Must-try Dishes
Mămăligă cu brânză - Polenta with Cheese - This hearty dish features creamy polenta topped with crumbled sheep's cheese and sour cream. Locals enjoy it as a filling breakfast or side at most traditional eateries.
Mititei - Grilled Sausages - These small, skinless sausages are a blend of beef, lamb, and flavorful spices, grilled to perfection. You’ll find them at street stalls, especially during summer barbecues; just grab a beer and indulge.
Sarmale - Cabbage Rolls - Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced pork, rice, and herbs, gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for lunch, most families gather for this dish on weekends, often served with a side of sour cream.
Ciorbă de burtă - Tripe Soup - A uniquely sour and creamy soup made from beef tripe, flavored with vinegar, and served with lots of garlic and cream. Many locals swear by it as a late-night cure, traditionally enjoyed after a night out.
Fasole bătută - Bean Spread - Creamy puréed white beans seasoned with onion, garlic, and lemon, served warm with a drizzle of oil. It makes for an excellent lunch or light dinner, especially with fresh bread from a local market.
Plăcintă cu brânză - Cheese Pie - A savory pie filled with a rich blend of sheep's cheese and eggs, baked until golden. Often eaten as a snack or quick lunch, it’s popular at farm stands, particularly during the fall harvest.
Salată de vinete - Eggplant Salad - Smoky roasted eggplant mixed with onions and mayonnaise, served cold as a dip. You'll see it at gatherings year-round, but especially in summer, when it's a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats.
By the way, during meals, you might notice locals adding a splash of vinegar to their dishes, which adds a delightful tang.
Desserts & Drinks
Sirop de măceșe - Rosehip syrup (sweet syrup drink) - A thick, syrupy beverage made from rosehips, sugar, and water, often served diluted in water or soda. Locals usually enjoy it during colder months as a warm treat or refreshing cold drink; it’s particularly delightful when drunk while wandering through parks on crisp autumn days.
Vin Fiert - Mulled wine (spiced red wine) - Red wine simmered with spices like cinnamon and cloves, often sweetened with sugar. Popular at Christmas markets, locals enjoy sipping it in the winter chill, standing around festive fires, and it's customary to order it when the temperatures drop.
Cozonac - Sweet bread with nuts or cocoa (holiday pastry) - A rich, sweet bread filled with walnut or cocoa, often prepared for special occasions like Easter and Christmas. It’s typically served at family gatherings, showcasing a crispy exterior with a fluffy inside, and there's often a competitive spirit among families to produce the best cozonac.
Șerbet - Sorbet (fruit-flavored frozen dessert) - A refreshing frozen dessert made from pureed fruit, sugar, and water, served as a delightful treat on hot summer days, especially at outdoor festivals. The texture is smooth, and you'll often find flavors like cherry or lemon dominating local stands; it pairs well with a quick walk along the bustling boulevards.
Panettone - Panettone (Italian Christmas cake) - Though Italian in origin, this fluffy, sweet bread with candied fruits is commonly embraced during winter in Bucharest. Often served alongside coffee or tea after holiday meals, it’s a delightful blend of soft and chewy, and many locals enjoy sharing slices with friends while reminiscing about warm holiday gatherings.
