For an experience like no other, head to Çka Ka Qëllu located in the Bronx. Owner Ramiz Kukaj was inspired to open his restaurant when his son asked him where he could take his friends for authentic Albanian cuisine. In his research, Ramiz came up empty handed and decided it would become his life's mission to bring Albanian cuisine and culture to NYC. After years of collecting 18th and 19th century Albanian artifacts to decorate the space, Çka Ka Qëllu is now one of the most unique restaurant/museum experiences in the city.

Find Çka Ka Qëllu online at http://ckakaqellu.com and @ckakaqellu on Instagram. The Open Belly podcast is hosted by Danielle Lehman and shares the stories of immigrant and refugee chefs and restauranteurs across America. You can find the Open Belly podcast online at openbellypodcast.com or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @openbelly. Thank you to our supporters, ChowNow and New American Economy. This episode was produced by Oliver J. Hughes, photography provided by Alyssa Broadus and Chris Dolt, and artwork created by Frank Norton. Data points and research provided by New American Economy.