Romania, situated in southeastern Europe, boasts a vibrant culture and cuisine, making it a popular destination for travelers and tourists. But what culinary delights await those who venture into this Eastern European gem?
To satisfy your cravings, we’ve compiled a list of 23 delectable Romanian dishes that you won’t want to miss. From cooking up a storm in your own kitchen to indulging in local flavors during your visit, these must-try Romanian foods are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Cascaval Pane
Cascaval pane, a type of fried cheese originating from Transylvania, boasts an incredibly rich and savory flavor profile that makes it an excellent accompaniment to any meal. If you’re eager to replicate this authentic taste, sourcing cascaval cheese is the key. However, this ingredient can prove elusive for those cooking in the United States. As such, provolone cheese presents a more accessible alternative.
To elevate the dish even further, consider serving it alongside crisp romaine lettuce, thereby recreating the classic Romanian snack experience.
Jumari
In Romania, they take the humble concept of pork greaves to new heights by transforming it into an addictive delight called Jumari. Essentially, Jumari is nothing more than fat fried in fat and seasoned with a pinch of salt – yet this simplicity belies its irresistible charm. This crispy, crunchy treat has earned its place as both an appetizer and casual snack, its super-crisp texture tantalizing taste buds with every bite.
To add an extra layer of excitement, some Jumari enthusiasts opt to sprinkle a hint of paprika for a subtle kick of heat. Why not try your hand at whipping up a batch of Jumari and serving it alongside your favorite snacks? You never know – it might just become your new go-to indulgence!
Fasole Batuta
In the heartland of Transylvania lies another culinary gem: fasole batuta, a delectable vegan puree crafted from white beans and onions. This sweet and sticky delight is as much a staple in local cuisine as it is a versatile addition to any meal.
As a dip or side dish, fasole batuta pairs exquisitely with an array of flavors – the smokiness of sausages and pork, the pungency of onions and peppers.
But its true magic lies in its adaptability; imagine spreading it over fresh bread for a satisfying snack or incorporating it into your daily lunch routine.
So why not give fasole batuta a try at home? Its simplicity belies its complexity, making it an ideal canvas for experimentation and creativity.
Telemea
One of Romania’s most renowned cheeses is undoubtedly Telemea. Its light and airy texture, coupled with a tangy aftertaste that leaves a lasting impression on the palate, makes it an integral component in various traditional recipes from the country. While true Telemea is characterized by its subtle salty notes and occasionally infused with spices like cumin seeds to impart a nutty flavor, this delicacy can be notoriously difficult to source in the United States.
Why not take matters into your own hands and craft your very own Telemea cheese at home? Or, if you’re planning a trip to Romania, why not try it during your next visit?
Papanasi
Papanasi, Romania’s iconic dessert, bears an uncanny resemblance to fried donuts. This sweet delight is typically served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of fruit jelly, which cleverly balances the sweetness and provides a delightful contrast. Whether enjoyed as a post-meal treat or a spontaneous indulgence, papanasi is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. For those eager to recreate this beloved dessert at home, be sure to check out our recipe below! Go To Recipe
Cozonac
Cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread, is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. When cut into slices, its rich, chocolatey swirls evoke the beauty of marble cake. But what makes cozonac truly special is that it’s not just a feast for the eyes – its buttery crumb and zesty sweetness are equally delightful to eat.
In Romania, cozonac is typically enjoyed during Easter celebrations, but with this easy recipe, you can bring this sweet treat home and savor its complex, nutty flavors all year round.
Salata De Boeuf
Romania’s beef salad, or salata de boeuf, is an intriguing holiday dish that defies common American expectations. This complex culinary creation combines a medley of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips with pickles, beef, and mayonnaise to produce a unique flavor profile. Some recipes take it up a notch by adding boiled eggs and olives for added depth.
What’s remarkable about salata de boeuf is its versatility – the leftovers can be enjoyed as a refreshing cold salad for days to come, making it an excellent option for meal prep or a quick side dish even after the initial serving.
Salata De Icre
While salata de boeuf has its own unique characteristics, its variation, salata de icre, takes on a distinct texture and flavor profile. Instead of using beef, this version relies on carp or pike roe to create a thick and creamy spread. Unlike its counterpart, which is often served as a standalone dish, salata de icre is commonly used as a sauce for potatoes or a topping for slices of bread. Its lighter consistency still packs plenty of flavor, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
Zacusca
In Romania, another beloved spread is zacusca, a vegetable delight that typically combines roasted peppers and eggplant. The versatility of this spread lies in its ability to accommodate personal taste preferences. Some versions take on a spicier tone by incorporating different pepper varieties, while others sweeten the deal with a drizzle of honey. With zacusca, you’re free to experiment with heat levels and flavors to suit your palate.
While it’s often enjoyed on bread, this spread can also elevate noodles or pasta dishes as a savory sauce, or serve as a tasty dip for crunchy tortilla chips.
Branzoaica
Indulge in the delightful fusion of lemon and ricotta cheese in Branzoaice, a sweet Romanian pastry perfect for tea time or dessert. This recipe allows you to create your own Branzoaice at home, transforming it into a delicious breakfast alternative as well. The beauty of these pastries lies not only in their taste but also in their unique folding pattern, which gives them a charming floral appearance – making them a delightful treat to serve and enjoy.
