Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Bucharest Romania to Try & Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Bucharest Romania to Try

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Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Bucharest Romania to Try

Bucharest, the vibrant capital city of Romania, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. From traditional Romanian dishes to international flavors, the city’s street food scene offers a diverse range of options for food enthusiasts. Exploring the street foods of Bucharest is not only a delicious experience but also a way to immerse yourself in the local culture. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the streets of Bucharest, highlighting some must-try street foods and the best places to find them.

1. Mititei (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)

Mititei, also known as mici, are a staple of Romanian street food. These small grilled rolls are made from a mixture of minced meat, usually a combination of beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and other spices. The meat mixture is shaped into small rolls and then grilled to perfection. Mititei are typically served with mustard and fresh bread, making them a popular choice for a quick and satisfying snack.

  • Must-try: Sample mititei at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant in Bucharest known for its traditional Romanian cuisine.
  • Delicious Combination: Pair mititei with a cold glass of Romanian beer for the ultimate street food experience.
  • Keywords: Mititei, mici, grilled minced meat rolls, Caru’ cu Bere, Romanian cuisine, street food.

2. Sarmale (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Sarmale is a classic Romanian dish that can also be found as a popular street food in Bucharest. These flavorful cabbage rolls are made by wrapping a mixture of ground pork, rice, and herbs in pickled cabbage leaves. The rolls are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and bursting with flavor. Sarmale is often served with sour cream and a side of polenta, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Bucharest Romania Image 1: Bucharest Romania

  • Must-try: Head to Hanu’ lui Manuc, a historic inn in Bucharest, for a taste of traditional sarmale in a charming setting.
  • Perfect Pairing: Enjoy sarmale with a glass of Romanian red wine to complement the rich flavors.
  • Keywords: Sarmale, stuffed cabbage rolls, Hanu’ lui Manuc, Romanian cuisine, street food, traditional inn.

3. Covrigi (Romanian Pretzels)

Covrigi are a popular street food snack in Bucharest and throughout Romania. These soft and chewy pretzels are often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a midday treat. Covrigi can be plain or topped with various ingredients such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cheese. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, giving you a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

4. Mici (Romanian Kebabs)

Mici, similar to mititei, are another delicious Romanian street food specialty. These grilled kebabs are made from a mixture of ground meat, usually a combination of beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other spices. Mici are typically served with mustard, fresh bread, and a side of pickles, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal on the go.

Bucharest Romania Image 2: Bucharest Romania

  • Must-try: Visit Pescarus, a popular restaurant in Bucharest, to savor their mouthwatering mici made with high-quality ingredients.
  • Recommended Side: Pair mici with a refreshing Romanian beer or a glass of local wine for a complete culinary experience.
  • Keywords: Mici, Romanian kebabs, Pescarus, street food, grilled meat, Romanian cuisine.

5. Clatite (Romanian Pancakes)

Clatite, or Romanian pancakes, are a sweet street food treat that can be found in various flavors and fillings throughout Bucharest. These thin and delicate pancakes are often filled with ingredients such as Nutella, jam, cheese, or fresh fruits. Clatite are a popular choice for dessert or a quick snack, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

6. Langos

Langos is a Hungarian street food specialty that has gained popularity in Bucharest as well. These deep-fried dough disks are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Langos are typically topped with garlic sauce, sour cream, and grated cheese, creating a savory and indulgent treat. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the fryer.

Bucharest Romania Image 3: Bucharest Romania

  • Must-try: Check out La Placinte, a restaurant chain in Bucharest that specializes in traditional Eastern European cuisine, including delicious langos.
  • Unique Twist: Try langos with some traditional Romanian toppings like pickled vegetables or smoked sausage for a local flavor.
  • Keywords: Langos, Hungarian street food, La Placinte, Eastern European cuisine, savory treat, deep-fried dough.

7. Covrigi Calzi (Hot Pretzels)

Covrigi calzi, meaning hot pretzels, are a popular street food snack in Bucharest, especially during the colder months. These warm and comforting pretzels are freshly baked and often served with a variety of fillings such as cheese, ham, or vegetables. Covrigi calzi make for a delicious and satisfying snack on a chilly day.

8. Coliva (Wheat Berry Pudding)

Coliva is a traditional Romanian dessert that can also be found as a street food treat in Bucharest. This wheat berry pudding is made with boiled wheat, sugar, nuts, and various spices. Coliva is often prepared for special occasions and religious events, but you can find it in some street food markets in Bucharest. It has a unique texture and flavor, making it a must-try for those seeking a taste of authentic Romanian sweets.

9. Kurtos Kalacs (Chimney Cakes)

Kurtos Kalacs, also known as chimney cakes, are a Hungarian sweet treat that has become popular in Bucharest. These cylindrical pastries are made by wrapping dough around a wooden cylinder and then baking it over an open flame. The result is a crispy and caramelized exterior with a soft and fluffy interior. Kurtos Kalacs are often coated in various toppings like cinnamon sugar, crushed nuts, or chocolate, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

10. Placinta (Romanian Savory Pie)

Placinta is a traditional Romanian savory pie that can be found in various flavors throughout Bucharest. These pies are made with a thin and flaky pastry dough and filled with ingredients such as cheese, spinach, potatoes, or meat. Placinta is often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a snack on the go, providing a satisfying and flavorful bite.

Conclusion

Exploring the street foods of Bucharest is a culinary adventure that allows you to discover the diverse flavors and rich traditions of Romanian cuisine. From grilled minced meat rolls to stuffed cabbage rolls and sweet treats like Romanian pancakes and chimney cakes, the streets of Bucharest offer a wide array of tempting delights. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking for a quick and delicious bite, the street food scene in Bucharest will not disappoint.

References

– “Caru’ cu Bere” – carucubere.ro
– “Hanu’ lui Manuc” – manuc.ro
– “Pescarus” – pescarus.ro
– “La Placinte” – laplacinte.ro