Romanian cuisine features hearty dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and ciorbă (sour soup). Don’t miss local cheese, polenta, and sweet treats like papanasi (fried doughnuts). Try local wines, țuică (plum brandy), and craft beers for a true taste of Romania.
For a fun meal with friends, visit Caru’ cu Bere in Bucharest or Casa Vlad Dracul in Sighișoara for traditional fare in atmospheric settings. Hip cafes and bars in cities like Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara offer casual vibes and great coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in bigger cities, but are less common in rural areas.
Tipping is customary—leave 10% at restaurants. Eating hours are flexible but expect busy evenings on weekends. Local food markets and seasonal festivals are excellent for sampling fresh products and regional delicacies.