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Discover the rich flavors of authentic Albanian cuisine at Dua Kafe, a charming spot located in the heart of Manhattan. This cozy restaurant offers a delightful menu that beautifully showcases traditional dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every meal memorable.
Starters
Begin your culinary journey with an array of flavorful Albanian starters that highlight the region's love for fresh vegetables, cheeses, and meats. The Byrek Combo features hand-stretched phyllo dough stuffed with a variety of cheeses, ground beef, spinach, and Qebapa, complemented by crispy air fries. Fergese offers a vibrant mix of red and green peppers, tomato, cottage cheese, and mountain spices, served with toasted pita.
- Qebapa – lean ground beef flavored with mountain herbs and served with a special cream sauce.
- Lushnja – a grilled vegetable medley drizzled with Borshi olive oil and salce kosi, accompanied by toasted bread.
- Speca Me Mze Misri – smoky grilled peppers topped with a rich cornmeal-based cream.
- Kaçkavall – imported Albanian Kackavall cheese pan-fried and flambéed to a luscious finish.
- Sallamëri Në Dru – a wooden board presentation of imported cured meats, cheese, fig jam, and kosi salsa.
- Sallatë Mikse Turshi – a tangy mix of gogozhare, cabbage, tomato, hot peppers, and a cheese-yogurt brine.
- Tavë Dheu – veal liver slow-cooked with onions, Gjize cheese, and plum tomatoes in a traditional clay casserole bowl.
- Sallatë Katunari Dinner – a fresh salad of vine tomatoes, cucumber, Berati olives, Vidalia onions, Gjiro feta cheese, and a Shqipe dressing.
- Veshkore Leni – tender veal kidneys seasoned with oregano, mint, garlic, black pepper, and parsley, served with toasted bread.
Mains
For the main course, Dua Kafe serves a tempting variety of traditional Albanian favorites alongside fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The classic Byrek comes filled with hand-stretched phyllo dough layered with cheese, ground beef, and spinach for a satisfying comfort dish.
- Sallatë Oktapodi – charred grilled octopus paired with roasted cherry tomatoes, parsley, capers, red onions, and Borshi olive oil.
- Pulë Bio me Sallatë – two jumbo organic chicken skewers served with a vibrant salad of organic mixed greens, vine tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and EVOO dressing.
- Lamb Chops – five Albanian-style lamb chops seasoned and marinated, grilled to perfection, served with roasted lemon potatoes, kosi salsa, and hot peppers.
- Salmon i Egër – pan-seared wild salmon with sautéed garlic, leeks, spinach, fresh herbs, kos, and capers for a fresh, flavorful delight.
- Zgara Mix (1) – a hearty mix of grilled chicken skewers, Qebape (beef sausages), and roasted baby lamb, served with roasted lemon potatoes, kosi salsa, and pickles.
- Levrek Në Tjegull – whole Branzino cooked in a clay dish with imported EVOO, sea salt, thyme, and served with roasted lemon potatoes.
- Tavë Elbasani – tender lamb pieces baked with egg and yogurt in a traditional earthenware bowl, accompanied by a small green salad.
Desserts
Indulge your sweet tooth with traditional Albanian desserts that offer a perfect conclusion to your meal. The Baklava is crafted with delicate phyllo dough layered with nuts, honey, and a touch of condensed milk for a rich finish.
- Dua Tri Leçe – a moist sponge cake soaked in evaporated and condensed milk, topped with cream.
- Baked Plums – fresh plums baked with aromatic spices, served alongside creamy ice cream for a harmonious blend of warm and cool flavors.
- Dua Sugar Plum – fresh baked plums served with agullore, a traditional Albanian ice cream.
- Dua Ëmbëlsirë – a sweet treat of phyllo dough, nuts, honey, and condensed milk, echoing the beloved flavors of Baklava.
- Truffle Air Fries – a unique twist on dessert with air fries seasoned with sea salt, mountain herbs, and infused with truffle oil.
- Imported Albanian Feta – baked feta cheese with air fried oregano, sea salt, spicy honey, imported olives, and toasted bread, blending savory and sweet notes.
Beverages
To complement your dining experience, Dua Kafe offers a variety of traditional Albanian coffee and herbal teas, alongside refreshing non-alcoholic beverages and carefully selected wines and beers.
- Albanian Kafe and Dua Kafe – rich, authentic Albanian coffee prepared traditionally for a robust and aromatic experience.
- Espresso Borbone, Cappuccino, Latte, and the refreshing Albanian Iced Latte and Dua Frappe, catering to all coffee preferences.
- A selection of herbal teas including Mountain Tea (Çaj Mali), Sage (Çaj Sherebele), Mint (Çaj Mente), Linden (Çaj Bliri), Rose (Çaj Trëndafil), Chamomile (Çaj Kamomil), Blueberry (Çaj Boronicë), and Lemon (Çaj Limoni). Perfect for soothing moments.
- Refreshing fruit drinks such as IVI in peach, orange, or lemon flavors, Sparkling waters including Glina and Rugova, and classic sodas like Fanta Ekzotike.
- Traditional Dhallë, a salty yogurt drink, offers a tangy and refreshing complement to your meal.
