In Romania, especially in the peasant world, the periods of Orthodox fasting are still respected. Results ? Many vegetarian dishes are the pride of Romania! Mămăliga, for example, is the basic dish of the Romanian peasant:this cornmeal is reminiscent of Italian polenta, and often accompanies a slightly sour fromage blanc. Another famous Romanian vegetarian dish:zacusca. This assortment of vegetables and herbs preserved in oil, vinegar or brine is usually served as an appetizer. Of course, cheese is also eaten in Romania. If you travel to this country, be sure to taste caş and urda, but also telemea, a salty sheep's cheese that resembles feta.
Pork is the main meat consumed in Romania:you will often find it grilled or minced. During a stay in Romania, try sarmale, vine or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, meat and mushrooms. The traditional Romanian soup, ciorba ţărănească, is a complete soup made from fermented bran that incorporates different vegetables, but also bacon, beef or tripe. Must-haves, muşchi often appear on the menus of Romanian restaurants:they are grilled pork or beef.
Romanian cuisine is not particularly famous for its desserts. However, there are delicious sweet specialties, which are more of a snack than an end-of-meal dessert. Papanaşi moldoveneşti, for example, are sweet donuts with cottage cheese and vanilla. They are eaten hot and accompanied by fresh cream. A traditional pastry, the plăcintă is a small sweet square brioche filled with apples. On holidays, Romanians like to eat cozonac, a brioche with raisins similar to Italian panettone.
