Verified Facts
When visiting Romania, be sure to try the country's hearty and flavorful dishes, which often feature meat, vegetables, and polenta, and are heavily influenced by the country's geographic location and cultural heritage.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Romanian cuisine is a unique blend of different cultures and influences, including Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan. The country's geographic location, situated at the crossroads of Europe, has resulted in a diverse range of culinary traditions. Romanian cuisine is characterized by its use of local ingredients, such as corn, wheat, and vegetables, which are often combined with meat and dairy products. The cuisine also varies by region, with the Transylvania region being known for its hearty meat dishes, while the Moldova region is famous for its sour soups and stews.
The country's cuisine has also been influenced by its history, with the Roman and Byzantine empires leaving their mark on the country's culinary traditions. Romanian cuisine is also known for its preserved foods, such as pickled vegetables and cured meats, which are often served as appetizers or side dishes. The country's cuisine is also characterized by its use of herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic, and dill, which add flavor and depth to many dishes.
Romanian cuisine is often associated with hearty and comforting dishes, such as stews, soups, and casseroles. These dishes are often made with local ingredients and are served with a side of polenta or bread. The country's cuisine is also known for its traditional desserts, such as papanasi, which are doughnuts filled with jam and walnuts, and gogosi, which are fritters made with apples and cinnamon.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarmale | Main Course | Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground pork and beef, served with polenta and sour cream | Traditional restaurants, such as Caru' cu Bere in Bucharest |
| Ciorba | Soup | A sour soup made with vegetables and meat, often served with a side of bread | Traditional restaurants, such as La Mama in Bucharest |
| Mămăligă | Side Dish | A type of polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat | Traditional restaurants, such as Hanul lui Manuc in Bucharest |
| Mititei | Appetizer | Grilled minced meat sausages, often served with a side of bread and mustard | Street food vendors, such as those found in the Old Town of Bucharest |
| Cârnații | Appetizer | Fried dough filled with meat and spices, often served with a side of sour cream | Street food vendors, such as those found in the Old Town of Bucharest |
| Tochitura | Main Course | A hearty dish made with pork, polenta, and eggs, often served with a side of sour cream | Traditional restaurants, such as La Ceaun in Sibiu |
| Drob | Appetizer | A traditional dish made with lamb or pork organs, often served with a side of polenta and sour cream | Traditional restaurants, such as Casa cu Blat in Sibiu |
| Cozonac | Dessert | A traditional sweet bread filled with walnuts, raisins, and spices, often served with a cup of coffee | Bakeries, such as those found in the Old Town of Bucharest |
| Papanasi | Dessert | Doughnuts filled with jam and walnuts, often served with a side of sour cream | Street food vendors, such as those found in the Old Town of Bucharest |
| Gogosi | Dessert | Fritters made with apples and cinnamon, often served with a side of powdered sugar | Street food vendors, such as those found in the Old Town of Bucharest |
Street Food & Snacks
- Mititei: Grilled minced meat sausages, often served with a side of bread and mustard, $3-$5
- Cârnații: Fried dough filled with meat and spices, often served with a side of sour cream, $2-$4
- Plăcintă: A type of pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, often served with a side of sour cream, $2-$4
- Gogosi: Fritters made with apples and cinnamon, often served with a side of powdered sugar, $1-$3
- Papanasi: Doughnuts filled with jam and walnuts, often served with a side of sour cream, $2-$4
- Covrigi: A type of pretzel often topped with salt, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds, $1-$2
Drinks
- Țuică: A strong fruit brandy, often served as a shot, $3-$5
- Palinca: A type of fruit brandy, often served as a shot, $3-$5
- Vin Romanian: A type of Romanian wine, often served with meals, $5-$10
- Ciuc: A type of Romanian beer, often served with meals, $3-$5
- Socata: A type of soda made with fruit juice and sparkling water, $2-$4
- Coffee: A strong and rich coffee, often served with a cup of sugar, $2-$4
Dining Customs
- Table manners: It is customary to wait for the host to invite you to sit down and to keep your hands visible on the table.
- Tipping: It is customary to tip 5-10% of the total bill, but only if the service is good.
- Reservations: It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Dress code: The dress code is usually casual, but it is recommended to dress up for special occasions.
- Meal times: The typical meal times are breakfast 7-10 am, lunch 12-3 pm, and dinner 6-10 pm.
- Bread: It is customary to break bread with your host, as it is a sign of hospitality and friendship.
Where to Eat
- Traditional restaurants: Such as Caru' cu Bere in Bucharest, which serves traditional Romanian dishes, $10-$20
- Street food vendors: Such as those found in the Old Town of Bucharest, which serve a variety of street food, $3-$5
- Markets: Such as the Obor Market in Bucharest, which offers a variety of fresh produce and traditional dishes, $5-$10
- Food courts: Such as the one found in the AFI Cotroceni mall in Bucharest, which offers a variety of international and traditional dishes, $10-$20
- Cafes: Such as the ones found in the Old Town of Bucharest, which serve a variety of coffee and pastries, $5-$10
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Obor Market: A large market in Bucharest that offers a variety of fresh produce, traditional dishes, and street food, located in the Obor neighborhood.
- Piata Romana: A market in Bucharest that offers a variety of fresh produce, traditional dishes, and street food, located in the Piata Romana neighborhood.
- Sibiu Market: A market in Sibiu that offers a variety of fresh produce, traditional dishes, and street food, located in the Old Town of Sibiu.
- Food tour: A guided tour that takes you through the city's culinary scene, sampling traditional dishes and drinks, $50-$100.
- Cooking class: A class that teaches you how to make traditional Romanian dishes, $50-$100.