Wherever you go in Albania, you’ll find some of the best life stories told around the “coffee table,” with coffee taking center stage. It’s no different in Berat, a city in Central Albania, known for its white Ottoman houses, medieval bazaar, and Byzantine churches.
In Berat, the locals drink coffee when they want to have a connection with friends and family, or in courtship, or business collaborations. When you’re invited out for coffee, you’re considered part of the community.
During my visit, I followed the aroma of coffee from a fruit stand to a shop where a lady was roasting coffee. She didn’t speak a word of English. But we struck a conversation through our common language – coffee.
I bought 100 grams of whole bean coffee from her for 120 Albanian leks (about $1.10) and pointed to my iPhone for permission to photograph her shop. She said yes and here are the photos of the tiny around five by 10 foot shop.
Just like other countries in the Balkans, Albanians drink strong coffee, usually espresso, macchiato or Turkish-style coffee. There are coffee shops in almost every street in Berat. Also at the hilltop in Berat Castle.
Don’t forget to stop by and visit this tiny coffee roasting shop, Agim Kellezi at Lagjja 22 Tetori Rruga Antipastrea (street name) when you visit Berat, Albania. I was glad to have brought some of the coffee beans home for my family to try.
