“The Queen of England met the Queen of the Lake.”
These are the words Queen Elizabeth II is said to have spoken after tasting Koran trout, prepared according to the traditional culinary craftsmanship of Pogradec. The rare fish from our lake so impressed Her Majesty that it became an almost permanent feature on the royal menu, with representatives of the Royal Household reportedly placing special requests for fresh, wild Koran trout sourced directly from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid.
Today, you can experience that same royal flavor where it all began—on the shores of Lake Ohrid, at Restaurant Zgara Familjare. Here, we proudly prepare our traditional Koran Casserole , the dish that is said to have captured the heart of a queen.
Why Koran ?
Koran is no ordinary fish. It is an endemic species found only in Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world, estimated to be more than one million years old and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake's exceptionally clear waters and unique ecosystem give its delicate white meat an unmatched tenderness and refined flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. Renowned publications, including National Geographic, have highlighted Lake Ohrid's extraordinary biodiversity and its ancient endemic species. It is no surprise that, among countless culinary delicacies from around the world, Koran earned a place on a royal dining table.
How We Prepare Our Koran Casserole
At Restaurant Zgara Familjare, our Koran Casserole is prepared according to the authentic culinary traditions of Pogradec—slowly, carefully, and with great respect for every detail.
Everything begins with fresh Koran. It is carefully cleaned and lightly marinated with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon, and natural herbs, allowing its authentic flavor to remain the true star of the dish.
It is then placed in a traditional clay bakingdish over a bed of slowly caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, garlic, fragrant bay leaves, and a splash of white wine that enriches the sauce with depth and aroma.
The casserole is baked slowly in the oven, allowing the clay dish to distribute the heat evenly and gently. This traditional cooking method lets the fish cook naturally in its own juices together with the vegetables, creating a rich, golden sauce while keeping the delicate white meat exceptionally tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Every casserole is prepared fresh to order and served piping hot, accompanied by freshly baked bread to enjoy every last drop of the delicious sauce. As the people of Pogradec often say, the true secret of the casserole lies in its sauce.
We invite you to experience the dish that is said to have been enjoyed by a queen—lovingly prepared by a family from Pogradec.
A Dish with Royal Benefits for Your Health
Beyond its fascinating history and exceptional flavor, Koran Casserole is also a remarkably healthy meal. Rich in high-quality protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, phosphorus, and selenium, Koran offers outstanding nutritional value. Slow-cooked with extra virgin olive oil and fresh vegetables, it becomes a wholesome dish that supports heart health, brain function, and the immune system—making it an excellent choice for guests of all ages.
A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
In Pogradec, Koran Casserole is far more than a traditional recipe—it's a cherished part of the region's culinary heritage. It has long been the dish of family celebrations, special occasions, and honored guests. For generations, families in Pogradec have carefully preserved this authentic cooking tradition, passing down the secrets of the perfect casserole from one generation to the next. At Restaurant Zgara Familjare, we are proud to keep this tradition alive every day, preparing each casserole with the same passion, care, and authenticity that have defined it for generations.
We warmly welcome you to Restaurant Zgara Familjare, on the shores of Lake Ohrid in Pogradec, to experience our Koran Casserole—the legendary dish that is said to have journeyed from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid to the table of Queen Elizabeth II. Because some flavors are more than just food—they are stories waiting to be tasted.
