How to find the best Romanian meals and where to order them

Coming to Romania is not anymore a risky adventure, as it used to be a few years or decades ago. The Romanian are civilized normal people with manners and right behavior, the country is safe and the streets almost o.k. You can find in Romania best hotel chains with most sophisticated amenities, but you can also spend your vacation to a small pension, or at the home of a welcoming local (which I would really recommend !)

You can also find in Romania modern, sophisticated dishes, or fast food, but I hope that you didn't come here to queue to McDonald's, it would be outrageous! Searching and asking the Romanian dishes and specials will make you richer and locals will appreciate and even adopt you (once they did, you can be sure that they will be devoted and borrow you even the shirt)

A very appreciated Romanian dish are for sure the meat rolls, which you taste better with corn mush and creme fraiche. Pair it with a dry white wine, and you will be next to paradise. These meat rolls never lack from any Romanian feast, it has tradition and some special spices for the secret recipes. It is possible to find them in different presentations, rolled in cabbage, or grape leaves, bigger or smaller, with little variations in taste, but they they still are number one.

Restaurant continental from Oradea is a good place to order Romanian specific dishes

There are for sure some regional differences between the certain areas of Romania. A general influence is first of all the refined French haute cuisine, introduced with the second half of the XIXth century, beginning with Bucharest, which has had always excellent restaurants. The evolution of Bucharest restaurants goes on nowadays in a spectacular way  through  the opening of many restaurants with foreign kitchen and dishes!

In Transilvania is a  strong influence of the Hungarian Austrian kitchen. Visiting Oradea, Arad, Cluj Napoca is easy to detect it. An important role play in this area the bacon, as other pig products, with the necessary treatments. They eat bacon practically all year long, which is maybe not the best treatment for heart and blood, but please don't try to tell them anything about cholesterol. They won't understand, will be offended, and will give you another glass of tzuica to forget and burn the fat! The dishes here are fat, spicy and tasty. They use also some vegetables, milk and eggs. The soups are being soured with cabbage and spiced with tarragon. An important thing here are the sauces, consisting on onions with flour. Smoked products are also another issue, used even in the soups. Cabbage a la Cluj is a renowned local speciality, consisting of cabbage combined with rice and mincemeat (add a glass of half dried red wine)

Wine tasting by Tulcea, paired with spicy goat cheese and salad

Totally different is the kitchen from Dobrogea, with strong oriental Turkish influences, but the local conditions played also an important role. They use there oil and butter, and the meals don't fall so bad like in Transilvania. They use also sheep and fish, even pig, but never pig fat for cooking. During the hot season they eat very light, mainly salads, with a glass of cold sweat wine, e.g. Chardonnay from Murfatlar.

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Dracula Tour on Haloween

There are more opportunities which you don't want to miss very soon, within a few days. On one hand, the frequent passages and aggressive marketing Dracula enjoys in Romania, on the other hand the celebration of scaring Halloween worldwide (which is again a matter of marketing, of course). My idea and proposition for you is the Halloween Dracula Tour in Romania, a clever combination of these two events.

You must be very carefully, and book very soon, the Halloween falls on the 31st, and we must be on the way! Let,s start on the 28th, as the tour itself lasts 3 days long and costs only 270 Euro, as a way to thank you this last minute reservation! Completely not recommended for honeymoon!


The historic truth served as a base for a well known novel of Bram Stoker . There was a Wallachian ruler called Vlad Tepes (The Impaler) who was a very cruel man, his favorite execution method being the impalement. He hated the Turks and strongly fought against them, being celebrate as an athlete of Christianity and being supported even by the Pope.

Vlad Tepes The Impaler, also called Dracula, was cruel, severe, but right and fair, according to Romanian myths and legends

He had no trust in the local influent big boyars, who betrayed his father. These categories of enemies of Vlad Tepes gave him the unhappy opportunities to execute many of them. In the Romanian myths and legends, Vlad Tepes has been portrayed as a right, but severe ruler. His opened mass executions freightened even the big Sultan Mehmet II The Conqueror, coming to Wallachia to cash his tribute or kill Vlad Tepes. So, Mehmet II lost his temper and gone back, when seeing terrible scenes of impaled Turks ( a slow difficult death).

