Hells Kitchen Albania

Hell's Kitchen Albania, also known as Kuzhina e Djallit, is an Albanian television series based on the British Hell’s Kitchen franchise. It premiered on Top Channel on October 19, 2018, and concluded after three seasons on January 2, 2021. The show was hosted by chef Renato Mekolli, who subjected contestants to intense psychological pressure through harsh criticism and insults.

The format mirrors the American version, featuring two teams of male and female aspiring chefs competing in a high-stakes kitchen environment. Each season begins with contestants presenting dishes to Renato. Episodes consist of challenges between the teams, often leading to rewards like excursions or punishments involving arduous tasks. These challenges do not directly affect elimination decisions but focus on team performance during service.

In the second part of each episode, contestants cook for restaurant customers, with each team handling half the orders. Renato evaluates the dishes and determines which team underperformed. He selects standout chefs to nominate teammates for elimination, though he may also eliminate contestants independently based on poor performance or behavior. Eliminations can occur during service without prior nominations.

The show’s culinary competition is supported by sous-chefs who assist Renato. In Season 1, Bleri Dervshi and Eri Muhaj served as sous-chefs; in Season 2, Albana Dulellari and Ani Alku; and in Season 3, Francesko Tuku and Visara Pirra.

Hell's Kitchen Albania combined competitive cooking with intense psychological dynamics, challenging contestants to thrive under severe pressure.