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Taste of Romania: 10 Traditional Foods You Need to Try in 2025 (And Where to Find Them)

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Craving comfort food with character? These 10 Romanian dishes are must-tries in 2025. From cabbage rolls to sweet pastries, find out what and where to eat.

Romanian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and wildly underrated. Every bite tells a story of its rustic roots and cultural fusion. From the snow-capped Carpathians to the sun-soaked plains of Oltenia, Romanian food is shaped by centuries of cultural influences — Ottoman spices, Hungarian stews, Balkan bites, and Slavic sour soups. In 2025, foodies and curious travelers alike are waking up to this hidden gem of a cuisine.

Whether you’re strolling through the medieval streets of Sibiu, dining in Bucharest’s chic Old Town, or sipping homemade wine in a Transylvanian village, the flavors of Romania will surprise and delight you. Here are 10 traditional Romanian dishes you need to try — and where to find the best bites across the country.

1. Sarmale – Romania’s Beloved Cabbage Rolls

Sarmale are cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mix of minced pork, rice, onions, and herbs, slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce until they practically melt in your mouth. A staple at holidays and family gatherings, sarmale are the heart and soul of Romanian comfort food.

Where to try it:

  • Caru’ cu Bere (Bucharest) – A legendary beer hall serving up classic sarmale in a setting that feels like a time machine.
  • La Ceaun (Brasov) – Their Transylvanian-style rolls are packed with local herbs and served with a side of polenta.

Pro tip: Locals often enjoy sarmale with a generous dollop of sour cream and a side of mămăligă (Romanian polenta).

2. Ciorbă de Burtă – Sour Tripe Soup That Warms the Soul

Don’t be afraid of the name — Ciorbă de burtă is a Romanian national treasure. Made from beef tripe, vinegar, sour cream, and egg yolks, this rich, tangy soup is both satisfying and surprisingly refined. It’s often served with hot chili peppers and a shot of țuică (plum brandy) to chase.

Where to try it:

  • La Mama (Bucharest) – This cozy chain is famous for its consistently excellent tripe soup.
  • Crama Sibiană (Sibiu) – Tucked away in the heart of Sibiu’s old town, their ciorbă is house-made and deeply flavorful.

Etiquette tip: Add a splash of vinegar or fresh lemon juice if you like it extra sour — no one will judge!

3. Mici – Grilled Skinless Sausages That Define Street Food

Also known as mititei, these juicy grilled sausages without casing are smoky, garlicky, and completely addictive. Made from a mix of beef, lamb, and pork with spices, mici are the kings of Romanian barbecues and a go-to street food snack.

Where to try it:

  • Obor Market (Bucharest) – This bustling market is famous for its sizzling, no-frills mici stalls.
  • Bistro de l’Arte (Brasov) – A gourmet twist on the classic mici, paired with fresh mustard and crusty bread.

Pair with: A cold local beer like Ursus or Silva for the full Romanian BBQ experience.

4. Tochitură – Hearty Pork Stew with Polenta & Egg

This rustic pork stew is the Romanian answer to soul food. Chunks of pork (sometimes liver and sausage too) are cooked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, and served with polenta and brânză de burduf (a salty sheep’s cheese). The combination is next-level satisfying.

Where to try it:

  • Casa Boierilor (Iași) – A Moldavian twist on tochitură with generous helpings of cheese and spice.
  • Sura Dacilor (Cluj-Napoca) – Their mountain-style stew is smoky and made with homemade sausage.

Did you know? “Tochitură” comes from “a toca,” meaning “to chop” – it’s all about rustic cooking.

5. Zacuscă – The Ultimate Vegan Spread

Zacuscă is a rich vegetable spread made from roasted eggplant, red peppers, onions, and tomatoes, slowly simmered into a silky consistency. Often homemade in big batches, zacuscă is a flavorful and wholesome option for vegetarians and vegans traveling in Romania.

Where to try it:

  • Simigeria Luca (Multiple cities) – Grab a warm roll and zacuscă for a quick bite on the go.
  • BioFresh (Cluj-Napoca) – A vegetarian haven serving fresh zacuscă with artisanal bread.

Travel tip: You’ll find jars of homemade zacuscă at local markets — perfect for gifts or snacking on the train.

6. Papanasi – The Dessert You’ll Dream About Forever

Meet your new favorite dessert. Papanasi are deep-fried or boiled cheese doughnuts, served warm with a topping of sour cream and fruit preserves (usually blueberry or sour cherry). They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and beautifully indulgent.

