Dishes from the Balkan country of Kosovo with exotic sounding names like baklava, flija and broek will be on the menu for a special dinner Friday in Fort Dodge.

Those who will sample the delicacies from that country will at the same time be raising money to help build bonds between Fort Dodge and Gjakova, a city in Kosovo.

Fort Dodge and Gjakova became sister cities in December 2016. A youth exchange that began last year and an art initiative to be launched this year are two of the programs binding the two cities.

The Taste of Kosovo dinner set for Friday evening will generate funds for both programs.

The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. at Willow Ridge Restaurant and Golf Course, 1788 Madison Ave.

Tickets will cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Willow Ridge Restaurant and Golf Course and the Iowa Central Community College Bookstore.

”It should be really awesome,” said Jolene Hays, a counselor at Fort Dodge Senior High School, who accompanied some local students to Kosovo last year and plans to do the same this year.

Dawn Larson, an economic development specialist for the city’s Engineering, Business Affairs and Community Growth Department, said the dinner and its special menu will provide ”a way for citizens to experience Kosovo.”

The meal will be prepared by Iowa Central Community College culinary arts students. Larson said one of those students is from Kosovo and had a big part in developing the menu.

There will also be a silent auction of items related to Iowa and Kosovo.

If You Go

What: Taste of Kosovo fundraising dinner

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Willow Ridge Restaurant and Golf Course, 1788 Madison Ave.

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

Tickets available at Willow Ridge and the Iowa Central Community College Bookstore