Egg-topped pitayka: Unmissable delight of iftar tables in Kosovo
The Kustendil family has been baking traditional Ramadan bread, known as "pitayka," (pita with egg) for three generations in the city of Prizren in southern Kosovo, on March 17, 2025. (AA Photo)
In Prizren, a historic city in southern Kosovo, the iftar (fast breaking dinner) tables of Ramadan are incomplete without the cherished egg-topped pitayka. This special flatbread, meticulously crafted for centuries, has become a staple of traditional Ramadan feasts in the region.
As part of the “Ramadan in Europe” series, Anadolu Agency (AA) explores the journey of this beloved dish, from its careful preparation by local bakers to its much-anticipated appearance on iftar tables.
A ritual passed down for generations
The preparation of egg-topped pitayka is a collaborative process between bakers and residents. The dough, enriched with black cumin seeds, is prepared by skilled bakers, while families contribute their own mixture of eggs, meat, butter, and regional cheeses such as lor and the famous Shar cheese. These toppings are taken to local bakeries, where names are recorded in line for baking just in time for iftar.
As sunset approaches, the streets of Prizren come alive with locals queueing outside bakeries, eagerly awaiting their freshly baked pitaykas.
Kustendil family: Keeping tradition alive
For three generations, the Kustendil family has been at the heart of Prizren’s baking tradition. In their family-run bakery, they prepare both plain and egg-topped pitayka daily, baking them in a wood-fired oven from noon until iftar.
Shenol Kuştendil, who works alongside his father, uncle, and cousin, noted the overwhelming preference for egg-topped pitayka during Ramadan.
“This is a must-have. We call it egg-topped pitayka, and it has been a part of our traditions for centuries, passed down from our grandfathers and fathers,” he explained.
His father, Zulfikar Kustendil, who has continued the family’s baking legacy for six decades, proudly described the dish as “Prizren’s signature delight.”
Egg-topped pitayka: A symbol of Ramadan in Prizren
Locals deeply cherish this culinary tradition. Among them is Cemi Tatar, a teacher, who emphasized the importance of pitayka in Prizren’s culture.
“Egg-topped pitayka is never missing from our iftar (fast breaking dinner) tables. This might be a tradition inherited from our grandfathers, and we honor it with great respect,” he said.
Another devoted customer, Shaban Pllava, who has been buying pitayka from the same bakery for years, shared his sentiments: “We only have these pitaykas in Ramadan, as a special tribute to the holy month.”
Pocket-friendly delicacy
Despite its revered status, pitayka remains an affordable treat. Plain pitayka is available for just 50 cents, while the egg-topped version is slightly higher at 60 cents, making it an accessible indulgence for all.
With its deep-rooted history and irresistible taste, egg-topped pitayka continues to be the soul of Ramadan celebrations in Prizren, uniting families and communities in a time-honored culinary tradition.
