Hey healthy foodie ! 👋
If you regularly follow my adventures on Chantal’s Healthy Lifestyle, you know how much I love to travel, explore new horizons, and above all, listen to what our bodies need to glow from the inside out, no matter where we are in the world! After packing my bags for Mexico and vacationing in Tunisia, we set sail as a family for a still preserved and absolutely fascinating destination: Albania.
When traveling there, there is nothing better than doing and eating like the locals! The local gastronomy is a well-kept secret: it is fresh, colorful, generous, and beautifully showcases seasonal vegetables and seafood.
Today, I am sharing a little travel diary of our finest culinary discoveries. It is the perfect article to inspire you before I head into my kitchen to recreate some of these wonders into healthy and vibrant versions!
Tavë Kosi: The flagship dish that won over the whole family
If there is one traditional dish that everyone agreed on around the table — from parents to teenagers —, it is Tavë Kosi.
A true national culinary icon, Tavë Kosi is a melt-in-the-mouth baked dish made with lamb (or sometimes chicken), coated in an incredibly smooth sauce of yogurt (similar to Greek yogurt), eggs, and a little rice. It is gently baked in the oven until it forms a golden crust, subtly flavored with garlic and oregano.
Why my healthy coach profile loves it? It is a complete meal, rich in high-quality protein thanks to the lamb and eggs, and its baked yogurt base brings a unique, very comforting sweetness to the stomach after a long day of walking. A true unanimous favorite!
My personal favorites: Tender vegetables and seafood flavors
On my side, I literally melted for the local stuffed eggplants. You know my kitchen philosophy: sublimating seasonal vegetables! The eggplants there are sun-drenched, incredibly tender, and gentle on sensitive stomachs.
My other big favorite remains Garides Saganaki, a dish of shrimp simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted feta cheese. Pure spring and summer bliss, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
My husband’s preferences: A seafood paradise
As for my husband, he turned to the treasures of the Albanian coast. His ultimate favorite? Fresh fried fish and seafood, caught that very morning. The freshness of the products is incomparable! He also loved the fried Saganaki cheese, a staple of local tables that brings that delicious, crispy touch we love to indulge in during vacations.
The teenagers’ verdict: Street food and sweet treats
Traveling with teens always requires a good balance between discoveries and comfort food. They loved exploring Albanian street food! Their top picks? Well-filled gyros and souvlaki, but especially Byrek, that famous crispy phyllo pastry usually stuffed with spinach or cheese, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
And for the sweet touch, they fell head over heels for Trileçe (or Trileche), an ultra-moist cake soaked in three types of milk and topped with caramel. A magical texture that brightened up the end of their meals!
Coming soon to my kitchen…
This trip filled me with inspiration. Coming back with a head full of ideas and a sharpened palate is also part of maintaining your health capital and nurturing your mind!
I don’t know exactly which traditional recipes I will adapt first, but stay tuned… I fully intend to tweak these wonders in my kitchen into gluten-free, low-glycemic index, or zero-waste versions very soon on the blog!
Have you ever tasted Albanian cuisine? Which dish would you crave the most? Tell me everything in the comments!
Take good care of yourself, travel healthily, and enjoy!
In Health,
Chantal
