What Food To Try in Cluj-Napoca and Food Prices

Mămăligă cu brânză - Polenta with Cheese (creamy texture) - This hearty polenta dish is topped with layers of salty cheese and sour cream, offering a comforting blend. Locals enjoy it for breakfast or a light lunch, often paired with a side of sausages.

Langos - Fried Flatbread (crispy street food) - Picture a doughy flatbread, deep-fried to golden perfection, often smothered in garlic sauce or topped with cheese and sour cream. Markets and festivals are where you’ll find locals munching on this tasty snack, particularly in the late afternoon.

Sarmale - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (traditional dish) - These rolls are filled with minced meat and rice, slowly simmered in tangy tomato sauce for deep flavor. Sarmale is a favorite for family dinners or special occasions, usually served with a dollop of sour cream.

Ciorbă de burtă - Tripe Soup (comforting broth) - A rich soup made with slow-cooked tripe, vinegar, and egg yolks, resulting in a tangy and hearty meal. It's often enjoyed late at night with friends, paired with a shot of pepper sauce for an extra kick.

Iahnie de fasole - Bean Stew (hearty vegetarian option) - This slow-cooked bean stew is flavored with smoked meat and herbs, creating a lovely smoky taste. It's typically seen on lunch menus, especially during colder seasons to warm you up.

Coaste la grătar - Grilled Ribs (generous portions) - Tender ribs marinated in local spices, grilled to juicy perfection and often served with a side of golden fries. You’ll find them frequently during weekend outings, perfect for outdoor barbecues with family and friends.

Pomana porcului - Pork Feast (seasonal specialty) - A festival dish made from the feast of freshly slaughtered pigs, featuring various cuts of meat cooked over an open flame. This dish is usually reserved for winter gatherings, especially around Christmas—everyone gathers to enjoy and celebrate.

Chiftele - Fried Meatballs (savory treat) - Ground meat mixed with spices and herbs, rolled into balls and fried until crispy. They’re best served as a quick street snack during lunch hours, often enjoyed with a side of sautéed potatoes.

Glühwein - Vin Fiert (spiced red wine) - A warm blend of red wine, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, often enjoyed during winter markets. Locals love sipping on it while strolling through the Christmas market, soaking in the festive atmosphere (definitely a must when it's chilly outside).

Café au Lait - Cafea cu Lapte (coffee with milk) - This comforting drink combines rich, dark coffee with steamed milk, making it a go-to for morning rituals. You’ll often find locals enjoying it at cafés, losing track of time while chatting about the latest events (perfect for cozy afternoons).

Papanasi - Papanasi (cheesy doughnuts) - These delightful, soft doughnuts made from cottage cheese are served with sour cream and jam on top. Typically indulged in at family gatherings or fairs, they have a heavenly texture, especially when warm.

Inghetata - Înghețată (ice cream) - Homemade gelato style, this creamy treat features locally sourced fruits and is a crowd favorite in summer. On hot days, you might spot friends enjoying a cone while walking through the city, picking flavors like sour cherry or walnut for something uniquely Cluj.

Sarailie - Sarailie (sweet pastry rolls) - A festive treat, these are flaky rolls filled with a sweet walnut mixture, traditionally made during holidays. They're often shared among family and friends, making them a symbol of celebration (keep an eye out for them during Easter!).