food and beverages
Indulge in the flavors of Romania with a diverse culinary journey that combines hearty dishes and delightful beverages. Explore traditional Romanian cuisine, where savory stews, grilled meats, and sweet pastries take center stage.
Savor the rich taste of mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), experience the zest of mici (grilled sausages), and delight in the sweetness of papanași (fried doughnuts).
Complement your meal with local wines, brandy, or the famous țuică, a plum brandy that's a true taste of Romania. Discover the deliciousness of Romania's culinary heritage, where every bite tells a story.
sarmale
Indulge in the heart of Romanian culinary tradition with Sarmale, an exquisite dish that embodies the soulful essence of comfort food.
These tantalizing cabbage rolls are delicately wrapped, encasing a savory blend of minced meats, seasoned rice, and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Served alongside creamy sour cream and a side of velvety smooth polenta, Sarmale offers an unparalleled taste adventure.
This dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of heritage, a feast that brings families together, and a must-try for any food enthusiast seeking to explore the depths of traditional Romanian cuisine.
Prepare your palate for a journey through the rich tapestry of flavors that Sarmale brings to the table, a true culinary masterpiece that captivates the heart and soul.
grape vine leaves sarmale
Discover the exquisite twist on a beloved classic with Grape Vine Leaves Sarmale.
This delightful variant takes the traditional Romanian dish to new heights, wrapping a sumptuous filling of minced meats, fragrant herbs, and seasoned rice in tender grape vine leaves, each roll a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
The subtle tang of the grape leaves perfectly complements the rich, savory filling, creating a harmonious blend that dances on the palate.
Paired with a dollop of creamy sour cream and a side of smooth polenta, this version of Sarmale is a culinary journey through the lush vineyards and rich traditions of Romania.
Perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in a gourmet adventure, Grape Vine Leaves Sarmale is not just a dish; it's an experience, inviting you to delve into the essence of Romanian cuisine with every bite.
Get ready to be captivated by its unique taste and elegance, making you yearn for more of this exquisite delicacy.
Mămăligă
Embark on a culinary voyage to the heart of Romania with Mămăligă, the quintessential comfort food that transcends simplicity into an art form.
This beloved Romanian version of polenta is a rich, creamy delight, made from golden cornmeal, water, and a pinch of salt, bringing the warmth of the countryside into every spoonful.
Mămăligă is a versatile gem, perfect as a sumptuous base for savory toppings like sizzling sausages, hearty stews, or the finest, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses.
Its humble elegance offers a taste of Romanian tradition, making it a must-try for those who yearn to explore authentic flavors and textures.
Whether served soft and spoonable or sliced into golden wedges, Mămăligă is more than a dish; it's a celebration of Romanian heritage, inviting you to discover the soulful simplicity and rustic charm of Romania's culinary landscape.
mici
Step into a world where flavor knows no bounds with Mici (or Mititei), Romania's beloved culinary treasure.
These succulent grilled minced meat rolls are a marvel of the grill, crafted from a harmonious blend of beef, lamb, and pork, expertly seasoned with a secret mix of spices that whispers tales of Romanian tradition.
Each bite of Mici is a burst of juicy, smoky perfection, transporting you to bustling street markets and serene backyard gatherings under the open sky.
Perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, Mici are not just food; they're an experience, a celebration of togetherness and the joy of simple pleasures.
Accompany them with a dollop of mustard, a side of fresh bread, and a cold beer for a meal that's not just satisfying, but utterly transformative.
Zacuscă
Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of Zacuscă, a quintessential Romanian spread that captures the essence of autumn's bounty. This savory delight is a harmonious blend of grilled eggplants, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a symphony of spices, all cooked down to create a lusciously thick concoction.
The vegetables are carefully grilled to perfection, infusing the spread with a distinctive smoky flavor that is both robust and inviting. Zacuscă is a celebration of the harvest, a way to preserve the vibrant flavors of vegetables at their peak, and a staple in Romanian pantries. Spread it on warm, crusty bread, pair it with cheeses, or use it as a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ciorbă de burtă - Tripe Soup
Dive into the depths of Romanian culinary tradition with Ciorbă de burtă, a bold and soul-warming tripe soup that stands as a testament to the rich flavors of Romania. This luxurious concoction is a harmonious blend of tender tripe, simmered to perfection in a savory broth, elevated with the lively tang of vinegar and the aromatic warmth of garlic.
Renowned not only for its deeply satisfying taste but also for its reputed powers as a hangover cure, Ciorbă de burtă is a celebration in a bowl, offering comfort, flavor, and tradition in every spoonful.
Whether you're seeking solace after a night of revelry or simply yearning for a taste of authentic Romanian comfort food, this soup promises a culinary adventure that's as restorative as it is delicious.
Ciorbă de Perișoare - Meatball Soup
Savor the essence of Romanian comfort with Ciorbă de Perișoare, a soul-warming soup that embodies the rustic charm and culinary richness of Romania.
This delightful dish features tender, juicy meatballs, known as 'perișoare,' swimming in a vibrant, tangy broth seasoned with vegetables and a hint of lemon or vinegar, giving it a distinctive sour note that invigorates the senses. Each spoonful of Ciorbă de Perișoare is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the meatballs offering a satisfying contrast to the soup's lively broth.
