What Food To Try in Brasov and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Brasov for 2024.
National currency: Romanian Leu, symbol — L (international currency code RON).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Brasov cafes and restaurants
$8.6
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.53
$39.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $28.77
$6.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.31
What to Try in Brasov
Must-try Dishes
Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână - Polenta with cheese and sour cream - Creamy polenta served warm with generous layers of salty cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or side dish, it’s often shared at family gatherings.Sarmale - Cabbage rolls - Minced pork and rice wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves, slowly simmered in a tomato broth. They’re a staple at festive occasions, often paired with a side of sour cream and an afternoon shared with friends.
Papanasi - Fried cheese doughnuts - A cheesy doughnut filled with sweetened cheese and topped with sour cream and jam. Look for them as a sweet treat at lunch spots, although they're too tempting to resist any time of day.
Mititei - Skinless sausages - Grilled ground meat sausages made from beef, pork, and spices, perfectly charred on the barbecue. These tasty bites are popular street food in Brasov, best enjoyed at outdoor markets during summer.
Ciorbă de burtă - Tripe soup - Creamy and tangy soup made with tripe, vegetables, and a splash of vinegar, served hot. A local favorite for lunch, it’s not uncommon to see people enjoying it after a night out to balance a big meal.
Brânza de burduf - Sheep cheese - A unique, crumbly cheese with a robust flavor, often served with fresh bread and tomatoes. This is a typical accompaniment during picnics in the nearby mountains, adding a local touch to outdoor meals.
Salată de vinete - Eggplant salad - Smoked eggplant mixed with onion and oil, served as a spread on fresh bread. A common choice for light dinners in the summer, it reflects local traditions of enjoying seasonal produce.
Chiftele - Meatballs - Juicy meatballs made from minced meat, herbs, and spices, pan-fried to a golden brown. Usually enjoyed at family lunches, they often come with a side of polenta or mashed potatoes.
Desserts & Drinks
Café au Lait - Café cu lapte (coffee with milk) - This is a comforting blend of strong coffee and warm milk, usually served in generous portions. Locals sip it leisurely in the morning or during afternoon meet-ups, often paired with a sweet pastry for a delightful treat.Răcoritoare - Răcoritoare (refreshing soda) - A local soft drink made from natural fruit extracts, often enjoyed cold on warm days. Perfect when strolling through the vibrant streets of Brașov, especially during summer festivals, as it's a go-to refreshment for the locals.
Țuică - Țuică (plum brandy) - A strong spirit made from fermented plums, typically enjoyed as an aperitif. Locals often share it during family gatherings or festive occasions, appreciated for its rich flavor and warming qualities, despite its robust kick.
Papanasi - Papanasi (cheese doughnuts) - These are delightful doughnuts made with fresh cheese, topped with sour cream and fruit preserves. Often a staple at family celebrations, they're best enjoyed warm, bringing a comforting sweetness that's irresistible.
Food and Groceries in Brasov
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.13 |
| Bananas | $1.49 |
| Oranges | $1.42 |
| Potatoes | $0.8 |
| Apples | $1.08 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.69 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.89 |
| Imported Beer | $1.45 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.2 |
| Milk 1L | $1.46 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $8.88 |
| Chicken | $6.44 |
| Cigarettes | $5.53 |
| Rice | $1.9 |
| Local Cheese | $7.9 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The way locals approach dining in Brasov flips the usual script. Unlike many places where meals are often hurried, here in Brasov, the act of eating becomes a social ritual. For instance, lunch typically rolls out between 12 PM and 2 PM, yet you’ll find some establishments buzzing well into the afternoon. Just yesterday, I paid 40 RON for a hearty plate of sarmale and a half liter of local beer at a cozy restaurant off the main square, a price that invites even more exploration of the local scene. You might spend around 25 to 70 RON for an average meal, depending on whether you're indulging in traditional dishes or bistro-style fare.
Street vendors scattered across Old Town serve up everything from langos to freshly pressed juice. Oh, and before I forget, if you find yourself around Tampa Mountain, expect a bit of a wait during summer weekends, as this area attracts both locals and tourists itching for a scenic bite. Dining hours shift dramatically in colder months, too, with hearty soups and stews taking center stage – a stark contrast to lighter summer fare.
Payment customs can be a tad surprising, especially if you're used to a more transactional approach elsewhere. In Brasov, it's common to see locals counting cash for their meals rather than swiping cards. I've walked into restaurants where the staff are pleased to see cash tips, usually around 10-15% of the total bill. It’s also a good idea to keep some small bills handy, as many smaller eateries don’t have the ability to provide change for larger notes.
One local dining habit that stands out is the after-work gathering. Around 5 PM, locals slowly convert from work to play, typically enjoying a drink with friends. This fosters a community vibe that’s hard to replicate. An easy pitfall for tourists? Expecting to grab a table immediately after 7 PM. Many places fill up fast, so calling ahead for a reservation is wise, especially as dinner times draw near.
Interestingly, with younger locals increasingly opting for plant-based diets, the food scene is subtly shifting towards more sustainable choices. New eateries featuring vegan and vegetarian menus are sprouting up, illustrating a balance between cherished traditions and evolving preferences.
Brasov's culinary landscape is a reflection of its rich history and warm community, and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re craving traditional Romanian staples or exploring new trends, there’s always something waiting to surprise you.
Street vendors scattered across Old Town serve up everything from langos to freshly pressed juice. Oh, and before I forget, if you find yourself around Tampa Mountain, expect a bit of a wait during summer weekends, as this area attracts both locals and tourists itching for a scenic bite. Dining hours shift dramatically in colder months, too, with hearty soups and stews taking center stage – a stark contrast to lighter summer fare.
Payment customs can be a tad surprising, especially if you're used to a more transactional approach elsewhere. In Brasov, it's common to see locals counting cash for their meals rather than swiping cards. I've walked into restaurants where the staff are pleased to see cash tips, usually around 10-15% of the total bill. It’s also a good idea to keep some small bills handy, as many smaller eateries don’t have the ability to provide change for larger notes.
One local dining habit that stands out is the after-work gathering. Around 5 PM, locals slowly convert from work to play, typically enjoying a drink with friends. This fosters a community vibe that’s hard to replicate. An easy pitfall for tourists? Expecting to grab a table immediately after 7 PM. Many places fill up fast, so calling ahead for a reservation is wise, especially as dinner times draw near.
Interestingly, with younger locals increasingly opting for plant-based diets, the food scene is subtly shifting towards more sustainable choices. New eateries featuring vegan and vegetarian menus are sprouting up, illustrating a balance between cherished traditions and evolving preferences.
Brasov's culinary landscape is a reflection of its rich history and warm community, and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re craving traditional Romanian staples or exploring new trends, there’s always something waiting to surprise you.