Romanian Cauliflower and Chicken Stew Recipe – Mâncare de Conopidă cu Pui

A blue bowl filled with the cauliflower and chicken stew. The bowl sits on a wooden board, next to a wooden spoon

The other day, while trying to decide what to make for dinner, I realised I was craving something I hadn’t cooked in years. I needed it to be simple and comforting, as I was battling a cold and had very little energy to spend in the kitchen. That’s when this traditional Romanian cauliflower and chicken […]

Romanian Spicy Chicken Pan Recipe – Tigaie de Pui Picanta

A grey plate with the spicy chicken stir fry on one side, and roast potatoes in the middle

The Romanian spicy chicken pan recipe is one of those dishes that became popular almost overnight. About 15 years ago, restaurants and pubs in Bucharest’s Old Town started adding it to their menus, usually as the ideal pre-club meal shared with friends. It quickly turned into a favourite because it is comforting, quick to prepare, […]

Romanian Chicken and Onion Stew Recipe – Tocanita de Ceapa cu Pui

A grey plate with polenta on it. The chicken stew sits on top, with a lot of sauce. There is chopped parsley on top.

If you grew up in Romania—or even just had the joy of eating in a Romanian home—you already know that tocanita is the ultimate comfort food. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t need much fuss. A few onions, some root veggies, maybe a bit of meat, and somehow it turns into something magical. Everyone […]

Romanian Chicken Pilaf Recipe – Pilaf cu Pui

A deep white plate with the yellow pilaf in it, topped with a chicken leg and plenty of chopped dill. Around the bowl there is a yellow tea towel.

I always thought that pilaf was the “solid” alternative to chicken soup. It gives that same comfort and homely feeling, with a rich chicken flavour that feels like a big hug, especially when it’s cold outside. The taste of a good Romanian chicken pilaf is both hearty and delicate: the rice is soft and creamy […]

Romanian Baked Pork Meatballs Recipe – Chiftele la Cuptor

A rectangular platter with meatballs covered with chopped dill on top.

I grew up with Chiftele – this staple versatile traditional Romanian food. Whilst you will rarely find them in restaurants, they are made at home at least a couple of times a month. The Romanian pork meatballs might look just like their relatives around the world, but they taste completely different. Firstly, they have a […]

Romanian Potato Salad with Smoked Fish Recipe – Salata de Cartofi cu Macrou Afumat

A typical Romanian earth-ware plate with the salad on it

I always loved the Romanian potato salad. There is something about the potato – egg combination that always appealed to me. Today’s recipe is a step up from the traditional “Salata Orientala”, which incorporates the smoky flavour of mackerel. This version of the Romanian potato salad with smoked fish is a heartier lunch often served […]

Romanian Fried Cheese Recipe – Cascaval Pane

Two slices of fried cheese, on a blue plate, alongside fries. One of the slices is cut in half and you can see the gooey cheese inside

If you want to impress your guests or just your family, you must try this Romanian fried cheese recipe. I have very fond memories of this dish because it was a treat I would have very rare, mostly in restaurants and never at home. This dish features Cașcaval, a semi-hard Romanian cheese with a nutty, […]

Romanian Spinach With Eggs Recipe – Spanac cu Ou

A grey plate shaped like a flower with the creamed spinach in the middle, and a fried egg in a round shape on top.

This Romanian spinach with eggs recipe is a go-to summer dish for many. It’s quick to make and packs a good punch of vitamins and antioxidants. We’ve all heard about how healthy spinach is, but I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a fan. As a kid, I remember coming home from playing outside to find my […]

Romanian Potato And Sausage Casserole Recipe – Tocanita de Cartofi Cu Carnati

A blue casserole dish with the dish in it. You can see potatoes, red pepper and sausage slices inside. It is topped with fresh dill on top.

This Romanian potato and sausage casserole recipe is a beloved classic in the country’s cuisine. This comfort dish marries two of the country’s most cherished staples—hearty potatoes and smoked sausages – into a simple but full-of-flavour dish. It is a recipe that we usually eat during the cold months because it’s not only hearty but […]