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Food and 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.
National specialities:
? Fërgesë tirane, a hot fried dish of meat, liver, eggs and tomatoes, and tavë kosi or tavë elbasani, a mutton and yoghurt dish.
? 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 reçel.
? 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 paça (a wholesome soup made from animals' innards) may not be to everyone's taste.
National drinks:
? All bars and restaurants serve 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).
Tipping: Previously frowned upon by the authorities, tips are gratefully received in restaurants or for any service provided.

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. 

    

      

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Important Cities in Albania