Exploring Romania's Authentic Cuisine: Traditional Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Romania food

Jul 25, 2023 • 3 min read

Exploring Romania's Authentic Cuisine

Introduction

Romanian cuisine is a rich blend of flavors influenced by various historical and geographical factors. This fusion creates a unique culinary experience that is sure to delight food lovers. Whether you are exploring the vibrant capital city, Bucharest, or venturing into the picturesque countryside, you'll find an array of traditional dishes that will satisfy both your taste buds and your curiosity.

Traditional Dishes

1. Sarmale: Sarmale is a staple dish in Romanian cuisine. It consists of cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork), rice, and spices. The rolls are then slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce, resulting in a savory and comforting dish.

2. Mămăligă: Mămăligă is a cornmeal-based dish, similar to polenta. It is often served as a side dish and pairs well with various meats, stews, or cheese. Mămăligă has a creamy texture and can be enjoyed as a main course when topped with sour cream or cheese.

3. Ciorbă de Burtă: This traditional Romanian tripe soup is a culinary delight for adventurous eaters. It is made using beef tripe, vegetables, and a blend of sour cream and vinegar that gives it a tangy flavor. Ciorbă de Burtă is often served with a side of garlic sauce and freshly baked bread.

4. Salată de Vinete: Salată de Vinete is a popular eggplant salad that is typically enjoyed during the summer months. The eggplant is roasted, mashed, and seasoned with garlic, vinegar, and sunflower oil. It is served as a spread on freshly toasted bread or as a side dish.

5. Mici: Mici, also known as "mititei," are grilled sausages made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and spices such as garlic, thyme, and paprika. They are typically served with mustard, bread, and a cold glass of Romanian beer.

Restaurants

If you're looking to experience Romanian cuisine at its finest, here are some restaurants that offer authentic dishes:

Caru' cu Bere - Located in the heart of Bucharest, this historic restaurant is known for its delicious traditional dishes and stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
Hanul Berarilor - Situated in the old town of Bucharest, this restaurant offers a wide range of Romanian specialties, including sarmale and mici, in a cozy and rustic atmosphere.
La Mama - This popular chain of restaurants can be found in various cities across Romania and is renowned for its homemade Romanian dishes, including mămăligă and ciorbă de burtă.
Pois Café - Located in the medieval city of Brasov, this charming café serves traditional Romanian cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu features innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Recipes

If you'd like to try your hand at cooking Romanian cuisine, here are a couple of traditional recipes:

Sarmale

Ingredients:

1 large cabbage head
500g minced pork
200g rice
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup tomato juice

Instructions:

Boil the cabbage head in salted water until the leaves are soft. Remove the leaves and let cool.
In a bowl, mix together the minced pork, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center, and roll it up to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and pork mixture.
Place the rolls in a deep pot, seam side down. Pour the tomato juice over the rolls.
Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, until the rolls are tender.
Serve hot with sour cream on top.

Mămăligă