Chef Qato's Cooking Class
Welcoming guests into your home is serious business in Albania.
"Besa" the core of an ancient Albanian code of honor requires hosts to protect guests and to look after them with care and gratitude.
Want a taste of this hospitality in 2025?
We would love to give you the experience of visiting a local home where you can join the family in cooking up a traditional feast.
You will take turns helping to knead "byrek" dough, roll the layers, and do other preparations for the meal. Then, we will sit amongst our newfound friends and enjoy the flavors of the fresh produce we cooked up in Qato's kitchen.
The day will begin with pick up from Tirana. It includes transport, a hearty memorable lunch, a quick tour of Berat's castle and a stroll through the picturesque Mangalem area of town.
Don't miss this chance to visit this 2000-year-old town!
You'll leave with recipe cards to make this amazing meal in your home and with lifetime memories!
Tentative Itinerary
09:00 – Depart from Tirane
11:00 – Arrive at Chef Qato's home for the cooking class
13:00 – Eat lunch together
14:00 – Leave for a short tour of the castle, Byzantine churches, and the Mangalem Quarter
16:00 – Depart for Tirana
18:00 – Arrive back in Tirana
What’s Included:
Round-trip transportation from Tirana
Cooking class & lunch
Glass of raki
Guided walking tour of Berat
Recipe cards to take home
Testimonials
"Sarah was fantastic. Her sweet spirit and enthusiasm is contagious."
- CarrieAnn, USA
"The tour was great. A good amount of walking, history, architecture and culture."
- Aliya, Kazakhstan
"We joined Josh, Sarah, and Bailey for a tour of Berat which included an amazing time learning to cook Albanian dishes at a local home. This day-trip was so fun!!"
- Olivia, USA
"Great insights from Josh."
- Dwight, USA
"Highly recommended for insightful and engaging tours!"
- Sajida, Pakistan
"The best part was tasting all the fresh dishes we made amongst a table of new found friends (or family).Highly recommend!"
-
S.A., Australia
Note: The dishes you will learn to make include eggs, milk, flour, ground beef, and vegetables. Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate.
Photo Gallery
Terms and Conditions
1. Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions: Participants must inform Albania Ventures of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of registration. Unless otherwise noted, the food products may include nuts, eggs, milk, bread crumbs, non-gluten free flour, ground beef, vegetables, and oil. While reasonable accommodations may be made, cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed. 2. Consumption at Own Risk: Guests participate in food preparation and consumption at their own risk. The company is not responsible for any adverse reactions to food. 3. Kitchen Safety: Participants must follow the chef’s safety instructions. The company is not liable for injuries resulting from improper use of kitchen equipment or failure to follow guidelines. 4. Alcohol Policy: Alcoholic drinks will be served. This includes a glass of wine with lunch and a partial shot of raki. Only guests of legal drinking age will be served alcohol. Intoxicated guests may be asked to leave without a refund and to find their own return transportation. 5. Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 6. Property Damage: Any damage to kitchen equipment or venue property due to negligence may result in charges to the participant. 7. Cancellations: This is non-refundable. 8. Albania Ventures Cancellations: In the event of unforeseen circumstances (e.g. extreme weather), participants will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. 9. Photography: The company may take photos/videos during the class for marketing purposes. Guests who do not wish to be photographed should notify staff before the class begins.
