I’ve always had a soft spot for Romanian food.
The rich flavors and comforting warmth of the dishes are simply irresistible.
In this post, I will be sharing 30 of my absolute favorite traditional Romanian recipes.
So get ready to experience the magic of Romanian cuisine in your own kitchen!
1. Sarmale
Sarmale are Romanian cabbage rolls that are a true comfort food.
You wrap a flavorful mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices in pickled cabbage leaves, then simmer them in a tangy tomato sauce.
The result is a dish that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy family gatherings.
I remember my grandma making these for special occasions; the aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water!
2. Mici
Mici, or Romanian grilled sausages, are a street food favorite.
These little meat rolls are seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other spices, then grilled to perfection.
You can serve them with mustard and fresh bread.
3. Ciorbă de Burtă
Ciorbă de Burtă is a traditional Romanian tripe soup that’s surprisingly delightful.
It’s made from beef tripe, simmered with vegetables, and flavored with vinegar and sour cream.
The result is a creamy, tangy soup that warms you from the inside out.
I wasn’t sure about tripe at first, but this soup quickly became a favorite for its unique, comforting taste.
4. Mămăligă
Mămăligă is Romanian cornmeal polenta, a staple side dish that’s incredibly versatile.
It’s cooked until creamy and can be served soft or allowed to set and sliced.
It can be topped with cheese and sour cream, making it a great accompaniment to meats or stews.
Whenever we have mămăligă, it brings back memories of family dinners and hearty meals.
5. Ciorbă de Rădăcinoase
Ciorbă de Rădăcinoase is a flavorful root vegetable soup that’s both hearty and nourishing.
It’s packed with various root vegetables, giving it a rich texture and earthy flavor.
The sour element adds a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
It’s a perfect dish for chilly days when you need something wholesome and satisfying.
6. Piftie
Piftie is a traditional Romanian gelatin dish that is made from pork meat and bones.
The ingredients, especially the pork meat and bones are which is slowly cooked until they are soft enough to chew.
This dish is then seasoned with garlic and vinegar, resulting in a tangy, rich flavor.
It’s often enjoyed as a cold appetizer, and the texture of the jelly is uniquely satisfying.
7. Papanași
Papanași are Romanian doughnuts that are fried to a golden crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re typically filled with sweet cheese and then topped with sour cream and fruit jam.
This dessert is a decadent treat that brings a taste of Romanian tradition right to your plate.
They’re like a warm hug for your taste buds!
8. Cozonaci
Cozonaci is a sweet, yeasted bread that’s traditionally baked for holidays and special occasions.
It’s filled with a mixture of nuts, cocoa, and raisins, and then braided into a beautiful loaf.
The aroma as it bakes is irresistible, resulting in a sweet, moist bread that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
9. Zacuscă
Zacuscă is a Romanian vegetable spread that’s made from roasted eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.
It’s a great accompaniment for bread or as a topping for meats.
The process of making zacuscă involves roasting and simmering, which deepens the flavors and creates a rich, savory spread.
It’s a pantry staple in many Romanian households.
10. Bifteki
Bifteki are Romanian beef patties that are seasoned with herbs and spices, and then grilled to perfection.
They’re very delicious and often served with a side of rice or salad.
These patties are a favorite for backyard barbecues and are sure to please any meat lover.
Every bite is packed with flavor that makes you want to come back for more.
11. Saramură de Pește
Saramură de Pește is a Romanian dish of brined fish, that is typically seasoned with garlic and herbs before being grilled.
The fish is then served with a tangy, savory sauce that makes each bite flavorful and moist.
It’s a great way to enjoy fish, and it’s usually paired with a side of mămăligă for a complete meal.
12. Rasol de Vită
Rasol de Vită is a simple yet delicious boiled beef dish.
The beef is cooked until it is tender and then it is served with a horseradish sauce that adds a zesty kick.
This dish is straightforward but full of flavor, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
13. Pancove
Pancovei are Romanian breaded pork cutlets that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They’re usually served with a side of potatoes or a fresh salad.
The breading is seasoned and fried to perfection, making each bite crunchy and delicious.
It’s a great dish to whip up for a satisfying dinner.
14. Clătite
Clătite are Romanian crepes that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
They’re thin, delicate, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Fill them with anything from jam to cheese, then roll or fold them up for a tasty treat.
