Romanian Food You Should Try: A Guide for Foreign Employees

Romanian cuisine combines influences from the Balkans, Central Europe and the Mediterranean, offering a wide variety of hearty dishes, fresh vegetables, homemade desserts and seasonal produce. Whether you enjoy meat, vegetarian meals or simply like trying new flavors, you’ll find plenty of delicious options during your stay in Romania.

As you begin your new life here, exploring Romanian cuisine is one of the easiest ways to feel more connected to your new home.

A Typical Romanian Breakfast

Many Romanians start the day with a simple but filling breakfast.

A traditional breakfast often includes bread, butter, cheese, eggs, yogurt, fresh vegetables, cold cuts and a cup of tea or coffee. Fresh pastries are also available every morning in bakeries and supermarkets across the country.

Traditional Romanian Dishes Worth Trying

No visit to Romania would be complete without tasting some of its best-known traditional recipes.

Among the country’s most famous dishes are Sarmale, cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice and spices, slowly cooked and traditionally served with polenta, sour cream and hot peppers.

Another favorite is Mici (also known as Mititei), grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with garlic and spices, often enjoyed with mustard, bread or French fries during barbecues.

Romanian soups, known as Ciorbă, are equally popular. Chicken, beef, vegetable, bean and tripe soup are among the most common varieties, many of them prepared with a pleasantly sour taste that is characteristic of Romanian cuisine.

One of the country’s oldest traditional foods is Mămăligă, a cornmeal dish similar to polenta that accompanies meat, cheese, fish and vegetable dishes throughout Romania.

Grilled meats, including chicken, pork, beef and sausages, are also widely enjoyed, often served alongside grilled vegetables and fresh salads.

Don’t Miss the Desserts

If you have a sweet tooth, Romania has plenty to offer.

Traditional desserts include Papanași, fried doughnuts served with sour cream and fruit jam, Cozonac, a sweet bread traditionally prepared during holidays, Clătite (Romanian pancakes), as well as classic cakes such as Amandină and Savarină.

Most bakeries prepare fresh pastries and cakes every day.

Fresh Produce All Year Round

Romania is well known for its locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Depending on the season, markets and supermarkets are filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, apples, cherries, plums, grapes and watermelon, making it easy to enjoy fresh ingredients throughout the year.

Vegetarian and International Cuisine

Although Romanian cuisine includes many meat-based dishes, vegetarian meals are widely available.

Restaurants commonly serve grilled vegetables, salads, vegetable soups, pasta, rice dishes and pizzas, while larger cities also offer numerous vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

Foreign employees looking for familiar flavors will also find a wide range of international cuisine, including Turkish, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, Nepalese and Vietnamese restaurants.

Asian supermarkets are available in many large Romanian cities and sell products imported from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and other countries.

Shopping for Food

Romania has many modern supermarket chains where you can buy fresh food and everyday essentials.

Among the largest are Kaufland, Lidl, Carrefour, Auchan, Penny, Mega Image and Profi, all offering a wide selection of local and international products.

According to ESSA Group representatives, employees who are unfamiliar with Romanian supermarkets are encouraged to ask their coordinators for recommendations during their first weeks in the country.

“Moving to a new country also means discovering new foods, supermarkets and shopping habits. Our coordinators are always happy to recommend nearby stores, help employees find products they are familiar with and answer any practical questions related to everyday life in Romania.”

Eating Out

Restaurants throughout Romania are generally welcoming and affordable.

Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, while takeaway and food delivery services are widely available through applications such as Glovo, Tazz and Bolt Food.

Tipping is appreciated for good service, although it is not always mandatory.

Healthy Eating

Maintaining a balanced diet helps employees stay healthy, energetic and productive.

Representatives of ESSA Group encourage employees to drink plenty of water, include fresh fruits and vegetables in their meals and enjoy Romanian homemade dishes while discovering the country’s culinary traditions.

We’re Here to Help

Adapting to a new country includes becoming familiar with local food and shopping habits.

ESSA coordinators can recommend supermarkets near your accommodation, help you find restaurants serving international cuisine and direct you to shops selling Asian products or ingredients from your home country.

“Our goal is for every employee to feel comfortable not only at work but also in everyday life. Sometimes something as simple as finding familiar food or learning where to shop can make a big difference during the first weeks in Romania,” explain ESSA Group representatives.

Enjoy the Taste of Romania

Romanian cuisine is diverse, flavorful and full of tradition.

Trying local dishes is a wonderful way to learn more about the country’s culture while creating new experiences and memories during your stay.

We encourage you to discover new flavors, explore local markets and enjoy everything Romania has to offer.

Welcome to Romania – and enjoy your meal!

Useful Shopping Vocabulary

Learning a few Romanian words can make shopping much easier and help you communicate more confidently with local people.

Useful Shopping Phrases

A few Romanian words can make everyday shopping easier and help you feel more confident as you settle into your new life in Romania.