Where to try it:

  • Hanu’ lui Manuc (Bucharest) – Iconic setting, generous portions, and the dreamiest sour cherry jam.
  • Kulinarium (Sibiu) – Picture-perfect papanasi with a view of the historic square.

Dessert etiquette: Don’t be shy — eat it with a spoon and let the sour cream drip over everything!

7. Covrigi – Romania’s Favorite Street Snack

You can’t walk through a Romanian city without seeing someone munching on a covrig — a twisted bread ring covered in poppy or sesame seeds. It’s similar to a pretzel but softer, fluffier, and just as affordable.

Where to try it:

  • Luca Bakery (all over Romania) – The go-to chain for warm, fresh covrigi straight from the oven.
  • Gogoșeria Mama Pan (Bucharest) – Offers sweet and savory versions with cheese, chocolate, or olives.

Cost? Usually less than €1 — perfect for breakfast, a snack, or your next bus ride.

8. Cozonac – The Sweet Bread of Celebrations

This festive sweet bread with a swirl of walnuts, cocoa, and sometimes raisins or Turkish delight is a must around Easter, Christmas, and every major Romanian holiday. Baked with love and family tradition, cozonac is fluffy, fragrant, and a true cultural treasure.

Where to try it:

  • Casa Victoria (Bucharest) – Old-school bakery vibes with an award-winning cozonac recipe.
  • Cofetăria Opera (Timișoara) – Locals queue up during holidays for their rich and nutty loaves.

Fun fact: Cozonac recipes are often passed down generations — no two are exactly alike!

9. Bulz – Cheesy Polenta Balls with a Smoky Twist

This humble dish is Romanian mountain comfort at its best. Bulz is made by stuffing polenta balls with brined sheep cheese, then roasting or grilling them for a crispy exterior and gooey center. Perfect after a day of hiking or skiing.

Where to try it:

  • Cabana Postăvaru (near Brașov) – Grab a plate of bulz after hitting the slopes.
  • Taverna Sârbului (Sinaia) – A rustic tavern serving bulz with sour cream and smoked meats.

Drink pairing: A glass of dry Romanian red wine (like Fetească Neagră) balances the richness.

10. Plăcintă cu Brânză – Savory Cheese Pastry

A cousin to Greek tiropita or Balkan burek, plăcintă cu brânză is a flaky pastry filled with soft white cheese, often flavored with dill or green onions. You’ll find both sweet and savory versions — try both if you can!

Where to try it:

  • La Plăcinte (Bucharest) – Moldovan-inspired eatery with a full pastry menu.
  • Fornetti kiosks (nationwide) – Grab one warm and flaky while on the move.

Snack tip: Order a few types to-go — they’re perfect picnic material for a train ride through Transylvania.

Bonus: What to Drink in Romania

No meal is complete without something to sip. Here are some must-try beverages to go with your Romanian food adventures in 2025:

  • Țuică or Palincă – Strong plum or fruit brandy often served before meals. Sip, don’t shoot!
  • Vin Fetească Neagră – Indigenous Romanian red wine with rich, berry notes.
  • Vinars – Romanian brandy aged in oak barrels — smooth and complex.
  • Romanian craft beers – Try beers from Zăganu, Ground Zero, or Hop Hooligans.

Local Food Etiquette Tips

To enjoy Romanian cuisine like a local, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Sour cream goes on everything. Don’t be surprised to see it served with stews, pastries, and even soups.
✅ Bread is often free and served with most meals. Use it to mop up that last bit of sauce!
✅ Romanians love generous portions. Come hungry — and don’t feel pressured to finish everything.
✅ Tipping is customary. Leave 10–15% at restaurants and cafés.
✅ Meals are social occasions. Take your time, and if someone offers a toast, say “Noroc!” (Cheers!)

Final Bite: Why Romanian Cuisine Belongs on Your 2025 Bucket List

In 2025, Romania is finally getting the culinary spotlight it deserves — and there’s no better way to experience it than through its food. Whether you’re feasting on sarmale in a centuries-old beer hall or snacking on covrigi from a street vendor, every meal is an invitation to connect with Romanian culture, history, and hospitality.

So go ahead — grab your fork (or your fingers), chase your soup with țuică, and fall in love with a cuisine that’s as warm, soulful, and unforgettable as the country itself.

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