What Food To Try in Iasi and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Iasi for 2024.
National currency: Romanian Leu, symbol — L (international currency code RON).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Iasi cafes and restaurants
$7.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.75
$33.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $26.55
$6
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.31
What to Try in Iasi
Must-try Dishes
Omelet - Omlet (breakfast delight) - Fluffy eggs mixed with local cheeses and herbs, often folded and served fresh. Locals love to dive into this comforting dish at quaint breakfast spots or cafes.Mititei - Mici (grilled sausages) - Juicy skinless sausages made from beef, pork, and spices, grilled to perfection. These are a staple at street food stalls, especially during summer barbecues with friends.
Sarmale - Sarmale (cabbage rolls) - Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meat and rice, simmered in tomato sauce. It's a holiday favorite, typically enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions.
Ciorbă de burtă - Tripe Soup - A creamy and tangy soup made from beef tripe, flavored with vinegar and garlic. Served hot with sour cream, it’s an acquired taste and a common choice for a late lunch on chilly days.
Papanasi - Papanasi (cheese dumplings) - Fried or boiled dough filled with cheese and topped with sour cream and jam, a surprising mix of flavors. Often enjoyed as a cozy post-dinner treat, it's popular at many family restaurants.
Plăcintă - Savory Pie - A flaky pastry stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or pumpkin, often enjoyed fresh out of the oven. These pies can be found in bakeries or as street food, especially during the fall harvest.
Varză la cuptor - Baked Cabbage - Shredded cabbage baked with spices and smoked meat for a hearty dish. A comforting winter option, it becomes a favorite in cold months and is perfect for family meals.
Pârjoale - Moldavian Meatballs (surprising combo) - Juicy meat patties mixed with grated vegetables and spices, often served with polenta. Best enjoyed in family-style dining settings, these blend unexpected flavors while being a filling treat.
Desserts & Drinks
Cafe latte - Cafea la ceașcă (creamy coffee) - A delightful espresso mixed with steamed milk, served in a small cup to enhance the flavor intensity. Locals love to sip it in the mornings at street cafes, often with a croissant on the side. Fresh beetroot juice - Suc de sfeclă (nutrient-rich drink) - A refreshing blend of local beetroot and sometimes apple, served cold to highlight its natural sweetness. It's especially popular in the summer months, and you’ll often see locals grabbing a glass after a workout or long walk. Just remember to ask for “fără zahăr” (without sugar) to keep it natural!
Țuică - Țuică (plum brandy) - A traditional Romanian spirit made from fermented plums, usually served as a shot in a chilled glass, often accompanied by a slice of bread and salt. It's customarily enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings; just don't expect it to go down easy—it's quite strong!
Papanasi - Papanasi (cheese doughnuts) - These are fluffy, fried pastries filled with sweet cheese and topped with sour cream and fruit preserves, resulting in a heavenly balance of flavors. You’ll often find families indulging in these during special occasions, like holiday gatherings or birthdays.
Colivă - Colivă (sweet wheat dessert) - A sweet dish made from boiled wheat, sugar, and nuts, traditionally prepared for memorial services but also enjoyed during festive occasions. Served cool, it's a staple during Easter celebrations, and you'll find locals making it at home while reminiscing over their loved ones.
By the way, don't mix up "papanasi" with "brioșe" (muffins) when ordering—locals love their pastries to be traditional and creamy!
Food and Groceries in Iasi
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.02 |
| Bananas | $1.42 |
| Oranges | $1.3 |
| Potatoes | $0.77 |
| Apples | $1.02 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.69 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.97 |
| Imported Beer | $1.6 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.53 |
| Milk 1L | $1.47 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $8.34 |
| Chicken | $5.8 |
| Cigarettes | $5.31 |
| Rice | $1.43 |
| Local Cheese | $5.82 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In the heart of Iasi, local dining customs reveal a distinct rhythm, especially when it comes to meal times. Most locals enjoy their lunch around noon to 1 PM, while dinner typically starts around 7 PM. This is consistent, even on weekends, which can be surprising for some visitors expecting a later dining culture. I’ve sat in bustling bistros at these hours, watching families gather for hearty meals, often laden with seasonal ingredients.
When you consider price ranges, expect to pay anywhere from 30 to 100 RON for a lunch special at mid-range restaurants. For instance, a filling set meal could cost about 45 RON in the city center but jump to 75 RON if you venture into the more upscale districts like Nicolina. It’s fascinating how the same type of meal can significantly differ in price based on location. Street food offers a budget-friendly dining option; a kebab or a hearty bowl of ciorbă might only set you back 15 to 25 RON, which is a common pit stop for locals during lunch hours.
Payment customs are straightforward here; cash remains king, though many places accept cards. However, I’ve learned that some smaller vendors might only deal in cash, especially in markets. Tipping is appreciated, usually around 10% of the total, although some locals might leave a little more for exceptional service.
Speaking of dining habits, sharing food is quite common in social settings. You’ll often find dishes placed at the center of the table for everyone to help themselves – it fosters a sense of community. Oh, and before I forget, a common misunderstanding among tourists is that dinner at a restaurant should be completed in a whirlwind. Locals take their time, often lingering at the table long after the meal is finished, discussing the events of the day.
Regarding busy periods, you’d do well to avoid lunchtime on weekdays, particularly from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, as everyone seems to be on the same schedule. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider dining after 8 PM.
As for reservations, they can be useful, especially at popular restaurants on weekends. Calling ahead is a great way to ensure you snag a table without waiting.
With growing awareness of healthy eating, there’s been a shift towards seasonal menus. Local restaurants emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients, and you’ll find that prices can fluctuate depending on the produce of the moment. Keep an eye on the markets, as they reflect these changes beautifully, bringing vibrant, local flavors to your plate.
When you consider price ranges, expect to pay anywhere from 30 to 100 RON for a lunch special at mid-range restaurants. For instance, a filling set meal could cost about 45 RON in the city center but jump to 75 RON if you venture into the more upscale districts like Nicolina. It’s fascinating how the same type of meal can significantly differ in price based on location. Street food offers a budget-friendly dining option; a kebab or a hearty bowl of ciorbă might only set you back 15 to 25 RON, which is a common pit stop for locals during lunch hours.
Payment customs are straightforward here; cash remains king, though many places accept cards. However, I’ve learned that some smaller vendors might only deal in cash, especially in markets. Tipping is appreciated, usually around 10% of the total, although some locals might leave a little more for exceptional service.
Speaking of dining habits, sharing food is quite common in social settings. You’ll often find dishes placed at the center of the table for everyone to help themselves – it fosters a sense of community. Oh, and before I forget, a common misunderstanding among tourists is that dinner at a restaurant should be completed in a whirlwind. Locals take their time, often lingering at the table long after the meal is finished, discussing the events of the day.
Regarding busy periods, you’d do well to avoid lunchtime on weekdays, particularly from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, as everyone seems to be on the same schedule. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider dining after 8 PM.
As for reservations, they can be useful, especially at popular restaurants on weekends. Calling ahead is a great way to ensure you snag a table without waiting.
With growing awareness of healthy eating, there’s been a shift towards seasonal menus. Local restaurants emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients, and you’ll find that prices can fluctuate depending on the produce of the moment. Keep an eye on the markets, as they reflect these changes beautifully, bringing vibrant, local flavors to your plate.