Albanian cuisine is one of the greatest secrets of the Mediterranean. Fresh ingredients, generous portions and centuries of tradition make eating in Shengjin a genuine experience.
🐟 Seafood — The Star of Shengjin
As a coastal town, Shengjin is known for its fresh seafood. Local restaurants receive their daily catch directly from the Adriatic. Ask for grilled fish, calamari, mussels and shrimp — simply prepared with olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs. Many apartments — including premium self-catering apartments — have full kitchens so you can also cook fresh market fish yourself.
🥐 Byrek — Albania's Favourite Pastry
Byrek is a crispy baked dough filled with spinach and white cheese, or meat. You'll find it in every bakery from early morning — the perfect cheap and delicious breakfast.
🫕 Fergese — A Dish You Won't Forget
Fergese is a traditional Albanian dish of peppers, tomatoes, eggs and fresh cheese, slowly cooked in a clay pot. Rich, warming and completely unique to Albania. Order it as a starter with fresh bread.
🍖 Tave Kosi — Albanian Baked Lamb
Often called Albania's national dish, Tave Kosi is slow-baked lamb with yoghurt and eggs — creamy, deeply flavourful and best enjoyed with fresh bread.
🍷 Albanian Wine and Raki
Try wines from the native Kallmet grape. And no Albanian meal is complete without a small glass of raki — offered as a welcome drink in almost every restaurant.
Where to Eat in Shengjin
The coastal promenade offers a good selection of fish restaurants. For a more authentic experience, walk one or two streets back from the waterfront where family restaurants offer lower prices and even better food. And after a long day exploring the best beaches near Shengjin or taking one of the best day trips from the area, nothing beats fresh Albanian food by the sea.
Savings tip: Lunch at local restaurants is significantly cheaper than dinner, and the food is identical. A full meal with fish and local wine at lunch costs around €8–12 per person.
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