10 Best Romanian Dishes That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away

Romanian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural and historical background, influenced by neighboring countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Greece. The best Romanian dishes often combine flavors from all over Europe and have been passed down through generations

Beyond the cultural significance, Romanian dishes focus on fresh ingredients, like vegetables, meat, and dairy, providing a balanced diet. You will see some dishes that share similarities with Polish dishes, but that shouldn’t be surprising as these countries share some cultures.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the must-try Romanian dishes. From the savory cabbage rolls known as Sarmale, to the sweet cheese donuts Papanasi. Get ready to dive into hearty stews, rich meats, and sweet treats that will leave you craving more.

Best Romanian Dishes Overview

Sarmale

Key Ingredients

• Ground pork or beef
• Rice
• Pickled cabbage leaves
• Onions
• Dill

Sarmale is  considered the national Romanian dish, often served at celebrations like Christmas or weddings. It consists of minced meat (usually pork or beef) mixed with rice, wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves, and slowly cooked in tomato broth. Nutritionally, Sarmale offers a good balance of protein and carbs.

To make Sarmale, first prepare the meat and rice filling. Then, wrap the mixture tightly in cabbage leaves and place them in a pot with layers of tomato sauce and herbs. They are simmered for hours until tender, absorbing the sauce’s rich flavor.

Plăcinta

Key Ingredients

• Dough (flour, water, salt)
• Cheese or apple filling
• Eggs
• Sugar (for sweet versions)

Plăcinta is Romania’s version of pie. The most common variety is filled with cheese, but you’ll also find versions stuffed with apples or cabbage. It’s a popular snack and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Plăcinta provides a good dose of carbs and fats, depending on the filling, making it an indulgent treat.

The cooking process involves making a simple dough, rolling it out thinly, and filling it with your choice of cheese, apples, or cabbage. The filled dough is folded, baked or fried, and served hot, sometimes dusted with powdered sugar for the sweet version.

Tochitura

Key Ingredients

• Pork
• Sausages
• Polenta (mămăligă)
• Garlic
• Eggs

Tochitura is a Romanian meat lover’s dream. This dish is a rich pork stew, often served with sausages, fried eggs, and polenta on the side. It’s a hearty dish full of proteins and fats, perfect for cold winter days. Traditionally, Tochitura is served at family gatherings, especially during the holiday season.

To cook Tochitura, the pork is slowly simmered in its own juices with garlic and herbs. Sausages are added toward the end, along with a generous helping of polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s often topped with a fried egg for added richness.

Papanasi

Key Ingredients

• Cottage cheese
• Flour
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Jam (usually blueberry)

Papanasi is a Romanian dessert that will win over any sweet tooth. These fluffy, fried cheese donuts are served with a generous helping of sour cream and jam. Papanasi is often enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a dessert for special occasions.

To make Papanasi, mix cheese, flour, and eggs to form a dough, then shape it into small donuts. These are fried until golden brown and served with a thick layer of sour cream and a dollop of fruity jam on top.

Pomana Porcului

Key Ingredients

• Pork
• Garlic
• Lard
• Polenta (mămăligă)

Pomana Porcului is a dish tied to Romanian traditions, particularly after pig slaughtering in rural areas. This meal features tender chunks of pork cooked in their own fat, seasoned with garlic, and served alongside polenta. It’s a rustic, filling dish with plenty of protein and fats, ideal for those looking for something hearty and satisfying.

The pork is cut into bite-sized pieces and fried in lard until golden and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Served with a side of polenta, this dish is all about simplicity and flavor.

Alivenci

Key Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Sugar (for sweet version)
• Sour cream

Alivenci is a cornmeal-based dish that can be either sweet or savory, depending on the ingredients. The savory version often includes cheese, making it a perfect side dish, while the sweet version is enjoyed as a dessert. It’s a great source of carbs and fats, with a slight tang from the cheese or sweetness from sugar.

The dish is prepared by combining cornmeal, cheese, and eggs to form a thick batter. It’s baked until golden brown, with a slight crust on top, and served warm with sour cream.

Balmos

Key Ingredients

• Sheep’s milk
• Cornmeal
• Butter
• Salt

Balmos is another cornmeal-based dish, similar to polenta but much richer. It’s made using sheep’s milk and butter, resulting in a creamy meal. It’s often eaten by shepherds in the mountains, providing a nutritious and energy-packed meal. Balmos is high in fats and carbs, making it a perfect comfort food.

The cooking process involves slowly mixing cornmeal into boiling sheep’s milk and butter until it thickens. The result is a smooth, creamy dish with a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist.

Jumari

Key Ingredients:

• Pork fat
• Salt
• Onion (optional)

Jumari is Romania’s version of pork cracklings, made by frying pork fat until crispy. It’s a popular snack or appetizer, especially during the winter months. Jumari is a high-fat dish, offering plenty of energy and flavor in every bite. It’s often served with fresh bread and onions.

To prepare Jumari, pork fat is cut into small pieces and fried slowly until golden and crunchy. Some variations include seasoning with onions or garlic to enhance the flavor.

Salata de Vinete

Key Ingredients

• Eggplant
• Mayonnaise or oil
• Onions
• Garlic (optional)

Salata de Vinete is a smoky eggplant spread, similar to baba ganoush. It’s a light, refreshing dish often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. The eggplants provide fiber and vitamins, while the added oil or mayonnaise gives it a creamy texture. This dish is perfect for summer or as a starter for a larger meal.

The eggplants are grilled until their skin is charred, then peeled and mashed. They’re mixed with oil or mayonnaise and seasoned with onions and garlic. It’s typically served with bread or crackers.

Cighiri

Key Ingredients

• Pork liver
• Rice
• Onions
• Garlic
• Herbs

Cighiri are traditional Romanian liver patties, often made during the holiday season. They combine pork liver with rice and herbs, resulting in a delicious dish packed with protein and iron. Cighiri are commonly served as an appetizer or as part of a larger festive meal.

The liver is finely chopped and mixed with cooked rice, onions, and herbs. The mixture is shaped into small patties and fried until golden. They’re best served hot with a side of pickles or fresh vegetables.

As you can see, the best Romanian dishes are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you’re eating the comforting rolls of Sarmale, indulging in the cheesy goodness of Papanasi, or relishing the simplicity of Jumari, each dish has its own story and charm. Try them out, and you might just find a new favorite!