Starting from this truth, Bram Stroker's Novel made from Dracula a world symbol of horror, which is a terrible mistification. But we shall also marketing the Dracula legacy! And I gathered in this Romanian Dracula Tour everything which can remember the life and rule of Vlad Tepes Impaler.

Sighisoara is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, and a well preserved medieval fortress

Day 1 Sighisoara in Transilvania is the birth place of Vlad Tepes The Impaler. The town of Sighisoara is even nowadays a very well preserved medieval fortress, and many buildings look in the same way they did a few centuries ago, during Tepes childhood. Stay a day there, walk and look the traces of Dracula. Wine tasting in Jidvei possible, and even probable.

The Bran Castle has many in common with Dracula  and makes a good marketing and publicity for it

Day 2 Travel to Cabana Fantanele, a mountain chalet, where Dracula used to refugiate, and Bran Castle, where you can find a torture room and the genuine atmosphere of the old times. You are supposed to eat a lot of garlic during all the day, in order to keep the Devil away (The Romanian Dracula originates from Dracu, or Devil). Not recommended for people with heart diseases, and only possible with a prescription from you Physician.

The Monastery of Snagov  hosts, according the legend,  the tomb  of Dracula

Day 3 Travel to Bucharest and visit the Monastery of Snagov, where according to the legend Vlad Tepes the Impaler was buried. This is again a mistification, he lies most probably in Comana monastery! Besides, you can visit other nice places in Bucharest or one of its wine tasting rooms.
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Visiting Sighisoara, in the heart of Transilvania

Nowadays Sighisoara only counts 30 000 inhabitants, a small town also. But professionally speaking, is the uncrowned capital of the touristic Romania.

On the narow Medieval streets of Sighisoara fortress. You may see the Clock Tower.

Reaching Sighisoara from any direction, you will be mesmerized by its clean Medieval aspect. A masterpiece indeed, so nice, that many people ask : " How was Sighisoara spared by the destroy of the Communism?" If you are familiar with the German Gothic and Baroque architecture, you will be at home in Sighisoara! Which had been for centuries a Saxon city and fortress in Transilvania.

During the Carnivals of Sighisoara, the Medieval toilets are a must

The Fortress of Sighisoara (German Schassburg) is very well preserved and probably once again unique, as it is still populated today. Some of the local German Saxons come back in pension, due to the low costs of life in Romania. Within a short walk you can reach the Clock Tower (requires reparations), History Museum, Dracula House, and the wonderful Fortress Square. A little bit further, after a short ascension over 200 stairs you can reach the Church Hill and have a wonderful panorama of the city. The Church is worth a visit ( a small fee to be paid) as hosts some interesting artefacts from other fortresses of Transilvania, and has a centuries long history behind. The neighboring cemetery is very interesting and again historically significant, with the graves of many German rulers and archbishops. After all these efforts you will be rewarded in one of the town's many restaurants, maybe even in Dracula House! Is not the only one in Sighisoara, of course, but has excellent service and  good King's meal. About the price, don't forget the Historical charge.

Eating in Dracula House is still an event, and fortunately not a dangerous anymore

If you are tired, and it is summer, forget any hope to get a room, the town is overcrowded. You need reservation and booking, of course. Even at Binder Bubi, the best hotel in the town, with 5 stars, everything is booked. Also important, in summer there is a medieval festival on the last Sunday of July, with camp fires and fancy toilets. Keep in mind, is important, maybe you want to take part, or you want to avoid.

Restaurant of the Hotel Binder Bubi Sighisoara proudly holds its *****

So many things to do in Sighisoara. It is surely a mistake coming to Romania and neglecting Sighisoara!

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The Big Romania Wine Tour

Romanian leading vineyards are spread throughout the country, and a  complete Wine Tour is also  a Big Romania Tour

As wine and vineyards have in Romania a long traditions, the leading vineyards are spread throughout the country, in all its historical provinces as Moldavia, Wallachia, and Transilvania. Up to now I have offered many Romanian tours, but I strove that my tours are shorter and smaller, as I thaught to offer Romania on a small budget. But many of my clients remonstrated, and said that they would have stay longer, in order to know Romania deeper.