Plescoi Sausages
Plescoi sausages are a unique culinary delight that hails from Romania. What sets them apart is their use of mutton rather than pork, and the addition of chili peppers and garlic to create an explosion of flavors. This distinct combination makes for a truly mouth-watering experience.
While plescoi sausages may be a rare find in the United States, adventurous cooks can try recreating them at home using mutton, garlic, and chili peppers as key ingredients.
However, for those seeking an authentic taste of Romania’s sausage scene, a trip to the country is the best way to truly experience it.
Bors
For vegetarians looking to explore the flavors of Romania, this plant-based bors recipe is a must-try. While traditional bors typically features meat like chicken or pork, this vegetarian adaptation allows you to experience authentic Romanian cuisine without compromising your dietary preferences. This hearty and nutritious soup boasts a unique character that sets it apart from other soups, making it a satisfying choice for a comforting meal.
Drob De Miel
In Romania, there’s a unique dish that has garnered attention and affection – the drob de miel. Also referred to as ‘Romania’s answer to lamb haggis,’ this culinary delight is a savory loaf filled with the entrails of a lamb, providing an abundance of protein and nutrients. The crowning jewel of this dish is the massive egg at its core, which makes it a traditional Easter staple in Romania.
While the original recipe features lamb, adventurous cooks can experiment with variations that incorporate chicken instead, offering a range of flavor profiles to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, the recipes above offer a starting point for crafting the perfect drob de miel experience.
Ciorba De Perisoare
Are you a fan of meatballs and soup? If so, get ready to be amazed by this traditional Romanian dish that will leave you wanting more. Ciorba de perisoare is a hearty liquid soup that combines tender vegetables like onion, pepper, carrots, and celery with savory meatballs. But what truly sets it apart is the rich medley of ingredients used to create its flavorful broth. Expect a delicious mix of beef, pork, rice, egg, lemon juice, and tomato paste, all working together in harmony.
While sourcing the necessary ingredients may require some effort, the end result will be a nourishing hot broth packed with vitamins and flavor. Perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather, this comfort food is sure to lift your spirits.
Ciorba De Burta
Romania is renowned for its hearty and wholesome soups, with ciorbă de burta being a standout favorite among locals. Also known as tripe soup, this comforting dish is made with a medley of ingredients including garlic, sour cream, eggs, and tender beef tripe. The resulting creamy texture is truly unique and a treat for the taste buds.
nThe best part?
With its simplicity to prepare and abundance of nutrients, ciorbă de burta makes for an excellent go-to comfort food whenever you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Palinka
Romania’s national pride when it comes to spirits lies in palinka, a type of brandy that combines wine or fruit with a rich flavor profile. Also known as plum brandy, this popular spirit is often enjoyed on its own or incorporated into unique cocktails.
While bottles of palinka can be found at many liquor stores, why not take your appreciation for the drink to the next level by crafting a refreshing cocktail that showcases its bold flavors?
With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a fruity and indulgent concoction that perfectly complements the traditional Romanian brandy it’s named after.
Biscuit Salam
Salam, a type of Romanian salami, may seem familiar at first glance. That’s because it shares its name with a popular Romanian dessert, biscuit salam. However, the two couldn’t be more different. While the salami is made from pork meat and fat, biscuit salam is a sweet treat that combines rum, cocoa powder, and buttery biscuits. The connection between the two lies in their appearance – like a long, thick salami sausage, biscuit salam has a similar shape.
If you’re interested in trying this unique dessert for yourself, check out our easy recipe below!
Placinta
Romania’s culinary landscape is dominated by pies, with one variety rising above the rest as a beloved staple: the savory and satisfying placinta. This cheese pie boasts a unique bread-like texture, making it an ideal comfort food that’s easy to prepare at home. If you’re eager to create your own delicious placintas, look no further than this straightforward recipe!
While they may resemble thick pancakes rather than traditional pies, placintas are surprisingly filling due to their rich ingredient profile.
Pomana Porcului
In Romania, there’s one dish that stands out from the rest – Pomana Porcului. Translating roughly to ‘Pig’s Alms’, it’s a hearty pork dish that’s both rich and filling. The recipe is straightforward, consisting of cubes of pork taken from any part of the pig. While Christmas is the traditional time to enjoy Pomana Porcului, its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion.
Often served with garlic fries on the side, this beloved Romanian dish is a staple in many restaurants and cafes across the country.
Mici
In Romania, pork is a staple in many dishes, but its star role shines brightest in the country’s beloved street food, mici. Often referred to as Romanian sausages, mici are more than just a tasty treat – they’re an experience. Filled with the pungency of garlic and the sweetness of barbecue, these savory delights are cooked to perfection over an open flame, emerging tender and juicy on the outside, and packed with flavor within.
For those eager to bring a taste of Romania into their own kitchens, this recipe provides the perfect starting point.
Sarmale
While sarmale is often served as a vegetable side dish alongside meaty main courses, its versatility shines through in various ways. Not only can it be stuffed with meats like pork, beef, and bacon, but this type of cabbage roll also caters to different diets and preferences. In Romania, for instance, sarmale has become extremely popular due to its adaptability – it can function as a snack, lunch, or side dish, making it an excellent option for individuals with diverse tastes.
The fillings are easily adjustable to suit personal palates, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect combination. So, feel free to give sarmale a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.