It's a testament to the simplicity and depth of Romanian cuisine, where humble ingredients come together to create dishes of extraordinary character.
Perfect for any meal where comfort is desired, Ciorbă de Perișoare is more than just a soup; it's a hug in a bowl, promising warmth, nourishment, and a taste of home with every bite.
Papanași
Indulge in the sweet delight of Papanași, a crown jewel of Romanian desserts that promises a taste of heaven in every bite. These delectable cheese doughnuts, soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior, are a true culinary masterpiece. Each
Papanaș is lovingly filled or topped with luscious sour cream and crowned with a vibrant, sweet-sour cherry or blueberry jam, creating a symphony of flavors that dance harmoniously on your palate.
This enticing dessert is not just a dish but an experience, offering a blissful escape into a world of sweetness and texture. Perfect for ending a meal on a high note or savoring as a stand-alone treat, Papanași is a testament to Romania's rich culinary heritage, inviting you to bask in the joy of simple, yet profound pleasures.
Cozonac
Feast your senses on the festive delight of Cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread that weaves the essence of celebration into its very fibers.
This luxurious, brioche-like loaf is a masterpiece of texture and taste, with its soft, fluffy dough spiraling around sweet, rich fillings of walnuts, poppy seeds, or velvety sweet cheese. Each slice of Cozonac is a journey through layers of flavor, adorned with a delicate, golden crust that breaks away to reveal the sumptuous, fragrant interior.
Crafted with care and patience, often during the joyous seasons of Christmas and Easter, Cozonac is not just a dessert; it's a symbol of abundance, family, and tradition.
Whether served as a festive centerpiece or enjoyed as a slice of comfort with a cup of coffee, Cozonac invites you to partake in a time-honored culinary tradition that celebrates the rich tapestry of Romanian culture.
Țuică and Palincă
Embark on a spirited journey
Embark on a spirited journey through the heart of Romanian culture with Țuică and Palincă, the cherished traditional beverages that warm the soul and celebrate the essence of life's moments.
Țuică, a smooth, clear plum brandy, is distilled with passion and patience, embodying the spirit of Romanian hospitality and camaraderie. Its gentle warmth and subtle fruit notes make it not just a drink, but a cherished ritual, shared among friends and family during gatherings, feasts, and special occasions.
Each sip of Țuică is an invitation to slow down and savor the richness of Romanian traditions, connecting those who partake in a shared heritage of simplicity and joy.
Palincă, Țuică's more potent cousin, elevates the experience with its robust strength and complex flavors. Often made from a variety of fruits beyond plums, including apples, pears, and apricots, Palincă is a testament to the art of distillation and the bounty of Romania's orchards.
Its bold character and smooth finish make it a favored toast to honor, celebration, and the bonds that hold communities together.
Trandafirată
A sublime Romanian rose liqueur
Experience the delicate allure of Trandafirată, a sublime Romanian rose liqueur that captures the essence of a blooming garden in every bottle. This exquisite drink, made from the fragrant petals of roses, offers a taste that is both elegant and refreshing, with a floral sweetness that enchants the senses.
Trandafirată is a testament to the art of Romanian liqueur-making, showcasing the country's rich tradition of distilling the natural beauty and flavors of its landscapes into sippable delights.
But the journey doesn't end with roses. Romania's vast palette of fruit liqueurs extends to cherries, blueberries, apricots, and beyond, each bringing its own unique flavor profile to the table.
From the tart sweetness of cherries in Vișinată to the lush, deep flavors of blueberries and the sun-kissed richness of apricots, these fruit liqueurs invite you to explore a world of taste, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed neat, as part of a cocktail, or alongside dessert, Trandafirată and its fruity counterparts offer a delightful glimpse into the heart of Romanian culture, one sip at a time.
vinars
Romania's distinguished brandy
Savor the depth and complexity of Vinars, Romania's distinguished brandy that epitomizes the art of fine spirit craftsmanship.
This premium beverage, meticulously aged in oak barrels, unfolds a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas, from the subtle hints of vanilla and oak to the deeper notes of dried fruits and spices.
Vinars represents the pinnacle of Romanian distilling excellence, offering a sophisticated and smooth experience that appeals to connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.
Romania's tradition of spirit making doesn't stop at Vinars. The country boasts an impressive variety of fruit brandies, including those made from cherries, blueberries, apricots, and more, each infused with the essence of the fruit from which it's distilled.
These spirits, ranging from the floral and fragrant to the bold and robust, showcase the diversity of Romania's natural bounty and the skill of its distillers.
romanian wines
Dive into the exquisite world of Vinuri Românești, where the rich soils and diverse climates of Romania give birth to some of the most captivating wines on the global stage.
As one of the world's largest wine producers, Romania prides itself on an array of indigenous grape varieties, including the robust Fetească Neagră, the aromatic Fetească Albă, and the exquisite Grasă de Cotnari, each offering a unique window into the country's viticultural heritage.
Among the hidden gems of Romanian winemaking is Caii de la Letea, a wine that encapsulates the wild beauty and resilience of the Danube Delta's landscapes.
This rare find is a testament to the innovation and passion of Romanian vintners, who skillfully blend tradition with modern techniques to create wines that are not only delightful to the palate but also rich in story and character.