Romanian foods are a unique blend of traditional recipes and flavors, with influences from many cultures that have inhabited Romanian lands over the centuries. Romanian dishes are characterized by their hearty ingredients and bold spices, making them perfect for cold winter days or to bring an extra bit of warmth when served during special occasions. From Sarmale to Alivenci, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Romanian cooking. Whether it’s the iconic Mici sausages or Julfa with hemp mousse, discover some of the best Romanian foods that will add a little Romanian flavor to your table.
About Romania
Romania is a country located in Southeast Europe, with a colorful history stretching back centuries. Romania has always been at the crossroads of east and west, which has left its mark on its culture, food, and customs. Romania is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, such as Retezat National Park or the Carpathian Mountains. It also boasts an impressive range of architectural wonders, from traditional homes to the famous Palace of Parliament – one of the largest buildings in the world.
The charming folk art, lively music scenes, and hearty cuisine all make Romania the perfect place to explore and discover. With Romania having been at the center of different civilizations for centuries, it no doubt still has many hidden secrets to uncover!
Romanian Cousine Influence
Romania’s cuisine reflects its rich, diverse culture and history. From warm traditional soups to local, hand-rolled pastries, culinary influences throughout the years have resulted in a hearty, yet flavorful cuisine. Romanian dishes combine key ingredients like garlic, onion, tomatoes, and fat to create a unique and delightful variety of flavors that tease even the most selective of eaters. A mix of Hungarian, Bulgarian, Turkish, and German influences can be seen in the forks full that are ever so carefully packed with ingredients only found in Romania’s home-cooked meals.
Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)
Also known as Romanian cabbage rolls, these hearty delicacies can typically be found all year long – no one could resist their beautiful aroma wafting around Romanian homes. The savory meal is made of a perfect mix of rice and minced meat (usually pork or pork combined with beef) and other vegetables and local herbs rolled up between two layers of tender cabbage leaves. Delicately baked in the oven, the resulting dish will sure to tantalize even the most seasoned Romanian food enthusiast!
Mici
Romanian foods are renowned for their unique flavors, and mici is no exception! Also known as mititei, this Romanian grill dish is perhaps the most popular in the whole country. Mici consists of a combination of ground meat, black pepper, and other spices all grilled until moist and soft. It’s a favorite with Romanian locals and can be served simply with mustard and bread.
Whether you want to buy pre-made from any grocery store, frozen or fresh; or enjoy them in a restaurant or a street food shop – there is a myriad of options when it comes to experiencing mici!
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Ciorba de burta (tripe soup)
Traditional Romanian foods have been a source of comfort in cultures for generations. One such dish is the beloved Ciorba de burta, an invigorating tripe soup that’s slowly simmered to perfection. There’s no better way to start any meal than with this traditional Romanian soup; it boasts a unique yet delightful flavor, leaving every slurp filled with excitement. As it cooks and melds together all its wonderful ingredients – leeks, celery root, horseradish, garlic, herbs and vinegar – you’ll understand why Ciorba de burta has been loved by generations of Romanians.
Jumari
It’s made by frying pieces of pork belly or rinds with fat and meat still attached to them. Even though eating the cracklings fresh after frying is popular, many Romanian households keep small batches frozen for later consumption due to its long shelf life when preserved in lard.
The taste is a combination of slightly crispy with an oozy texture that is complemented by salt or paprika seasoning. With its popularity ever-present both among Romanian foodies and abroad, discovering Jumari and other Romanian delicacies won’t be hard!
Cighiri
cighiri is similar to huge meatballs but made with an exciting mix of ingredients, including ground pork, offal, onions, eggs, bay leaves, garlic, and plenty of salt and pepper. Although they look like simple dishes, their flavor is anything but; each bite bursts with complex flavors that are sure to tantalize any palate.
Drob de miel (Lamb Drob)
Drob de miel is a Romanian delicacy. It is a sweet and savory treat traditionally served as an appetizer or side dish for Romanian foods. The main ingredients are boiled and mashed eggs, fresh liver, wheat flour, onions, and pork fat. All these ingredients are combined together to form a loaf that looks like a round cake loaf. Drob de miel has a unique flavor because of the combination of pork fat and liver which gives it a sweet and salty taste.
Many Romanian families have begun making their own variations of the traditional recipe to appease new tastes. Whether you choose to make your own version or stick with the classic drob de miel recipe, it’s sure to be just as delicious either way!
Salata de vinete (Roasted Eggplant Salad)
Romanian foods are known for their flavorsome combinations and Salata de Vinete is no exception. This traditional Romanian dish is made with roasted eggplants, garlic, sunflower oil, and vinegar, packed with flavor. Salata de Vinete can be served as a side dish or appetizer, offering a hint of Romanian homemade food culture to any meal. Its diverse combination of flavors makes it popular among people of all ages in Romania and beyond.
In addition to being delicious on its own, Salata de Vinete also lends itself well to being used as a topping on burgers and sandwiches. No Romanian food experience is complete without trying this classic Romanian dish!
Tochitura moldoveneasca (Moldavian Stew)
Tochitura moldoveneasca is a Romanian dish that provides diners with the best of Romanian culinary traditions. It comes complete with mamaliga (polenta), salty fermented cheese, fried eggs, fried pork, traditional sausages and pickles. Not just delicious but also incredibly varied in terms of texture and flavor, this traditional Romanian dish is a true delight to behold and savor.
Alivenci
It originally emerged from rural poverty where limited ingredients were available to craft the original dish, which resembled a sweet polenta. Today it has been elevated into a delectable experience! Creamy milk, sour cream, butter, corn flour, and wheat flour are combined with raisins before cooking until thickened; then the essence of vanilla adds another layer of flavor. To complete the luxurious dessert it’s served with yogurt and caster sugar that further enhances its sweetness.
Julfa with hemp mousse
Originating from the Romanian region of Muntin, it’s a treat for both vegetarians and omnivores alike. The combination of creamy Romanian cottage cheese known as “julfa” with a topping of nutritious hemp mousse makes for a delicious and decadent dish that won’t leave you feeling overly full or weighed down. With fiber-packed whole grains in the julfa, protein from the hemp mousse, plus essential vitamins and minerals, this traditional Romanian food is the perfect choice for an afternoon snack or light lunch i.
Authentic pickles
Romanian pickles offer the perfect balance of sweet and sour, making them a favorite among food lovers. Those looking for an authentic Romanian pickle need only look towards household kitchens in Romania, where preserving cucumbers has been done for generations. As with many Romanian dishes, Romanian pickles make use of natural ingredients in their preparation – garlic, dill or mustard seeds, and white wine vinegar – giving them an unforgettable flavor that’s distinctively Romanian.
Papanasi with sour cream and jam
The sweet doughnut-shaped pastry is deep-fried and topped with sour cream and jam. It’s often served as dessert after Romanian meals, delighting diners with its irresistible combination of sugary, creamy goodness. Not only does it give you a sweet treat, but papanasi also encapsulates Romanian culture within every bite. For those looking for something sweet, the delightful papanasi with sour cream and jam is an exploration of Romanian cuisine that won’t leave you disappointed.
Romanian cuisine is full of flavor and tradition. From Salata de Vinete to Papanasi with sour cream and jam, Romanian food is a delicious journey for the taste buds. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, main dish or dessert, Romanian foods have something to offer everyone! So why not try some Romanian food today? You’ll be glad you did!  🙂
