What Food To Try in Sibiu and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Sibiu for 2024.
National currency: Romanian Leu, symbol — L (international currency code RON).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Sibiu cafes and restaurants
$7.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.53
$33.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $21.46
$5.3
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.98
What to Try in Sibiu
Must-try Dishes
Omulet - Omelette (savory breakfast) - Fluffy eggs often filled with cheese and local meats like kașcaval or bacon, cooked until golden. Locals enjoy it at breakfast, often paired with rustic bread from market stalls.Mici - Grilled Sausages (street food) - Juicy, spiced minced meat rolls made from a mix of beef, pork, and spices, served with mustard and fresh bread. You’ll find them sizzling at street stalls, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Sarmale - Cabbage Rolls (main course) - Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of rice and minced meat, slowly cooked in a savory tomato sauce. Often served at family gatherings, they come with polenta and are perfect for hearty dinners.
Papanasi - Romanian Sweet Cheese Dumplings (local specialty) - Fried dough balls stuffed with sweet cheese and served with sour cream and berry jam. Popular at local festivities or during the winter months, they warm you up as a comforting dish.
Ciorba de fasole - Bean Soup (surprising combination) - A tangy soup made from beans, often served with smoked meat and seasoned with herbs. Frequently enjoyed at outdoor parties in summer, it’s a satisfying meal that packs a punch.
Tochitura - Pork Stew (seasonal variation) - A rich stew made with pork, smoked sausage, and topped with an egg, served with polenta. Best enjoyed in colder months for holiday feasts, it’s a staple comfort food for many Sibiu locals.
By the way, when enjoying these dishes, don’t hesitate to dive into local customs: sharing food from one plate with family or friends is a cherished tradition!
Desserts & Drinks
Ciorbă de burtă - Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup) - A hearty soup made from beef tripe, root vegetables, and seasoned with vinegar, garlic, and sour cream. Traditionally served as a remedy after a night out, many locals enjoy it in the late hours, especially on weekends.Rodie - Rodie (pomegranate juice) - Freshly squeezed juice from ripe pomegranates, known for its refreshing tartness. Summer is when pomegranate season shines, and it’s common to sip this at outdoor cafes after a stroll through the quaint streets, often accompanied by a warm pastry.
Țuică - Țuică (plum brandy) - A potent distilled spirit made from fermented plums, usually served cold in shot glasses. It's customary to enjoy this during family gatherings or celebrations, and ordering it is often accompanied by a hearty toast, but be careful—it packs quite a punch!
Cozonac - Cozonac (sweet bread) - A rich, sweet bread filled with a mix of walnuts, cocoa, or Turkish delight, typically made during holidays and special occasions. Best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea in the winter months, it's a favorite at festive gatherings, often sliced thick for sharing.
Papanasi - Papanasi (cheese doughnuts) - Deep-fried doughnuts made from sweet cheese, topped with sour cream and fruit preserves. They are a popular dessert during festivals or family reunions, where locals dive into them after a hearty meal, making it a celebratory treat that’s loved by all ages.
By the way, don’t forget to ask for your drinks or desserts “extras” when ordering; locals often enjoy a little added flair!
Food and Groceries in Sibiu
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.01 |
| Bananas | $1.26 |
| Oranges | $1.42 |
| Potatoes | $0.6 |
| Apples | $1.01 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.61 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.94 |
| Imported Beer | $1.46 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.53 |
| Milk 1L | $1.58 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $8.71 |
| Chicken | $5.54 |
| Cigarettes | $5.09 |
| Rice | $1.58 |
| Local Cheese | $6.74 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through the bustling streets of Sibiu around midday, you'll see locals flocking to the various eateries, eager to enjoy their lunch. Most establishments get packed around 12 PM, as that’s the go-to time for a hearty meal. Traditional Romanian lunches typically feature dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) or a warm ciorbă (sour soup), and you’ll find averages around 25-50 lei for these staple meals, depending on the place.
Districts vary significantly in both atmosphere and price. The Old Town is a popular spot, with its charming streets brimming with cafes and restaurants. Here, a good meal might set you back 50 lei while a similar meal in the more residential areas can be as low as 30 lei. Some newer establishments in the Astra neighborhood have upped their game with modern interpretations of traditional dishes, which sometimes leads to higher prices, especially at dinner service.
Speaking of dinner, locals typically enjoy their evening meals between 7 PM and 9 PM, but be mindful not to hit a popular spot right at 8 PM unless you enjoy an extended wait. During weekends, reservations might be essential, especially in the trendy districts where the latest culinary creations draw crowds.
Payment here tends to be straightforward; many places accept card payments, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash (lei) for the smaller establishments or markets. A common practice you might notice is that the service charge is often included, so it’s less common to tip in these situations—around 10% would be a favorable gesture if you're particularly pleased with the service.
An interesting custom observed in local dining is the tradition of sharing food—if you're at a table with friends, expect to pass dishes around and enjoy a taste of everything, creating a communal dining experience.
As for a frequent tourist pitfall, many visitors overlook the off-peak dining hours when prices can drop slightly at some places, especially for lunch.
With the colder months approaching, you'll see seasonal dishes like mămăligă (polenta) topping menus, which leads to a slight increase in prices as comfort food becomes in higher demand. Just keep an eye out, as each area has unique characteristics that influence not only meal options but also the overall dining experience. You’ll discover that food in Sibiu is much more than nourishment—it's a delightful mix of tradition and community spirit that reveals so much about local culture and hospitality.
Districts vary significantly in both atmosphere and price. The Old Town is a popular spot, with its charming streets brimming with cafes and restaurants. Here, a good meal might set you back 50 lei while a similar meal in the more residential areas can be as low as 30 lei. Some newer establishments in the Astra neighborhood have upped their game with modern interpretations of traditional dishes, which sometimes leads to higher prices, especially at dinner service.
Speaking of dinner, locals typically enjoy their evening meals between 7 PM and 9 PM, but be mindful not to hit a popular spot right at 8 PM unless you enjoy an extended wait. During weekends, reservations might be essential, especially in the trendy districts where the latest culinary creations draw crowds.
Payment here tends to be straightforward; many places accept card payments, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash (lei) for the smaller establishments or markets. A common practice you might notice is that the service charge is often included, so it’s less common to tip in these situations—around 10% would be a favorable gesture if you're particularly pleased with the service.
An interesting custom observed in local dining is the tradition of sharing food—if you're at a table with friends, expect to pass dishes around and enjoy a taste of everything, creating a communal dining experience.
As for a frequent tourist pitfall, many visitors overlook the off-peak dining hours when prices can drop slightly at some places, especially for lunch.
With the colder months approaching, you'll see seasonal dishes like mămăligă (polenta) topping menus, which leads to a slight increase in prices as comfort food becomes in higher demand. Just keep an eye out, as each area has unique characteristics that influence not only meal options but also the overall dining experience. You’ll discover that food in Sibiu is much more than nourishment—it's a delightful mix of tradition and community spirit that reveals so much about local culture and hospitality.