World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
Private restaurants are appearing rapidly in Albania. In the more popular places, it is necessary to reserve a table and to be punctual. Food is typically Balkan with Turkish influences evident on any menu – byrek, kofte, shish kebab. Albanian specialities include frges tirane, a hot fried dish of meat, liver, eggs and tomatoes, and tav kosi or tav elbasani, a mutton and yoghurt dish. Fish specialities include the koran, a trout from Lake Ohrid and the Shkodra carp. In summer tarator, a cold yoghurt and cucumber soup, is particularly refreshing. Popular Albanian desserts include oshaf, a fig and sheep’s milk pudding, cakes soaked in honey and candied fruits or reel. Guests of honour are quite often presented with a baked sheep’s head. A favourite in the south is kukurec (stuffed sheep’s intestines). Continental breakfasts are usually served in hotels, but in the country the Albanian breakfast of pilaf (rice) or paa (a wholesome soup made from animals’ innards) may not be to everyone’s taste.
All bars and restaurants serve Albanian drinks such as raki, local red and white wines and different liqueurs. The Albanian cognac, with its distinctive aroma, is also popular. Many imported drinks can also be found, including Austrian canned beer, Macedonian wine and ouzo from Greece. Turkish coffee (kafe Turke) is popular with Albanians, but many bars also serve Italian espresso (ekspres).

Nightlife
The most popular form of nightlife is the xhiro, the evening stroll along the main boulevards and squares of each town and village. Cultural life takes the form of theatre, opera and concerts. Discos and games arcades are beginning to appear. Some hotels have taverns with music and dancing.

Shopping
Special purchases include carpets, filigree silver and copper, woodcarvings, ceramics and any kind of needlework. Old markets are often worth exploring. Bartering is very much the order of the day for foreigners as well as for locals. Some of the tourist hotels also have shops. Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900 (although regional variations are possible). Many shops are also open Sunday.

Special Events
For information about special events in 2004, contact the Embassy (see Contact Addresses section). Annual events in Tirana include: Marie Kraja (Opera Festival), Fall in Tirana Festival, and the Days of New Music Festival.

Social Conventions
Nearly half of the population lives in urban areas, with the rest pursuing a relatively quiet rural existence. Some Albanian characteristics and mannerisms resemble those of the mainland Greeks, most notably in the more rural areas; for instance, a nod of the head means ’no’ and shaking one’s head means ’yes’. Handshaking is the accepted form of greeting. Albanians should be addressed with Zoti (Mr) and Zonja (Mrs). The former widespread greeting of Shoku (Comrade) has all but disappeared. Small gifts are customary when visiting someone’s house, although flowers are not usually given. Any attempt to speak Albanian is greatly appreciated. Visitors should accept offers of raki, coffee or sweets. Dress is generally informal. Bikinis are acceptable on the beach; elsewhere women are expected to dress modestly although attitudes are becoming increasingly relaxed. Offices and restaurants are often unheated. Visitors should be aware that foreigners tend to be charged a lot more than locals, with this applying to entry fees as well as general merchandise. Smoking is permitted except where the sign Ndalohet Duhani or Ndalohet pirja e duhanit is displayed. It is also worth noting that the crime rate has risen, especially theft, and visitors should be careful not to display valuables. Passports which allow entry to EU countries without a visa, foreign currency and cameras are mostly at risk, although all possessions should be kept close at hand at all times. Avoid remote areas and streets, especially at night. Tipping: Previously frowned upon by the authorities, tips are gratefully received in restaurants or for any service provided.