O.K., let's do it, let's think big and globally, but I have to warn: Romania has many hidden faces, and even I don't know them all after living a life here! But I will strive to show you many of the Romanian mysteries, to the best of my knowledge. I also have something for those who are not wine afficionados, as me and most of my tourists: this is not exclusively a Romania Wine Tour, but also a Romanian culture tour, facilitating an in depth sight view of Romania. Even this Tour is not complete, there are a few vineyards from Transilvania missing

DAY 1

Arrival in Bucharest, departure to the Black Sea coast. Dinner and accommodation in Constantaor Eforie Nord, one of the seaside summer resorts.

Bucharest and its eclectic mix of architecture style has a secret charm

DAY 2Morning at leisure (you might have a sun bath, or just relax). Lunch with wine tasting at Murfatlar - in the biggest vineyard of Romania. In the afternoon visit to Constantaand Tulcea the city at the entrance of Danube Delta. Dinner and accommodation.
DAY 36-hour Danube Delta Tour, with lunch on board. Dinner and wine tasting at Niculitel the second largest vineyard of Dobrodgea. Special here are the Romanian red wines(”Feteasca”and”Babeasca”) of Niculitel

Wine tasting are important on this tour, but bear in mind that is also a Romanian Culture Tour , the  people who  are not so fond of wine will be also able to find interesting things to do and learn!

DAY 4Departure to Iasi. We cross the Danube at Galati and we arrive late in the afternoon in Iasi, the capital of Moldavia after visiting the small but exceptional winemaker of Husi (the famous wine - ”Busuioaca de Bohotin”) Tis was one of the favorite wines of the former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.. Dinner and wine tasting at Bucium, one of the largest winemakers of Moldavia.
DAY 5What about dinner in a monastery with wine made by the monks and their blessing for the rest of our tour? Morning at leisure, or a visit to Iasi to see the Mitropolitan Cathedral, Culture Palaceand Golia monastery. Lunch and wine tasting at Cotnari, one of the oldest wineries of Romania, where we can find the unique Romanian wine "Grasa de Cotnari" 

DAY 6.. Departure to Focsani, the center of Romanian wine. Here we will visit a couple of winemakers and have many wine tastings such as: specific in the area “Champagne” of Panciu, the famous wine of Odobesti and others of VINCON - Vrancea

Focsani is not only a Romanian Wine Capital, but also a cultural  city.

DAY 7Today we continue the yesterday program with wine tasting. Lunch and wine tasting at one of the wineries. Diinner and accommodation.
DAY 8Departure to Brasov, one of the most beautiful medieval cities of Transylvania. Lunch break. We will visit the Dracula Castle and have dinner and wine tasting at “Cerbul Carpatin” with Romanian Folk music.
DAY 9Departure to Ploiestiover Cheia Gorges to have lunch somewhere on the Romanian wine road, the largest red wine region of Romania: the Prahova area. Visit to the greatest winemaker of this area, in Ploiesti. Dinner and accommodation.

The savage Romania is also a highlight during a trip

DAY 10We visit several wineries of this area (Dealu Mare, Urlati etc.) and late in the afternoon we come to Bucharest. Lunch and wine tasting at Dealu Mare or Urlati wineries. Dinner and accommodation.
DAY 11Bucharest sightseeing, we visit the Palaceof Parliament (former Palace of Socialism during Ceausescu’s dictatorship - second biggest building in the world after the Pentagon). Lunch at a fancy restaurant. Last wine tasting and farewell dinner.
DAY 12 Transfer to airport. Departure. Please, let your air company know that you carry a precious luggage, containing at least 10 bottles of best Romanian wine!

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The genuine Romania and its unexpected sights

The last untouched European forests are in Romania, as this country had had for years a coherent policy in that field. Extending and generalizing, the last villages from Europe are also in Romania to be founded. You will notice in some remote settlement from Bucovina or Transilvania, with strong traditions, a strange feeling: the society seems to be entirely in order.

