Romanian food shares one common trait with many of its neighbors. No, it is not just about using garlic to scare off vampires. While locals love garlic, they do not use too much of it.
This cuisine actually borrows heavy influence from Germany, Turkey, and Hungary. You will also find inspiration from Serbia, Bosnia, and Bulgaria.
The sweets are decadent while savory dishes use tons of herbs and spices. Chefs here care deeply about presentation too.
I have gathered 20 recipes to show you exactly how delicious this food is. Get ready for a total treat.
1. Mushroom and Mayo Salad
People in Romania typically serve this cold salad on New Year’s Eve. I find that it makes a tasty treat at any time of year when served with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
You do not need to cook anything to make it happen. Just mix chopped mushrooms with mayonnaise, garlic, and dill. The whole process only takes about 10 minutes.
Just remember to let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before you eat.
2. Romanian Country Bread
This bread features a somewhat firm outer crust. The inside remains remarkably airy and moist. You will notice a flavor profile very similar to sourdough bread.
I love using it to sop up soups and sauces. The recipe takes several hours because you have to let the dough rise properly. The actual hands on work only takes about 20 minutes.
3. Romanian Meatballs (Chiftele)
Finding a truly great meatball is surprisingly difficult. Many versions out there are just mediocre. These Romanian meatballs are known locally as parjoale or chiftele.
They are thick and juicy with a fantastic garlic herb flavor profile. You can eat them in a dish or just grab them straight from the plate. I bet you could make a batch in less than an hour.
4. Romanian Sausage Stew
I always think of this dish as the local equivalent to steak and potatoes. The main difference is that polenta takes the place of the potatoes. It works perfectly as a hearty breakfast option.
You will see sausage, fried eggs, and polenta all on one plate. If you need a savory morning meal with all your favorites, this recipe is the way to go.
5. Romanian Cheese Donuts
I realized this list needed more dessert options. These cheese donuts are one of the best sweet treats in the entire country. You make them by deep frying a batter mixed with cottage cheese.
Top the finished product with blueberry jam and smetana. Smetana is a delicious mix between sour cream and heavy whipping cream. You might want to double the batch because eating just one is impossible.
6. Romanian Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers might look different from the ones at your local Mexican restaurant. They actually taste quite similar though. You stuff them with pork or beef mixed with rice and onions.
Plenty of herbs go into the filling as well. You cook everything in a complex tomato sauce for just under two hours. The time spent is totally worth the flavor payoff.
7. Tripe Soup
This soup requires a bit of effort and time to prepare properly. It is perfect for anyone who loves creamy soups with bold flavors. The broth is hearty and carries a little bit of spice.
I love how the bright green parsley looks against the warm yellow liquid. You can freeze this soup for up to four months after it cools down.
8. Romanian Potato Salad
Locals eat this traditional potato salad so often that it feels like another national dish. It is perfect for anyone who prefers their potato salad on the sour side. The base consists of black olives, onions, and potatoes.
You get a zesty kick from the addition of vinegar, Dijon mustard, gherkins, and green olives. The flavor profile is totally unique.
9. Mamaliga
This cornmeal porridge is basically the national dish of the country. You might know it by the name polenta. It is incredibly thick and creamy.
You leave the mixture to harden into a solid circle rather than eating it as soft porridge. The only ingredients you need are cornmeal and butter plus water and seasonings. It is ready in just 25 minutes.
10. White Cabbage Salad
You need to really love cabbage to enjoy this salad recipe. The ingredient list is literally just cabbage mixed with vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
Parsley adds a nice finish to the bowl. The texture is soft while the flavor is slightly sweet. Do not expect American coleslaw because this is quite different.
11. Cheese Pie
Imagine flaky puff pastry stuffed full of two different kinds of cheese. That is exactly what this cheese pie delivers. Every single bite is absolutely heavenly.
You only need four ingredients including feta, ricotta, puff pastry, and an egg. It takes just over an hour to bake. Adding fresh dill gives it a nice extra kick.
12. Cozonac
This bread looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to bake. The four hour prep time might look scary at first. Just remember that two of those hours are simply letting the dough rise.
The result is a sweet bread with a hint of citrus. A rich nutty swirl runs right through the center. It makes a lovely gift for celebrations.
13. Romanian Pork and Potato Stew
This recipe is perfect for anyone who already enjoys a classic beef stew. You make this version using pork instead of beef. Most of the other ingredients remain exactly the same.
You throw in potatoes, onions, and lots of herbs. It pairs perfectly with country bread or mamaliga.
14. Zacusca (Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip)
This dip is basically the Romanian version of salsa. You will love it if you enjoy eggplant and tomatoes. The key ingredients are white onions, oil, tomatoes, eggplant, and red bell peppers.
Feel free to add jalapeno if you want some extra heat. You can even can this recipe in large batches. Eat it on bagels or with crackers.
15. Romanian Meatball Soup
This traditional soup requires about ninety minutes to prepare. One famous food blog calls it the glory of all soups. That is certainly high praise for a single recipe.
It features a spicy tomato and herb flavor profile. The thick meatballs make it incredibly filling during colder months. It is surprisingly easy to make despite its reputation.
16. Mucenici
Locals eat this special dish once a year on March 9th. It is part of a religious celebration for the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. The recipe is basically half soup and half pasta.
It is naturally vegan with a sweet and nutty taste. You get to shape the pasta yourself which is fun for kids. Serve it for dinner or dessert.
17. Romanian Eggplant Salad/Dip
This dip is perfect for people who love smoky garlic flavors. It consists primarily of vegetables so it is quite nutritious. The recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan friendly.
You can eat it with pita bread or chips. It also goes great with fresh vegetables.
18. Romanian Cabbage Rolls (Sarmale)
These traditional rolls are packed with tasty ingredients. You make them using sour cabbage stuffed with ground pork and bacon. The filling also includes rice, onions, and tomato juice.
They take a few hours to reach perfection. The result is golden brown and shiny. Serve them stacked high with a dollop of sour cream.
19. Romanian Potato Moussaka
Moussaka is an incredible dish that deserves more recognition. You might have seen the lamb version at Greek restaurants. The Romanian version typically uses pork or beef instead.
Both styles are absolutely delicious. You really cannot go wrong with layers of meat and potatoes. It also includes plenty of herbs and veggies.
20. Feta Fry Bread
This bread features a crispy outside with a gooey inside. You make the dough using flour, sugar, yeast, and water. The filling is purely delicious feta cheese.
Think of it as a cross between a cheese quesadilla and fried dough. It is supremely cheesy and soft.
