Flija
Kosovo's many-layered pancake tower
Think of it as: Like a savory crêpe cake baked with campfire coals
Bake one layer at a time. For five hours.
What does it taste like?
Mild, creamy and buttery, with a gentle toasty flavor.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureSoft, tender layers
What is it?
Thin batter is poured in petal shapes, brushed with cream and baked under a lid heaped with hot coals, layer after layer. It takes hours and a crowd of family or neighbors. It's a dish for celebrations.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
Cut into wedges and eaten with yogurt, honey or pickles at summer get-togethers and celebrations.
Watch it
More videos on YouTubeWhere is it from?
🇽🇰Kosovo
CapitalPristina
Populationabout 1.7 millionestimate (unverified)
IndustriesMining, Agriculture, Construction
Declared independence in 2008. Japan recognizes it, but some countries do not.
Famous peopleMajlinda KelmendiJudoka, Kosovo's first Olympic gold medalist
HelloMeer-dee-tah
CurrencyEuro
Fun factOne of Europe's youngest countries, with a very young population too.
The flag🇽🇰 A gold map of the country on blue, with six white stars for its six main communities.
From Tokyoabout 9,310 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Pristina
Getting there16+ hours (with connections)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay to September, when it's pleasant. Also tryPite (pies)Byrek
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay to September, when it's pleasant. Also tryPite (pies)Byrek
🇽🇰 Sounds & life in Kosovo
MirëditaHello（Meer-dee-tah）
Latin and Cyrillic
Latin and Cyrillic
Right now…
Anthem"Europe" (no lyrics)
MusicPop Roots of global pop stars
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer (also strong in judo)
Majlinda Kelmendi (judo, 2016 Rio Olympic gold) World HeritageMedieval Monuments in Kosovo and more FestivalIndependence Day (February 17)
MusicPop Roots of global pop stars
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer (also strong in judo)
Majlinda Kelmendi (judo, 2016 Rio Olympic gold) World HeritageMedieval Monuments in Kosovo and more FestivalIndependence Day (February 17)
Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 700 ml water
- 1 tsp salt
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 50 g butter
- Yogurt to serve
Can't find it? At home, a broiler can bake each layer from above, roughly mimicking the coal-topped lid.
How to make it (one way)
- Whisk flour, water and salt into a thin batter
- Butter a round pan and pour batter in thin spokes
- Cover with a lid topped with hot coals (a saç) and bake
- Brush with cream, fill the gaps with batter and bake the next layer
- Repeat dozens of times, then cut into wedges
⚠️ The real thing uses live coals. Don't try it indoors.