In Romania the meals taste and smell very different comparing with your usual meals

If you wanna know Romania in its deepest corner, don't avoid a stay in a remote pension, or even in the house of a local. Everything is different, comparing with what you usually, and even comparing to a hotel. All the meals taste and smell totally different comparing with what you eat at your place. The day starts with a strong breakfast based of fresh product from the neighboring farmers, maybe even a brandy or a glass of wine  for warming up!

In many places in Romania you may have the feeling that this society is still o.k. and still in order

Then you can walk or take the horse wagon, and you will got another dimension of life. Only thus you can discover a lot of details of the life to the countryside: the market, the bar, the land works, the animation around the fountains, cheese production (or other important local activity, like wine making), the acurate handicraft, the church, the football matches, the take off of the children to the school and their way back. You might be very upset about the proximity of the domestic animals, but you will accept the idea soon: the cows on the street  and the geese also free, the goats and the sheeps emitting unheared noises, and the bees visiting the flowers. You will be very pleased by the rural architecture, the nice peaceful houses, the sunny gardens, the monasteries. The smell of hay slightly excite your nose. You will find for sure during your walk in an unexpected tree a small, wizened, but very flavored tasty apple.

Wine tasting is a part of your Romanian trip, as this country is mainly a wine country

In the evening, a rich dinner, with wine of course. You will not succeed eating everything on the table, I can bet. As your vacation gets longer, you will find some differences from this idyllic image, as our grandparents described. The life at the countryside is not easy, even on the contrary, very tough. The old people living there alone see often the stranger only as a source of income, which is not so terribly wrong, as long the quality and the sincerity of hosting are still o.k.!

The local craftsmen keep the Romanian rural society stil in order

A total different way of life can you experiment visiting on the Romanian Black Sea coast. This coast is not very long, and were during the communist time a must do for every people in vacation. Forget the illusion to find lonely beaches. Mamaia and other resorts are overcrowded day and nights and lives passionately, you must do the same. Whether peaceful, or frenetic, don't let the best Romanian wine to stay out of your vacation!

Mamaia on the Romanian Black Sea coast means  a huge difference comparing  to the  peaceful  villages.

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Romania at its best

Starting from The fore posted Bucharest Architectural Tours I thought it would be interesting for you to see and feel Romania at its best. So, I made a short selection of Romanian highlights, and of course, wine tasting will be also included (so, please, don't worry about it)

Bucharest is a charming mix of different Architecture styles, and a walk in the Downtown  is  a gift for booking up to 01.10.12

This Romanian vacation comprises 6 days, 5 nights of stay in a leading 3*** hotels in the heart of Bucharest. The most spoil of you could book only this stay at the special price of 295 Euros (comprising airport transfer and breakfast; no other meals or entrances fees included!). As bonus for booking in September, you will receive a free walking Architectural Tour in Bucharest downtown.

A wine tasting may never luck from  the Romania  higjlights

For the more active of you who also aim getting more from this vacation, I prepared a more generous package, including:
Day1: Arrival in Bucharest Airport, introduction to the guide, Hotel Transfer
Day2: Bucharest walking Architectural Tour in downtown(free bonus), followed by a visit in the wonderful Village Museum.
Day3:Trip to Niculitel and wine  tasting ( some of the best Romanian wines available here)
Day4:Trip in the Romanian Carpathians, visit of the Peles Museum  in Sinaia (former Residence of the Romanian Kings, nowadays turned to an amazing interesting Art Museum). Lunch in Sinaia.

The Peles Castle ids the former residence of the Romanian kings and nowadays  a leading Art collection

Day 5:Rest, relax., walking in Bucharest parks, shopping in Bucharest
Day6 : transfer to the Airport, goodbye kiss from Romania and the guide.

Maybe you noticed the special free bonus from me, The Bucharest Walking Architectural Tour in Downtown! This much more complete Romania Tour comprises 3 meals daily, all the trips and transfers, and all the Museums entrance fees, and mean only 670 Euros/person a place in single room!
Hope you will enjoy it, as other tourists and I also do, and keep in mind another important thing: this price include a special 5 % discount for booking up to 1.10.2012. For booking after this deadline the price will increase to 5 %. So, my tip, please hurry up!

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