A Taste of Tradition: Slow Food and Authentic Albanian Cuisine at Hotel Castle Park, Berat
A Taste of Tradition: Slow Food and Authentic Albanian Cuisine at Hotel Castle Park, Berat
High above the historic town of Berat, where stone houses meet forested hills, Hotel Castle Park serves more than a meal—it offers a cultural experience rooted in the principles of the Slow Food movement. Here, food isn’t fast, industrial, or anonymous. It’s fresh, local, and full of meaning.
“Our goal is to bring back the ancient recipes while preserving food heritage”, says Alma Spathara, food lover, owner and manager of Hotel Castle Park.
Slow Food, Albanian Style
At Castle Park, the kitchen embraces the Slow Food philosophy: good, clean, and fair. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms, traditional methods are respected, and local communities are supported through direct partnerships.
“Berat has a blessed, fertile land and many hardworking farmers. The secret of the wonderful taste of our dishes comes from the ingredients that we buy from farmers in the deepest areas of Berat,” Alma Spathara mentions.
Local chef, Ezmira preparing dough for traditional bread.
Local Ingredients, Timeless Recipes
The menu reflects Berat’s deep agricultural roots. Vegetables come from organic gardens in Roshnik and Velabisht, while herbs like mountain thyme and mint are gathered by hand on the slopes of Mount Tomorr. Olive oil is cold-pressed on family farms, and dairy products—like tangy white cheese and fresh yogurt—come from local shepherds using centuries-old techniques.
Slow-cooked dishes such as tavë kosi (lamb baked in yogurt), qifqi (herbed rice balls), and byrek (hand-rolled savory pastry) embody the slow food ethos: rooted in place, rich in flavor, and made with intention.
From the Hands of the People
“Our goal isn’t just to feed guests,” says Chef Entela, the heart of the kitchen. “It’s to preserve our heritage and share it—with patience, passion, and pride.”
Food at Castle Park isn’t created by machines or rushed processes. It’s lovingly prepared by skilled local chefs like Entela and Ezmri, along with a team of village cooks—who have inherited family recipes passed down for generations.
They bake, stir, roll, and taste—just like their grandmothers did. Nothing is wasted, nothing is artificial, and every step matters.
Savor the Experience
Dining at Castle Park means slowing down. Meals are enjoyed with time, conversation, and a view of the castle-topped hills. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a return to what food is meant to be: nourishing for the body, soul, and community.
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