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What Food To Try in Timisoara and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Timisoara for 2025.

National currency: Romanian Leu, symbol — L (international currency code RON).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Timisoara cafes and restaurants
$6.6 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.09
$35.4 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $22.13
$5.5 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.65

What to Try in Timisoara

Must-try Dishes
Eggs with Mămăligă - Ouă cu Mămăligă (savory breakfast) - Soft-boiled eggs served over creamy polenta, topped with a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a favorite breakfast dish enjoyed with pickles at local diners.

Sarmale - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of minced pork and rice, cooked in tomato sauce. You’ll find these comforting rolls served during family gatherings, especially in the winter months.

Mititei - Grilled Sausages - Juicy skinless sausages made from a mix of beef, lamb, and pork, typically grilled to perfection. They’re a popular street food, best enjoyed at outdoor markets with a side of mustard and fresh bread.

Plăcintă cu Brânză - Cheese Pie - Flaky pastry filled with a mixture of soft cheese and herbs, baked until golden. Often eaten as a hearty lunch option, it's an iconic dish found in many local bakeries.

Brânză de Burduf - Sheep Cheese - Creamy, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk, usually served wrapped in fir bark. Locals enjoy it as a snack with polenta or as part of a charcuterie spread during special occasions.

Chiftele - Fried Meatballs - Crispy meatballs made primarily from beef and spices, served with a tangy tomato sauce. They’re commonly enjoyed during lunch, often accompanied by fresh bread or a side of mashed potatoes.

Chifteluțe cu Mazăre - Meatballs with Peas (a surprising combination) - This dish features tender meatballs simmered with sweet peas in a savory sauce. A beloved comfort food, it's typically served with homemade bread for mopping up the rich sauce.

Plăcintă cu Mere - Apple Tart (seasonal variation) - A flaky pastry tart filled with spiced apples, often found at autumn markets. Locals savor it with a scoop of sour cream, making it a popular choice during harvest season.

Desserts & Drinks
Tuica - Țuică (plum brandy) - A strong, clear spirit made from fermented plums, usually enjoyed neat. Locals often sip on it during celebrations or family gatherings, as it's considered both a drink and a sign of hospitality.

Cold Brew Coffee - Cafea rece (chilled coffee) - Brewed coffee steeped in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smooth taste and served over ice with a splash of milk. Popular during the warm summer months, it’s a refreshing treat enjoyed at outdoor cafes, especially on sunny afternoons.

Vagon - Vagon (sweet pastry roll) - A delightful pastry filled with a mix of poppy seeds and nuts, rolled up and baked to a golden perfection, often dusted with powdered sugar. You’ll typically find it at local bakeries during festive seasons, though it’s a comforting favorite year-round.

Palinca - Palincă (fruit brandy) - Made from distilled fruits like apples or pears, this often homemade spirit is incredibly potent and flavorful. It’s commonly shared during family or holiday events, with a traditional toast among friends - just remember to pace yourself!

Merengue Ice Cream - Înghețată cu merengue (meringue-based dessert) - A creamy and airy ice cream mixed with crunchy meringue bits, perfect for cooling off during Timisoara’s hot summers. Locals savor it while strolling along the riverbank, allowing its texture to melt away slowly on warm evenings.

By the way, don’t make the rookie mistake of asking for “tuica” in too fancy a bar; it’s best enjoyed in love and simplicity at home with loved ones!

Food and Groceries in Timisoara

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $0.94
Bananas $1.36
Oranges $1.38
Potatoes $0.84
Apples $1.04
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.62
0.5L Local Beer $0.87
Imported Beer $1.31
Wine Rating >4.0 $5.53
Milk 1L $1.42

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $8.57
Chicken $5.81
Cigarettes $5.09
Rice $1.48
Local Cheese $7.35

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

A recent lunchtime scene at one of Timisoara's parks stood out – locals spread out their blankets, enjoying homemade meals like mămăligă or gulyás. This daily ritual embodies communal eating and is prevalent, especially during warm months when the sun invites people outdoors, blending dining with leisure.

In general, locals eat lunch around 1 PM, with dinner typically served between 7 PM and 9 PM. Offerings at restaurants range significantly; for a hearty lunch, you might expect to pay around 40-60 RON in a casual eatery, whereas in upscale places, that could easily rise to 100 RON or more. I remember a mid-week lunch at a popular spot by Unirii Square where I paid 50 RON for a substantial plate of grilled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables.

When it comes to dining districts, the Central area stands out with a vibrant mix of cafes, restaurants, and street vendors, while places like Fabric or Iosefin offer a more alternative vibe with trendy spots popping up in repurposed buildings. Each district has its character, influencing both atmosphere and prices. For example, you can find a filling street food meal for as little as 15 RON if you pick up a simigeră from a vendor in Fabric, which is an unbeatable deal compared to a sit-down meal.

Payment methods are straightforward; many places accept cash and card, although smaller street vendors prefer cash. I've found that it's always good practice to confirm before ordering. Tipping is common, with about 10% being the norm for decent service; it's a nice touch to leave a bit more when service exceeds expectations.

One local habit that's quite charming is the 'papanasi' ritual. After finishing their meals, some locals indulge in these sweet, cheesy doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam, which you can often find at most dessert shops.

A common tourist mistake is underestimating the lunchtime rush; many eateries fill up quickly around noon, so if you're looking for a leisurely lunch, aiming for a 2 PM visit might save you a wait.

Oh, and before I forget, if you plan on dining at a popular spot on weekends, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. The locals know what's good and often flock to these places!

As we move toward the colder months, I've noticed menus began to shift with more hearty soups and stews emerging, reflecting a natural adaptation to the season, offering the perfect warmth against the chill.