Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)
Sarmale is probably the best-known traditional Romanian dish that can be found both in traditional restaurants, and on Romanians tables at various family events. This dish contains a mixture of minced meat (pork, poultry, pork&poultry), onions, rice and different spices. The mixture is covered in cabbage leaves (fermented or fresh – depends on the region of the country) or in vine leaves, and the cabbage rolls are simmered in a special sauce for many hours. This dish can be made vegetarian or vegan by simply replacing the minced meat with a mixture of vegetables (e.g. mushrooms, carrots, celery).
Mici (Grilled Miced Meat Rolls)
If cabbage rolls are the most famous dish of the Romanians, then these „Mici” are the most faous for their smell. Their smell is often found on the streets, coming from people’s yards or from street food stalls. Their preparation also consists in making a mixture, this time from pork and beef minced meat, garlic, sodium bicarbonate and different spices. This mixture is formed in small sausages (this is where their name come from – „mici” = „the little ones”) and grilled. „Micii” can be served with mustard, fresh bread, fries or… without anything!
Papanashi
This dessert is popular both in Romania and Moldova and it will definitely be difficult to get enough of it! The “papanashi” are like a big donut (with a smaller donut on top), filled with cottage cheese or soft cheese and fried. A portion usually consists of two big donuts, each of them coming with a small donut on top. They are usually served covered in sour cream and jam (most often blueberry jam) and for this reason they are very special. A fantastic combination is created between sweet and sour, so you will definitely not split the portion in half as you thought when you ordered it!
Ciorba
Ciorba is a type of soup, but it is sour, made of meat and vegetables. This soup is made sour by adding “borș” (a mixture between sauerkraut juice and fermented wheat bran), lemon juice or vinegar. Ciorba is usually served with sour cream and hot chili peppers. The most famous “ciorba” is Beef Tripe Soup (ciorba de burtă) which is made from the stomach of a cow, garlic, vegetables and sour with vinegar. It is a unique delicacy even if what it contains does not sound very good. Also, the beef tripe soup is the best remedy for hangover!
Salata de vinete (Roasted Eggplant Salad)
This eggplant salad is the most popular appetizer – Romanians can’t wait for summer to come to prepare this simple salad. The roasted eggplant salad is a wonderful choice for a starter or a snack and it is prepared in traditional restaurants, at people’s homes and at family events. The way the eggplant salad is made is a traditional one – the eggplants are roasted on a grill until they become very soft, then their skin is removed, they are chopped and mixed with chopped onions, garlic, mayonnaise and sunflower oil. Then, it must be served cold with fresh bread, fresh garden tomatoes and cheese (“telemea” cheese or feta). It is a joy!
