Gjirokastra gastronomy is one of the oldest, most varied and unique of the Albanian culinary tradition. Qifqia is fried rice balls in a very special frying pan with pits. The material of the frying pan is made of copper or aluminum and covered with a tin layer. This frying pan is prepared to this day by the Gjirokastra tinsmiths.
This dish is associated with celebrations and birth. Tradition says that qifqi were prepared for girls who had just given birth, as it was believed to accelerate the production of breast milk. Other people claim that it was originally produced with the pilaf left over from weddings. The recipe varies from family to family. Qifqi contains cooked rice, eggs and dried mint.
