Exploring Romania

 

Exploring Romania: A Journey Through Travel and Cuisine

Romania is a country that offers travelers an enchanting blend of medieval castles, rugged mountains, picturesque villages, and a rich culinary heritage. Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, it is a land where legends like Dracula intertwine with vibrant cities, ancient history, and diverse cultural traditions. While Romania is famed for its stunning natural landscapes and historical landmarks, its food is equally captivating, offering a delightful mix of influences from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean.

In this blog, we will embark on a journey through some of Romania’s most breathtaking destinations, while discovering the country’s unique culinary offerings. Whether you're fascinated by medieval history, eager for outdoor adventures, or just in search of a good meal, Romania is the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip.

Bucharest: The Little Paris of the East

What to See

   Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is a city of contrasts, where neoclassical buildings sit alongside communist-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Known as "Little Paris" in the early 20th century due to its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Bucharest is now a bustling metropolis with a distinct blend of old and new.

Palace of the Parliament: The world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon, this massive structure was built during the communist era under Nicolae Ceaușescu. Tours of the palace are available, giving visitors a glimpse into Romania’s complex history.
Old Town (Lipscani): Bucharest’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with bars, restaurants, and historical landmarks. You can explore medieval churches, Ottoman-style inns, and impressive neoclassical architecture, all while sampling local food and drink.
Village Museum: Located in Herăstrău Park, this open-air museum showcases traditional Romanian village life, with over 300 authentic houses, churches, and windmills from across the country. It’s a peaceful place to explore Romanian culture away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cărturești Carusel: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Cărturești Carusel is located in a restored 19th-century building in the heart of the city. Even if you're not a book lover, it’s worth visiting for its stunning spiral staircases and elegant design.

What to Eat in Bucharest

Bucharest’s food scene offers a great introduction to Romanian cuisine, with plenty of traditional dishes and modern interpretations available in restaurants across the city.

Sarmale: One of Romania’s most beloved dishes, sarmale consists of minced pork (or sometimes beef or lamb) mixed with rice, wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves, and simmered in a tomato sauce. It’s usually served with mămăligă (polenta) and sour cream, making it a hearty, comforting meal.
Mici: These grilled sausages are made from a mixture of ground beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other spices. Mici are typically served with mustard and bread, and they’re a popular street food in Bucharest.
Ciorbă de burtă: A unique Romanian soup made from tripe, ciorbă de burtă is rich and creamy, with a tangy flavor thanks to the addition of vinegar or lemon juice. It’s often enjoyed as a hangover cure or simply as a hearty first course.
Papanași: For dessert, try papanași, a traditional Romanian fried or boiled doughnut-like dessert filled with soft cheese and topped with sour cream and jam. It’s a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

Dining in Bucharest

Caru’ cu Bere: One of the oldest restaurants in Bucharest, Caru’ cu Bere is located in a beautiful Gothic-style building in the Old Town. The menu features traditional Romanian dishes, and the lively atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Hanu’ lui Manuc: This historic inn dates back to the early 19th century and is one of Bucharest’s most famous dining establishments. The restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Romanian dishes, including sarmale, mămăligă, and various grilled meats.

Transylvania: Land of Castles and Legends

What to See

Transylvania is perhaps Romania’s most famous region, thanks to its association with the Dracula legend and its stunning medieval castles. But beyond the vampire myths, Transylvania is a place of charming villages, fortified churches, and dramatic landscapes.

Bran Castle: Often referred to as "Dracula’s Castle," Bran Castle is perched on a hilltop near the town of Bran. While it may not have any real connection to Vlad the Impaler (the historical figure who inspired Dracula), it’s a fascinating place to explore with its medieval architecture and eerie atmosphere.
Sighișoara: This beautifully preserved medieval town is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. The colorful houses, cobbled streets, and the towering Clock Tower make it one of Transylvania’s most picturesque destinations.
Brașov: Nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov is a city of Gothic churches, Saxon walls, and narrow streets. Don’t miss the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe, and take a stroll down Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in the world.
Corvin Castle: Located in Hunedoara, Corvin Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Europe. Its soaring towers, drawbridge, and stunning architecture make it a must-see for any history or architecture lover.

