Albania
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Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Wine & Raki Tasting
Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Wine & Raki Tasting
5.0
(271 reviews)
Discover Albanian comfort food in a warm, family-run cooking class in Tirana led by Sindi. Cook a full meal from scratch: think flaky lakror (Albanian byrek) and the iconic Tave Kosi, then sit down together to enjoy your dishes with homemade wine and a taste of raki!
From €40 / person
No dates available yet
From €40 / person
No dates available yet
Why we picked this experience
Tested by Benoit at Wandr
This was such a fun, welcoming experience in Tirana! Sindi makes everything super easy to follow (and I would say I'm not the most confident cook!). We made lakror from scratch and other popular Albanian dishes, plus tried lots of little starters and a traditional dessert. The homemade wine and raki were flowing, we laughed a lot, and the whole kitchen vibe felt like cooking with friends. This is not just a cooking class, but rather a full cultural experience and a great way to make new friends!
Small group
Intentionally limited group size for real interaction and questions
Hands-on learning
Do, make, or taste something yourself instead of just watching
Authentic local flavours
Taste food or drink carefully sourced from the host or trusted local places
Highlights
Cook true national favorites
Learn to prepare Tave Kosi, Albania’s iconic baked yogurt dish, step-by-step with clear guidance (or vegetarian alternatives)
Master lakror from scratch
Roll, fill, and shape traditional lakror (Albania’s byrek-style pie) using hands-on techniques
Taste Albania beyond the main course
Enjoy traditional starters, homemade appetizers, and a sweet finish with local desserts
Sip homemade wine and raki
Share stories and “Albanian cooking rules” while you taste local drinks in a relaxed setting
Feel at home with a family host
Join a welcoming, social experience where laughs and good conversation are part of the recipe
Full description
Come hungry and curious, this Tirana cooking class is designed to feel like you’ve been invited into a local family celebration, not a formal lesson!
You’ll begin by meeting your host Sindi and getting a quick introduction to Albanian cuisine and the family recipes passed down through generations. Then it’s aprons on: Sindi guides you through each step with clear, easy-to-follow instructions (and plenty of encouragement if your rolling pin skills are “developing”).
First, you’ll learn how to make lakror from scratch, Albania’s beloved pie that’s crispy, comforting, and surprisingly fun to assemble. Next, you’ll prepare Tave Kosi, often called the “flag” of Albanian cuisine: tender meat and rice baked under a tangy yogurt topping until golden and irresistible.
Along the way, you’ll snack on traditional starters and appetizers, learn a few local kitchen “rules” (and where they come from), and enjoy homemade wine and a taste of raki if you’d like. After cooking, sit down together to enjoy the full meal you created, finishing with traditional Albanian dessert for the perfect sweet ending (Sheqerpare, the most delicious cookie!)
This is the kind of experience where you leave not only full, but also with core memories! ☺️
Meeting point
Rruga Siri Kodra in Tirana
(Exact location details will be provided after booking)
About your host
Sindi
Hi, I’m Sindi, your host, cook, and friendly kitchen traffic controller for the day! I love showing guests that Albanian food isn’t complicated… it’s just honest, cozy, and dangerously delicious. I’ll guide you step-by-step (with good English and zero judgment), and by the end you’ll be rolling dough and whisking like you’ve been doing it for years.
Our recipes are family favorites, and my goal is simple: you leave with a full belly, new skills, great memories and possibly a few new friends! (the wine and raki usually help for this!)
Hi, I’m Sindi, your host, cook, and friendly kitchen traffic controller for the day! I love showing guests that Albanian food isn’t complicated… it’s just honest, cozy, and dangerously delicious. I’ll guide you step-by-step (with good English and zero judgment), and by the end you’ll be rolling dough and whisking like you’ve been doing it for years.
Our recipes are family favorites, and my goal is simple: you leave with a full belly, new skills, great memories and possibly a few new friends! (the wine and raki usually help for this!)
Things to know
Important information
- No previous cooking experience is required, the class is designed for beginners
- Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary intolerances so we can prepare accordingly
- The class is hands-on, with some standing, mixing, and rolling. Wear something comfortable
- Drinks may include homemade wine and raki but non-alcoholic options are available
- Arrive hungry, you’ll be making (and eating) a multi-course meal!
Includes
- Cooking lesson
- All ingredients and equipment
- Drinks during the experience (including homemade wine and raki tasting, if desired)
- Multi-course meal you prepare and enjoy together
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes you don’t mind cooking in
- Phone/camera for photos (your lakror will deserve it!)
- A big appetite
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Customer reviews
Danielle
Such an amazing experience !! Sindi was an amazing host, kept the wine flowing whilst teaching us the tastiest Albanian dishes! We made everything ourselves with Sindis help, and it was so delicious ! Highly recommend this experience
Luke
This is by far the best thing you could do when I'm Tirana, brilliant host, brilliant food and brilliant stories!!
Mimi
Amazing experience! Sindi was an excellent host and chef (and speaks perfect English) and was so nice and welcoming! Super well organized, and Sindi sent very clear and easy directions on where to meet. The kitchen was very clean and spacious, with unsocial stations for everyone. I’m not a good cook, and Sindi made it very easy to follow along. We made 3 courses, and everything was delicious. She also gave us samples of various local foods to taste, like sausage and honey. We had a small group (only 3 total), and everyone had a great time together. It was not rushed at all, and we took our time eating, chatting and drinking homemade wine and raki. Strongly recommend! Great intro to Albanian food. Thank you, Sindi!
Joy
It was an ideal way to spend 4 hours and have a delicious 3 course meal for dinner as a result. Sindi and the group were all fun and we laughed a lot. Learned some cooking skills ie how to whisk and use the rolling pin properly. The fine home made red wine was ever flowing and even enjoyed the home made Raki 😊
Deborah
The cooking class was outstanding, A fabulous experience that my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed! Syndi is an amazing host, passionate about cooking and her Albanian culture. This experience was one of the top highlights of our trip! Highly recommend.