Mains water is chlorinated and is fine for brushing teeth. However, bottled water is advised for drinking, especially outside Tirana. Brucellosis and tuberculosis are present in Albanian dairy cattle. Unpasteurised milk and homemade cheese should be avoided; however, in cafes and restaurants the milk is always UHT, and therefore safe.
Water resources of Albania are abundant, almost in all the regions of the country, with an uneven seasonal distribution. The available quantity of surface water, and to a less extent of groundwater also, strongly decreases during the months of summer. Thus, only about 6-9 % of the annual runoff is observed during the dry season (July-September).
Albanian cuisine is excellent, with both Ottoman and Italian influences evident. There are many good restaurants throughout the country, although obviously in smaller towns the choice is more limited than in the cities. Vegetarians will find themselves eating a lot of salad; luckily for them, Albanian tomatoes and cucumber are delicious.