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European taste, Albanian heart/ “Temple of Taste” in Shkodër

2025-12-20 18:25:00, Qyteti im CNA

"Tempulli i Shijes" is not just a restaurant, but a story of passion, work and returning to roots. A space where European experience blends with Albanian tradition, where every dish is prepared with care and passion.

Arsen started his journey towards the kitchen at the age of 13. And today, after many years of emigration and work in restaurants inside and outside the country, he has decided to have his own "Temple"

"At the age of 13, I enjoyed working in the kitchen, I had a passion for it and I helped my mother cook. Then we decided to return to Albania and work in Shkodra. It's been 5 years since I came back? After a long experience in Europe, we decided to come back and work here. We started with our family and opened a business on Shiroma Street. We worked in Europe for many years before in Germany, France, Belgium. I left with the thought that this place is not good and I came back with the idea that no one is coming to make your place yours. It's difficult, but I made this decision. Because people need a place where they can eat well and have comfort. We tried to create a family place. I wanted to break away from the idea that we have to depend on someone else and with this idea we said let's do something of our own ," says the chef, Arsen Hyseni.

With a select menu focused on traditional meat and fish dishes, wild products, and authentic flavors, the restaurant offers consistent quality and reasonable prices for every palate.

"At the Temple of Taste we have introduced both types, meat and fish. Since we have experience in both types, I did not want to leave meat or fish lacking. The menu is reduced because I did not want to experiment but traditional. Since the business is family-run, we have tried to stick to tradition. For meat and fish, we have wild products, we have connected with fishermen and brought wild products, both meat and fish. For meat, we have chops, lamb shoulder. We want to have a menu with average prices, but I do not change the quality because this has made me grow. Seafood products are the most sought after. Especially clients from Tirana want seafood and lake products, and the people of Shkodra know that too. We have also had many from Montenegro, Germany, the Netherlands and all over Europe. They eat more easily than us but they like the taste and hospitality. The view is special because you can see the Lake, Shkodra. While they are fanatics about food tradition. We have created clientele from every class. I am grateful to those who came when I was the chef and who come now that I am the creator and manager of this restaurant. Now they know where to find me. When I came from abroad, the name made a big impression on me and I came back with the idea of ??having something of my own, so I stopped here to make a change", says Hyseni.

The places where Arsen has lived have left their mark on him not only in his profession but also in his interior design. And today he has decided that the "Temple of Taste" will also be the "Temple of the places where he has lived."

"I thought that in the decoration I would bring something from the places where I have stayed. It is a part of Tuscany that includes the glass part, the flowers from Holland, the cold German colors and the French and also Albanian cuisine. We are Albanians with tradition and hospitality," he says.

The panoramic view of Lake Shkodra, the family atmosphere and the warm hospitality make the “Temple of Taste” a special destination not only for the people of Shkodra, but also for visitors from Tirana, Montenegro and various European countries. A place where you return not only for the food, but for the feeling of home, for the taste that reminds you of tradition and for the quality that is not compromised.

"At the end of the year, many immigrants come to spend the holidays. I hope they come and never leave again because there is no place like yours. The municipality has invested and the city has changed. There are more tourists, not only in the municipality but also in other parts. Finally, we are looking at organizing something because we want to have a good time with friends in our restaurant," says the chef.

"Tempulli i Shijes" aims to continue to be a meeting point, where food, tradition and people come together to spend beautiful moments, in a family and welcoming environment. For those who want to delight the eye with the magical view of Lake Shkodra, but also to enjoy seafood dishes, "Tempulli i Shijes" awaits you between Shkodra and Shiroka. /CNA