Prepare Osa with Teta Marjeta

If you’re heading to Gjirokaster and want a taste of local life, the “Prepare Osa with Teta Marjeta” cooking class offers a charming way to do just that. Based on various reviews and the experience shared by the provider, this small-group culinary session feels more like cooking with a good friend than a formal class. It’s perfect for travelers who love food, enjoy hands-on experiences, and want to bring a piece of Albanian tradition back home.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the intimate setting — with just up to 10 people, it stays personal and relaxed — and the opportunity to learn recipes that are unique to Gjirokaster, like the local Qifqis. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the tour is quite short, around two and a half hours, so it’s a quick peek rather than an in-depth culinary immersion. It’s best suited for those who want a genuine, local experience without a huge time commitment.

If you’re curious about traditional Albanian dishes, enjoy social cooking, or simply want an authentic story behind your meal, this tour could be a real highlight of your trip. It’s also a good pick if you like the idea of taking home recipes and tips from someone who clearly loves sharing her culinary heritage.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a personal, relaxed atmosphere
• Learn authentic recipes like Osa, Qifqis, and Hasude
• Enjoy local drinks such as raki and wine during the class
• All food and drinks included — no hidden costs
• Recipe cards help you recreate dishes at home
• Experience a local home and meet a passionate guide and host

An Introduction to the Gjirokaster Cooking Class Experience

When looking for a way to truly connect with Gjirokaster’s local culture, this cooking class with Teta Marjeta stands out as a warm, authentic choice. Guests get a chance to step into her home, where she’s eager to share her love of traditional Albanian cuisine. It’s not a fancy, commercial kitchen but a cozy, inviting space where the focus is on genuine flavors and stories.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are the small group size — capped at 10 — which keeps things intimate and informal. Plus, the inclusion of food, drinks, and recipe cards means you walk away with not just memories but actual skills you can try back home. The experience is usually booked around 44 days in advance, so it’s clear this is a well-loved activity for visitors wanting a hands-on taste of Gjirokaster life.

Of course, no experience is perfect for everyone. This tour is quite short, at about two and a half hours, so if you’re craving a deep dive into Albanian cooking, it might feel a bit hurried. But for most, it’s enough to get inspired and learn a few dishes to impress friends later. It’s especially well-suited for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone who values local, home-cooked flavors.

What to Expect from the Cooking Class

Your journey begins in the bustling Cerciz Topulli Square, where you’ll meet your host and walk over to Marjeta’s home. This walk itself offers a glimpse of Gjirokaster’s everyday life, setting a friendly, local tone. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of raki or a soft drink, giving you a taste of Albanian hospitality right from the start.

The focus of the class is on creating three main dishes: Osa, a pasta with chicken; Qifqis, a rice-based specialty unique to Gjirokaster; and Hasude, a sweet dessert. Marjeta, who clearly loves cooking, will guide you through each step, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. She also prepares a seasonal salad ahead of time, balancing the flavors and textures.

The highlight for many is the chance to get hands-on — chopping, mixing, and assembling — creating a sense of accomplishment. As one reviewer noted, “We prepared several Gjirokastra dishes. The food tasted great and we are going to cook it at home.” After all the work, everyone sits down together at the table, where the dishes are served with a glass of wine, raki, or soft drink.

Throughout the experience, you’ll learn the recipes and get takeaway recipe cards to help you replicate the dishes later. It’s a thoughtful touch that elevates this beyond just a tasting — you’re walking away with practical skills.

The Food and Drinks

All food is included in the tour fee, which is quite reasonable at around $63 per person. You’re not just watching; you’re actively making the dishes that you’ll then enjoy together. The menu features traditional Albanian comfort food, with an emphasis on local flavors and ingredients.

The drinks are also part of the package — a glass of wine, raki, or soft drink to pair with your meal. Many guests find this adds to the convivial atmosphere, making the experience feel more like a friendly gathering than a formal class. As one satisfied reviewer put it, “The food tasted great and we are going to cook it at home,” highlighting how memorable the dishes are.

While the focus is on these specific recipes, the experience also offers a glimpse into the local culinary style, which balances hearty flavors with simple, fresh ingredients. The desserts, especially the Hasude, are a sweet way to finish the meal and leave you with a full belly and a happy heart.

Value and Pricing

For $63.05 per person, this experience offers good value, especially considering all the food, drinks, recipe cards, and the chance to cook in a local home. It’s a hands-on activity that lets you take a piece of Gjirokaster’s culinary tradition back home with you, which many travelers find priceless.

What’s particularly nice is that the experience is capped at 10 travelers, allowing for a personalized, engaging environment. You won’t be lost in a crowd — instead, you get plenty of interaction and individual attention from the host and chef.

Taking into account the reviews, which rave about the quality of the food and the host’s warmth, it’s clear this tour is appreciated for its authenticity and attention to detail. The inclusion of recipe cards means you won’t forget what you’ve learned, making it a practical souvenir of your trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This class is ideal for food lovers eager to learn about local Albanian cuisine. It’s also a good pick for travelers who enjoy cultural exchanges in informal settings. If you appreciate the idea of cooking in someone’s home, or want to take part in a genuine Gjirokaster tradition, you’ll feel right at home here.

However, those seeking a long, in-depth culinary course might find this a bit brief. Still, even in its short duration, it manages to be personable, flavorful, and memorable. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon activity, especially if you’re traveling with friends or a partner.

The Sum Up

In essence, “Prepare Osa with Teta Marjeta” offers a warm, authentic slice of Gjirokaster’s culinary life. It combines local hospitality with genuine recipes and a relaxed atmosphere, making it more than just a cooking class — it’s a glimpse into daily life in this charming Albanian town. The small group size, inclusive food and drinks, and recipe takeaway make it a practical and rewarding experience.

If you’re curious about Albanian food, want to learn practical recipes, or simply enjoy experiencing local traditions in a friendly environment, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. It’s especially valuable for those who prefer a genuine, home-style experience over large, impersonal classes.

For travelers looking for a memorable, hands-on way to connect with Gjirokaster’s culture, this cooking class hits the right notes. It’s honest, flavorful, and a little bit special — just like the town itself.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
This tour focuses on dishes like Osa (pasta with chicken), so it’s not tailored for vegetarians. However, you might find it worth asking the host if any modifications are possible.

How long does the class last?
The class runs for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a nice, manageable activity for an afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
All the food is included, along with drinks like wine, raki, or soft drinks. Recipe cards are also provided so you can cook these dishes later.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it flexible for travelers with uncertain schedules.

What’s the meeting point?
You’ll meet at Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5 in Gjirokaster, from where you walk to Marjeta’s home.

Is this activity family-friendly?
It’s not specifically geared toward children, mainly because of the adult drinks involved and the short duration. But older kids or teens interested in cooking could enjoy it.

Do I need cooking experience?
No prior experience is needed. The host guides you through each step, making it accessible for everyone.

Are recipes shared after the class?
Yes, recipe cards are given, so you can try making the dishes at home.

How many people are in the group?
The class is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep things friendly and interactive.

If you’re up for a cozy, authentic cooking experience in Gjirokaster, this tour is a solid choice. It combines the joy of cooking, tasting, and chatting in a way that truly captures the spirit of this beautiful town.