Albanians in NYC

December 23, 2020 5:01 AM

I'm an American living in NYC that's looking at moving to Albania next year and am interested in learning more about their population here. Googling only takes me so far. Is there a specific reason a lot are here, other than NYC being such a diverse city? Also just looking for general info such as Albanian-heavy areas, restaurants, ways to meet some Albanians, etc. Obviously COVID, so if there's any specific resources/articles to check out I'd appreciate that. A lot of the data I found on Google was pretty old.
posted by signondiego to Grab Bag (5 answers total)

Is there a specific reason a lot are here, other than NYC being such a diverse city?

Balkan War Diaspora
posted by fluttering hellfire at 6:09 AM on December 23, 2020 [1 favorite]

Lots of Albanians here in Astoria (often working in and even owning the "Greek" restaurants).
posted by gaspode at 6:15 AM on December 23, 2020

Best answer: I believe the biggest Albanian population is in the Bronx, mostly in Pelham Parkway and Belmont. Since the 70s, many Albanians have been running pizzerias and other Italian restaurants -- the Famous Famiglia chain is Albanian-owned. A full-fledged Albanian restaurant called Cka Ka Qellu got a review in the Times last year -- it sounds pretty great.
posted by neroli at 7:08 AM on December 23, 2020 [1 favorite]

Yes also google the Hoxha regime.
posted by Melismata at 7:21 AM on December 23, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: There is an Albanian community in the Bronx. For restaurants, I recommend Dua Kafe in the East Village. I personally thought it was a cute restaurant and the Albanian friends I went with found the food to be authentic.
posted by lovelygirl at 2:31 PM on December 23, 2020