This blog post is all about the best traditional Romanian food in Bucharest.
Romanian cuisine is hearty, rich, and deeply rooted in tradition, drawing influences from its neighbours such as Hungary, Turkey, and the Balkans.
It’s a cuisine built on warming stews, grilled meats, dairy-heavy dishes, and an abundance of bread.
Romanian food in Bucharest is often considered rustic and homey, with many dishes using simple, locally sourced ingredients that have been passed down through generations.
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to check out my 60+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Another resource to check out if you are planning a trip to Bucharest, is my Bucharest travel vlog. You can also see all of the traditional Romanian food in Bucharest that we ate!
This blog post is all about the best traditional Romanian food in Bucharest.
Trying Romanian Food in Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, was the very first stop on our world travels.
While we originally planned to visit for its famous thermal spa, we quickly realised that the city had so much more to offer. Especially when it came to traditional Romanian food in Bucharest.
Bucharest blends old-world charm with a growing modern food scene. While many travellers visit for its grand architecture, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, its food culture is often overlooked.
Traditional Romanian food in Bucharest can be found in trendy bistros and international eateries, making it a great place to sample both local classics and contemporary interpretations of the country’s culinary heritage.
From street food markets to historic beer halls, Bucharest offers a diverse food scene that caters to every kind of traveller.
Where to Eat Traditional Romanian Food in Bucharest
Romanian food in Bucharest is designed to be hearty and filling, making it perfect for cold winter days or fuelling long days of exploring the city.
Dishes often incorporate sour cream, polenta, and fresh bread, with a focus on slow-cooked meats, rich soups, and savoury pastries.
If you’re looking to experience Romania through its food, here is the must-try traditional Romanian food in Bucharest.
1. Sarmale (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Sarmale is Romania’s national dish, and for good reason.
These stuffed cabbage rolls are filled with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork), rice, and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection.
They’re often served with a side of sour cream and mamaliga (polenta), making for a hearty, comforting meal.
Where to Try: Caru’ cu Bere – This historic restaurant in the Old Town serves authentic sarmale in a stunning Art Nouveau setting.
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.
📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Bucharest with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
🚞 Rail Europe
To continue your journey within Romania or to go further afield to other European destinations, book your train travel with Rail Europe for the best fares.
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If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
2. Mămăligă cu Brânză și Smântână (Polenta with Cheese and Sour Cream)
Mămăligă is Romania’s answer to polenta, and it’s a staple in traditional Romanian food in Bucharest.
Served with sheep’s cheese (brânză) and sour cream (smântână), this dish is simple but incredibly satisfying.
Where to Try: Hanul Lui Manuc – A historic inn with a rustic ambiance, perfect for a traditional Romanian meal.
3. Ciorbă de Burtă (Tripe Soup)
This might be a dish that divides opinions, but ciorbă de burtă is a favourite among Romanian food in Bucharest.
It’s a rich and creamy tripe soup, simmered with vegetables, garlic, and sour cream, and typically enjoyed with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of pickled chilli.
Where to Try: Lacrimi și Sfinți – A quirky restaurant known for its creative takes on Romanian classics.
4. Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)
If you love street food, you have to try mici. Also known as mititei, these small, flavourful grilled sausages are made from a blend of minced pork, beef, and lamb, mixed with garlic and spices.
They’re served hot off the grill with mustard and fresh bread—a simple but delicious meal.
Where to Try: Terasa Obor – Located in the bustling Obor Market, this is the best place to try juicy mici straight from the grill. This was personally, our favourite of the traditional Romanian food in Bucharest.
5. Zacuscă (Roasted Vegetable Spread)
Zacuscă is a flavourful vegetable relish made from roasted eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, simmered together with herbs and spices.
It’s typically spread on fresh bread and makes for a great appetiser or snack.
Where to Try: La Mama – A popular spot for traditional Romanian food in Bucharest, made with locally sourced ingredients.
6. Papanasi (Romanian Doughnuts)
Papanasi is a must-try dessert in Bucharest. These fried doughnuts are served warm, topped with sour cream and fruit jam, usually cherry or raspberry.
They’re sweet, rich, and utterly delicious.
Where to Try: Caru’ cu Bere – Their papanasi is legendary, and the atmosphere makes it even better.
7. Ciorbă de Perișoare (Meatball Soup)
Another staple of traditional Romanian food in Bucharest, ciorbă de perișoare is a tangy meatball soup filled with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
The meatballs are made from minced meat and rice, creating a hearty and warming dish.
Where to Try: Grădina Verona – A charming garden restaurant known for its comforting Romanian dishes.
8. Mucenici (Sweet Pastries)
Mucenici is a sweet pastry shaped like the number eight, flavoured with honey, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Traditionally enjoyed on March 9th to celebrate the Feast of the Forty Martyrs, it’s a tasty treat you can find year-round in some bakeries.
Where to Try: La Plăcinte – A cozy bakery that serves these pastries with a homemade touch.
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your walking tours, cooking classes, museums and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like cooking classes, private tours and more
- Viator: use Viator to book private and group tours as well as local, hidden gem activities
🏨 Hostelworld
Book your hostel accommodation in Bucharest with Hostelworld, the most reliable hostel site.
🧳 Bounce Luggage Storage
If you have a late flight out of Bucharest, or arrive early in the morning before check-in, Bounce is the perfect solution. Store your luggage safely at one of their locations you can find on the app and don’t delay your time exploring the city.
📲 Saily Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Italy with a Saily eSIM. Use code ORLAGH5 for $5 off your first Saily eSIM.
9. Salată de Vinete (Eggplant Spread)
A classic Romanian appetiser, salată de vinete is an eggplant dip blended with garlic, onions, and sunflower oil.
It’s creamy, smoky, and perfect when spread on fresh bread.
Where to Try: Hanu’ lui Manuc – A historic restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Romanian flavours.
10. Cozonac (Sweet Bread)
Cozonac is a Romanian festive bread, often enjoyed at Easter and Christmas.
It’s enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar, and usually contains raisins, vanilla, and citrus zest.
Where to Try: Luca – A bakery chain where we found ourselves stopping daily for pastries and baked goods.
11. Plăcintă cu Brânză (Cheese Pie)
Plăcintă cu brânză is a savoury cheese pie made with flaky pastry and filled with sheep’s cheese, eggs, and herbs.
It’s the perfect snack to grab on the go.
Where to Try: Arc Bakery – A spot well-loved by locals, known for its fresh and delicious pastries.
12. Clătite (Romanian Pancakes)
Clătite are Romanian-style pancakes, similar to crêpes, and can be filled with sweet or savoury ingredients such as jam, Nutella, or cheese.
Where to Try: Zexe Zahana – A charming restaurant inspired by Romanian folklore, serving some of the best clătite in town.
Bonus: Luca – The Budget Backpacker’s Best Friend
While we were backpacking, one place we kept coming back to was Luca.
This bakery chain became our go-to for a quick, budget-friendly meal, serving up everything from cozonac to cheese-filled pastries.
Whether you need a cheap breakfast or a snack on the go, Luca is 100% worth checking out.
The Best Traditional Romanian Food in Bucharest
Bucharest’s food scene is full of hidden gems, and these traditional dishes are a must-try for any visitor.
Whether you’re indulging in a hearty bowl of ciorbă or grabbing a quick bite at a local bakery, Romanian cuisine offers a delicious insight into the country’s culture.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to bring your appetite!
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