What to Eat in Transylvania

Transylvanian cuisine is heavily influenced by its Hungarian, German, and Romanian heritage, resulting in a diverse and flavorful food scene.

Gulyás (Goulash): A hearty stew made with beef, potatoes, onions, and paprika, goulash is a staple in Transylvania, especially in areas with Hungarian influence. It’s the perfect meal after a day of exploring castles and hiking in the mountains.
Tocană: This traditional Romanian stew is made with slow-cooked meat, typically pork or beef, and served with mămăligă. The dish is often flavored with onions, garlic, and paprika, and it’s a comforting meal that reflects the rustic nature of Transylvanian cuisine.
Kürtőskalács: Known as chimney cake, this sweet treat is a popular street food in Transylvania. It’s made by wrapping dough around a cylindrical spit, baking it over an open flame, and then rolling it in sugar, cinnamon, or walnuts.
Pastramă: A type of cured and smoked meat, pastramă is often made from lamb or pork and is typically served with mămăligă. It’s a popular dish in rural areas, particularly during festive occasions.

Dining in Transylvania

La Ceaun (Brașov): This cozy restaurant in Brașov offers a menu filled with traditional Romanian dishes, with a focus on hearty stews, soups, and grilled meats. The rustic atmosphere makes it a great spot for sampling local cuisine.
Casa Dracula (Sighișoara): Located in the heart of Sighișoara’s medieval citadel, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience in the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. The menu features both Romanian and Hungarian dishes, and the historical setting adds to the charm.

Maramureș: A Step Back in Time

What to See

Maramureș, located in northern Romania, is one of the country’s most traditional regions. Here, ancient customs and folk traditions are still alive, and the landscape is dotted with wooden churches, rolling hills, and small villages where time seems to stand still.

Wooden Churches of Maramureș: These UNESCO-listed churches are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Built entirely of wood and featuring tall, slender spires, these churches date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the most famous include the churches in Bârsana and Ieud.
Merry Cemetery (Săpânța): One of the most unique cemeteries in the world, the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța is known for its colorful tombstones, each of which features a humorous epitaph and a painting that depicts the deceased’s life. It’s a fascinating and unusual way to explore Romanian folk traditions.
Maramureș Villages: The villages of Maramureș, such as Breb and Bârsana, are known for their traditional wooden houses, many of which feature intricately carved wooden gates. Visiting these villages feels like stepping back in time, and it’s a great opportunity to experience rural Romanian life.

What to Eat in Maramureș

Maramureș is known for its hearty, rustic cuisine, which often features ingredients like pork, potatoes, and cheese.

Ciorbă de fasole cu ciolan: A rich and flavorful bean soup made with smoked ham hock, ciorbă de fasole is a classic Romanian dish that’s especially popular in Maramureș. It’s typically served with pickled vegetables and bread.
Balmoș: A dish similar to mămăligă, balmoș is made from cornmeal cooked in sheep’s milk and flavored with butter and cheese. It’s a traditional dish of shepherds in the region and is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food.
Plăcinte: These traditional Romanian pies are often filled with cheese, potatoes, or apples, and they’re a popular snack in Maramureș. Whether savory or sweet, plăcinte are a delicious way to enjoy local flavors.

Dining in Maramureș

Casa Iurca de Călinești (Sighetu Marmației): This restaurant offers a traditional Maramureș dining experience, with a menu featuring local dishes like ciorbă de fasole and tocana. The cozy atmosphere and rustic décor make it a great place to sample the region’s cuisine.

Conclusion: Discover the Heart and Soul of Romania Through Travel and Food

Romania is a country where history, culture, and nature come together to create an extraordinary travel experience. From the medieval towns of Transylvania to the bustling streets of Bucharest and the peaceful villages of Maramureș, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. And with its rich and varied cuisine, Romania offers food lovers a chance to explore new flavors and indulge in hearty, traditional dishes that reflect the country’s unique heritage.

As you journey through Romania, you’ll not only discover breathtaking landscapes and fascinating historical landmarks but also a culinary tradition that is as diverse and flavorful as the country itself. Whether you're savoring a bowl of ciorbă de burtă in Bucharest or enjoying a slice of kürtőskalács in a Transylvanian village, Romania will capture your heart with its warmth, charm, and delicious food.