Tavë kosi
Albania's lamb baked under tangy yogurt custard
Think of it as: Like a lamb casserole wearing a savory yogurt soufflé
Baked yogurt on lamb. Genius, honestly.
What does it taste like?
Tangy yogurt and rich lamb, with a slightly sour, savory finish.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureSoft and custardy
What is it?
Lamb and rice baked under a custard of yogurt and eggs, golden on top and soft underneath. It comes from the city of Elbasan and is Albania's national dish.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
Served hot at family meals and celebrations, scooped from the dish.
Watch it
More videos on YouTubeWhere is it from?
🇦🇱Albania
CapitalTirana
Populationabout 2.8 millionestimate (unverified)
IndustriesTourism, Agriculture, Mining (chromium)
Famous peopleIsmail KadareNovelist
HelloMeer-dee-tah
CurrencyLek
Fun factA nod can mean "no" and a head shake can mean "yes."
The flag🇦🇱 A black double-headed eagle on a red field.
From Tokyoabout 9,490 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Tirana
Getting there15+ hours (with connections)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay–June and September, for both beaches and mountains. Also tryByrekFërgesë (peppers and cheese stew)
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay–June and September, for both beaches and mountains. Also tryByrekFërgesë (peppers and cheese stew)
🇦🇱 Sounds & life in Albania
MirëditaHello（Meer-dee-tah）
Latin
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Anthem"Himni i Flamurit" (Hymn to the Flag)
MusicIso-polyphony Layered voices over a long, held drone
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer World HeritageHistoric Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra and more National animalGolden eagle FestivalSummer Day (March 14, welcoming spring)
MusicIso-polyphony Layered voices over a long, held drone
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer World HeritageHistoric Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra and more National animalGolden eagle FestivalSummer Day (March 14, welcoming spring)
Ingredients
- 500 g lamb
- 3 tbsp rice
- 50 g butter
- 500 g plain yogurt
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper
Can't find it? Chicken works if you don't like lamb.
How to make it (one way)
- Season the lamb with salt, pepper and garlic and brown it in butter
- Put the lamb and rice in a baking dish with a little water and bake 30 minutes
- Cook the flour in butter, cool it, then whisk in the yogurt and eggs
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the meat
- Bake at 180°C for 30–40 minutes until golden
Get the ingredients (ad)
lamb shoulderAmazon