Going sightseeing, visiting attractions, meeting new people, shopping – these are just some of the many reasons why traveling is awesome.
But let’s admit it, one of the best parts about visiting a new place is the food, right?
Nothing can beat the excitement of experiencing new tastes and sampling foods you’ve never tried before.
And Romanian cuisine has a lot to offer tourists with an appetite for learning more about the country’s culinary culture.
That being said, here are a few things everyone traveling to Romania should know, food-wise.
Romanian Traditional Foods – Comfort Food at Its Finest
Trying local foods is one of the first things you should do when visiting a new country.
So, here are a few of Romania’s tasty traditional foods any traveler should experience at least once:
- Soups. Romanian meals traditionally begin with this dish and you’re probably going to be surprised by the wide variety of soups available here. A garlic-flavored soup called ciorbă de burtă made from beef tripe is among the most popular ones. But if you’re not feeling that adventurous, you could try a filling bean soup served in a bread bowl or a hearty soup with meatballs and vegetables.
- Stuffed cabbage rolls. The stuffing is usually a mix of pork and rice, but you can also find cabbage rolls with other stuffing, as well. Served hot with sour cream, polenta, and spicy pepper.
- Grilled rolls of minced pork and beef. You’ll find them listed on the menu as Mici and they are usually served with bread, mustard, and French fries.
- Papanasi. Fried dough filled with sweetened cheese and jam, served with a dollop of fresh heavy cream. Sure to satisfy your sugar craving.
- Plum Dumplings. Made with flour, potato, and egg dough and filled with delicious sweet fruit.
Read more about the Most Delicious Romanian Traditional Desserts by Regions.
You’ll be able to find most of the foods mentioned above (and many others) on the menu of the best restaurant in Bucharest and all across the country. However, know the recipe might be slightly different from one region to another.
So if you have a chance to eat cabbage rolls both in the South and the East side of Romania, you should go for it.
If you’re planning on having a big meal, though, make sure you take some time to rest before your next activity.
Make no mistake; a large part of Romania’s food is comfort food. It will fill you up pretty fast, which makes it perfect for the rainy and cold season.
Romanian Cuisine Is Defined by Great Variety
Romanian gastronomy incorporates a little bit of everything. From fresh salads and crepes to meat-based stews and pasta, there’s something to please every taste.
Many of the starters and main dishes are built around staples such as pork, chicken, and beef. But they also incorporate fresh fruit and organic vegetables, which gives them a surplus of flavor.
Another essential thing to know is Romanian cuisine was heavily influenced by neighboring (sometimes occupying) cultures, including the Turkish, Hungarian, Germanic, and Slavic cultures.
However, it maintains its own character, so you’ll be able to discover new flavors and unique dishes with a familiar homemade quality.
Learn more about Romanian Traditional Food.
Take-Home a Taste of Romania
Traditional markets are regularly organized across Romania’s biggest cities, especially around important holidays.
There, you can find many delightful homemade, traditional products you can enjoy yourself or offer as a culinary souvenir to loved ones back home.
- Gourmet cheese called “Brânza de burduf” in pine bark
- Honey
- Walnut Jam
- Pastrami
- Glazed nuts.
One More Thing
Hope this article has opened up your appetite for wanting to experience Romanian cuisine yourself as soon as possible. There’s one more thing to keep in mind: everything will taste better with a view, book an evening tour with a traditional dinner in Bucharest!
Munching on a baked apple at the foot of the mountains in Brasov, sampling street food in Bucharest, indulging in a 3-course-meal overlooking the rolling hills of Transylvania, these are the moments that will make your trip to Romania a memorable one.
And we can help you check the best sights and attractions in Romania from your list so you can make the most out of your time here.
Feel free to give us a call at 40 735 525 710 if you want to find out more details about our tours in Romania.