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 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, […]

Traditional Romanian Bean Soup Recipe – Ciorba De Fasole

A close-up of the bean soup inside a white bowl. It sits on a rectangular platter which also has two green chilli peppers and some cut red onion on it.

Beans are one of the staple ingredients in the Romanian cuisine. We have several traditional recipes using them, which are cooked mostly during the winter months. Beans are not just an essential ingredient, but also provide warmth and comfort during the cold weather. Today I will teach you how to make the traditional Romanian bean […]

Romanian Vegan Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Ardei Umpluti de Post

A close-up of two cooked stuffed peppers, a yellow one and a red one, on a white plate. One of the peppers is standing, whilst the other is cut in half, on the plate. The dish is sprinkled with chopped dill.

Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for summer – Romanian vegan stuffed peppers. This dish is a plant-based twist on the traditional stuffed peppers that I grew up eating. You might be wondering, “Why vegan?” Well, in Romania, we have several fasting periods throughout the year when many people avoid […]

A Guide to the Best Street Food in Bucharest

A close-up of a pie filled with sweet cheese and raisins

Bucharest was my home for many, many years. Even if I grew up in Transylvania, I spent all my summers and school holidays in Bucharest, with my grandma. That was at least 4 months a year. As soon as I finished high school I moved with her to Bucharest, for university, and lived in the […]

Romanian Zacusca Recipe – The Spread That Has Taken Over the World

Two slices of bread with an orange vegetable spread on it. Behind you can see two jars with the spread in them.

I don’t think there is a more iconic spread than the Romanian zacusca. And there is no Romanian who don’t like it – if they say they don’t they are either lying or didn’t grow up in a traditional Romanian household. This Romanian Zacusca recipe belongs to my mom and is the same one I […]

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 […]