Romanian dishes are the ultimate comfort food, with hearty recipes that make the most of seasonal ingredients and influences from German, Hungarian, Slavic and Turkish cuisines. You can expect plenty of meat soups, fresh vegetables, grilled meats and pickled salads.
There’s a strong farming history here, and it’s still common today for families in Romania to grow their own produce at home. This is reflected in all the tasty veggie side dishes, including the national dish of sarmale, which are stuffed cabbage rolls. Sheep cheese is also a popular ingredient here, as are plums. You can’t leave Romania without a shot (or two!) of plum brandy!
While you’ll have the most authentic experience of tasting Romanian cuisine in the country itself, the dishes are simple to recreate at home. Try these recipes for comforting, rich dishes that are perfect for the winter months.
These aren’t just any recipes either. They come from some of the world’s best food bloggers who have recreated the dishes meticulously so as you can make them at home. Make sure to bookmark and follow their blogs for more great foodie treats.
The Best Romanian Dishes
1. Vegetarian Sour Soup
This version of the classical vegetarian sour soup recipe that’s very popular in Romanian cuisine is simple to make and totally wholesome.
Recipe created by Marcel.
2. Slow Roasted Caramelized Cabbage With Sausages
This Romanian style slow roasted caramelized cabbage is the caramelized onion of the cabbage world. It’s sweet, spicy, smokey, tangy, and full of complex flavours.
Recipe created by Cristina.
3. Creamy Spinach With Fried Egg
This creamy spinach with fried egg is one of the easiest, most nutritious Romanian recipes that you can make rapidly, with a few simple ingredients. Romanians enjoy eating a lot of meat (add some garlic sauce, and it’s happiness supreme), but taking a break from meat is a good idea from time to time.
Recipe created by Alina.
4. Meatballs with Charred Broccoli
An easy meal to throw together any time you’re looking for something delicious and quick. A quick change up of the spices makes for a whole new meal!
Recipe created by Megan.
5. Zacusca
Zacusca is a Romanian vegetable spread made primarily from roasted eggplant and red peppers. It is popularly served as a spread on bread, but also as a relish for meats.
Recipe created by Mike.
6. Mici Sausages
These homemade sausages also known as mici (will translate as “small” and pronounced “Meech”) are a Romanian BBQ staple. There is no bbq without these tasty little ones. These are now a street food in Romania and they are loved by all.
Recipe created by Ramona.
7. Chicken Legs in Puff Pastry
A recipe that takes a lot of preparation, but which will leave your guests drooling in delight when they first taste this dish. The tender chicken is full of juice on the inside.
Recipe created by Diva.
Spending time in the country? Check out How To Spend 48 Hours In Bucharest: The Ultimate Guide.
