are responsible for informing the instructor of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. By booking this cooking class, participants acknowledge that they are engaging in an activity involving sharp tools, heat, and food handling. The organizer is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or property damage occurring during the class. Guests participate voluntarily and at their own risk.
Please inform in advance about the food intolerance or allergies.

You must cancel your booking at least 24 Hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
If you cancel your booking less than 24 Hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
Any modifications made less than 24 Hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.