14 mouth-watering Romanian foods that everyone should try

Whether you are a food lover or just curious about an Eastern European country, these flavorful ways to eat and explore Romania’s cuisine will leave you wanting more.

A pot roast riff on favored Romanian dishes

Romanian cuisine is a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Slavic influences. This means that there are a few dishes that are distinctly Romanian. Here are 14 of them that you must try if you’re ever in the country:

1. Cozonac (a kind of pork and apricot dumpling) – Similar to the Japanese tataki, cozonac is a sophisticated dish made from minced pork and apricot filling. It’s usually pan-fried or simmered in a syrup.

2. Salata de vinete (vine salad) – This refreshing salad features a mix of young green grapes, dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves tossed with olive oil and vinegar. It’s perfect for summer lunches or dinners.

3. Plops (a type of flour dumpling) – These doughy little things are served with anything from potatoes to sauerkraut. You can even find them at Turkish restaurants in Romania!

4. Curtezi (courtyard pizza) – This classic pizza is made with a flatbread crust and plenty of cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions. It’s perfect for casual meals

An Easter chicken and ham in phyllo

Whether you’re a carnivore or a vegetarian, there’s a Romanian food out there that will satisfy your taste buds. Here are 14 mouth-watering Romanian foods that everyone should try:

Borscht
A beet and beef borscht is a must-try when in Romania. It’s a hearty soup with just the right amount of flavor, and it can be prepared in many different ways.

Fried cheese
Romanian Fried Cheese is something you definitely don’t want to miss. This cheese is fried until it’s crispy and then served with tomatoes and onion. It’s an addictive dish and perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.

Pilaf
A pilaf is a rice dish that is usually cooked with different ingredients, such as chicken, lamb, or shrimp. It can be savory or sweet, and it’s often served hot and topped with butter or cream.

Parsnip soup
This soup is made from parsnips, water, and cream, and it’s perfect for chilly days. You can find variations of this soup all over Romania, so there’s sure to be one that you’ll love.

Pumpkin seed cake

Romania’s national dish is pumpkin seed cake, which is a moist, spiced cake made from ground pumpkins and mixed with eggs, sugar and spices. It is served cold or at room temperature.

A palate cleansing lemonade

When it comes to refreshing and delicious drinks, nothing beats a good lemonade. And what better way to cool down on a hot summer day than with a pitcher of this refreshing drink?

Here are 14 mouth-watering Romanian foods that everyone should try:

1. The national dish of Romania, cozonac is a sweet pastry stuffed with onions, sugar, and eggs. It can be found in bakeries and pastry stores all over the country.

2. Meatballs made from lamb, pork, or beef are another must-try food in Romania. They can be served warm or cold, with various toppings such as piure (a type of cornmeal pudding), fresh herbs, or boiled egg.

3. Soft cheese is another delicious food that deserves to be tried in Romania. This dairy product comes in many different flavors and varieties, such as blue cheese, gorgonzola, boursault, or camembert.

4. Roasted potatoes are a popular side dish in Romania that can be found at virtually any restaurant or fast food outlet. They are usually served with sour cream and chives or parsley and garlic sauce.