The diversity of Romanian cuisine stands out as its signature. This richness is born from the myriad cultural influences that have seamlessly blended with the Romanian people throughout history. As dishes were refined and new elements were added, we now delight in an extraordinary culinary complexity and abundance. People such as the Germans, French, Serbs, Italians, Turks, and Hungarians have all contributed to this gastronomic tapestry. And, crucially, alongside these adopted culinary treasures, authentic Romanian recipes have been lovingly maintained.
To experience a delicious medley of flavours and immerse yourself in the offerings of “Culinary Romania,” we invite you to explore the following dishes:
The list is far from exhaustive, but includes some of the representative dishes. For a perfect dining experience, don’t miss the homemade bread. You will not regret. Given that many of the dishes are based on meat, an important element in this “equation” is pickles.
Is a preparation specific to Transylvania and is similar to sarmale. The difference is that, this time, the sarmale are “scattered”: the cabbage with the minced meat is laid in layers together with the rice and sour cream.
It is made from: pork, smoked sausages, ribs and smoked bacon. It is served with polenta, fried eggs and bellows cheese on top.
Is one of the most appetizing Romanian soups, whose main ingredient is beef belly. This requires more complex training, but the result is stunning. Once it acquires a creamy texture, the belly is shredded, various vegetables and spices are added, as well as sour cream. It can be served with hot peppers.
It is made from corn flour, boiled in water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sunflower oil. It is usually served with traditional Romanian cheese and homemade sour cream. It is also used as a garnish for sarmale /varza a la Cluj or other preparations.
Chicken with white sauce made from sour cream, whose consistency is thickened with flour. Served with polenta.
It is a thick soup, made from beans, smoked meat with bone (pork or beef – pig trotter, homemade ham), vegetables, tomato broth. To give it an authentic taste, add tarragon, and apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
No meal is complete without mentioning the desserts, right?
These sweet treats are loved by nearly everyone. Trust us, when these come around, even if you’re bursting at the seams, you won’t be able to say no to their irresistible sweetness!
Are delicacies in the shape of donuts with cow cheese, served hot, with sour cream and blueberry jam.
Dumplings made from a dough based on potatoes and flour, in which the plums are dressed. Boiled, then rolled through breadcrumbs browned with sugar and cinnamon.
Is a dessert associated with a holiday that takes place on March 9th. There are some donuts in the shape of the number eight, baked in the oven and served with honey topping and walnut paste.
This cake, although simple in appearance, is a real delight. It is a pie with an enticing cinnamon smell, filled with apples
Beyond the delightful dishes, Romanians will also honour you with traditional drinks, perfected and passed down through generations. While each region boasts its unique specialties, the quality and passion poured into these “magic elixirs” are their defining characteristic and a shared point of pride.