These crepes are versatile and always a hit at any meal.
15. Ardei Umpluți
Ardei Umpluți are stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of meat and rice.
This dish is a great way to enjoy vegetables with a hearty filling.
It’s a classic Romanian recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner.
16. Găluște cu Prune
Găluște cu Prune are Romanian plum dumplings that are sweet and fruity.
The dumplings are made from a soft dough that’s wrapped around juicy plums and then boiled until tender.
They’re typically served with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon.
This dish is a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any time of year.
17. Salată de Boeuf
Salată de Boeuf is a Romanian beef salad that’s typically served cold.
It’s made with tender beef, vegetables, and mayonnaise, creating a creamy, flavorful dish.
The salad is often garnished with pickles and herbs.
It’s a great dish for festive occasions and is always a crowd-pleaser.
18. Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a creamy eggplant dip that’s influenced by Middle Eastern cuisine.
It’s made by roasting eggplants until they are tender, then blending them with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
The result is a smoky, smooth dip that’s perfect for serving with pita bread or as part of a mezze spread.
19. Sarmale în Foi de Viță
Sarmale în Foi de Viță are grape leaves that are stuffed with a mixture of meat and rice.
The grape leaves are tender and add a unique flavor to the filling.
This dish is similar to sarmale but has a distinct taste due to the grape leaves.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic Romanian recipe with a twist.
20. Tocăniță de Pui
Tocăniță de Pui is a Romanian chicken stew that’s cooked with vegetables and herbs.
The chicken is tender, and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal, and you can serve it with a side of mămăligă or rice for a complete meal.
21. Pui cu Smântână
Pui cu Smântână is a Romanian dish of chicken cooked in sour cream.
The chicken is simmered until it is tender, then served in a creamy, tangy sauce.
This dish is rich and flavorful, making it a great choice for a comforting dinner.
It pairs well with mămăligă or potatoes.
22. Ciorbă de Pește
Ciorbă de Pește is a Romanian fish soup that’s both tangy and savory.
It’s made with fresh fish, vegetables, and a splash of vinegar for a unique flavor.
This soup is light but full of taste, making it a refreshing choice for a meal.
23. Borcănele de Murături
Borcănele de Murături are pickled vegetables that are a staple in Romanian cuisine.
They’re made by pickling cucumbers, peppers, and other vegetables in a vinegar brine.
The pickles are crunchy and tangy, making them a great accompaniment to meals or a tasty snack on their own.
24. Friptură de Porc
Friptură de Porc is a Romanian roast pork dish that’s seasoned and cooked until it is crispy.
The pork is juicy and flavorful, and it is usually served with a side of potatoes or vegetables.
This dish is a classic choice for special occasions and family gatherings, offering a satisfying and delicious meal.
25. Tarta de Mere
Tarta de Mere is a Romanian apple tart that’s both sweet and tangy.
The tart features a buttery crust filled with spiced apples, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
It’s a delightful treat that brings a taste of home and is always a hit with family and friends.
26. Ciulama de Ciuperci
Ciulama de Ciuperci is a Romanian mushroom stew that’s rich and creamy.
The mushrooms are cooked in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and flour, resulting in a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
Serve it over polenta or rice for a hearty, balanced meal.
27. Mămăligă cu Brânză
Mămăligă cu Brânză is a Romanian polenta dish that is topped with cheese and sour cream.
The polenta is creamy and comforting, while the cheese adds a rich, savory flavor.
This dish is perfect as a side or even as a main course, offering a taste of traditional Romanian comfort food.
28. Pârjoale
Pârjoale are Romanian meatballs that are made from ground pork or beef, and then seasoned with herbs and spices.
They’re usually fried until golden brown and served with a side of salad or potatoes.
These meatballs are juicy and flavorful, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal.
29. Chec
Chec is a Romanian pound cake that’s often served with tea or coffee.
It’s moist and tender, with a sweet flavor that’s perfect for a light dessert or snack.
This cake is simple to make, and it is always a hit with family and friends.
30. Cozonaci cu Mac
Cozonaci cu Mac is a sweet Romanian bread that is filled with poppy seeds.
The bread is soft and fluffy, with a sweet filling that adds a delightful crunch.
This treat is traditionally enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, making it a cherished part of Romanian culinary traditions.
