As I walked through the streets of Bucharest in late August, the vibrant energy of the city swept me up, and the rich aromas of local food beckoned me from every corner. Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a city that blends history, culture, and modernity, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food scene. From traditional Romanian comfort foods to trendy new restaurants, Bucharest offers a unique culinary experience that reflects its past and its future. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through some of the must-try dishes and the best places to enjoy them in this dynamic city.

1. Traditional Romanian Dishes You Can’t Miss

Romanian cuisine is a mix of influences from the Balkans, Turkey, and Hungary, with plenty of hearty and comforting dishes. As I ventured deeper into the city, I made sure to sample these authentic, time-tested recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Sarmale (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

A quintessential Romanian dish, sarmale are cabbage rolls stuffed with a hearty mixture of minced pork, rice, and a variety of spices. These flavorful rolls are then slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, which deepens in flavor as the dish simmers. The cabbage leaves, tender from the long cooking process, wrap around the savory filling, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Traditionally, sarmale are served with a generous dollop of sour cream and a side of mămăligă (polenta), which helps balance the richness of the dish with its creamy texture.

On my trip to La Mama, a traditional Romanian restaurant famous for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, I had the chance to savor my first taste of sarmale. As soon as I took my first bite, I was immediately transported into the heart of Romanian comfort food. The cabbage was incredibly tender, almost melting in my mouth, while the filling of minced pork and rice was perfectly seasoned with a blend of dill, thyme, and garlic. The tomato sauce had a slight tang, which complemented the savory flavors of the meat and rice. The sour cream added a creamy richness, and the mămăligă was the ideal side dish, soaking up the sauce beautifully and offering a lovely contrast in texture.

The experience of eating sarmale at La Mama felt like being invited into someone’s home for a family meal, where food isn’t just sustenance, but a way of bringing people together. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for a cool evening, and it encapsulates the heart of Romanian hospitality. Every bite of sarmale left me feeling not only full but also connected to the rich culinary traditions of Romania.

Mămăligă (Polenta)

Polenta, or mămăligă as it’s called in Romanian, is another staple in the Romanian diet. Made from cornmeal, it’s typically served with cheese, sour cream, or stews. At Hanu’ lui Manuc, an iconic restaurant housed in a historic inn, I paired a bowl of mămăligă with a rich beef stew. The cornmeal had a comforting texture, and it soaked up the sauce perfectly, making for an incredibly satisfying meal. Mămăligă is often served as a side dish, but at Hanu’ lui Manuc, it’s elevated to a main course.

Ciorbă de burtă (Tripe Soup)

Romania has a deep love for soups, and ciorbă de burtă is one of the most famous varieties. This hearty and sour tripe soup is flavored with vinegar, garlic, and a dash of sour cream. I’ll admit, the idea of tripe didn’t initially excite me, but when I tried it at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant in the heart of the city, I was pleasantly surprised. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the texture of the tripe, though slightly chewy, added an interesting element to the soup. It’s a dish that grows on you, and by the end of my meal, I understood why it’s a beloved comfort food.

Mici (Grilled Sausages)

If there’s one thing you’ll encounter at every barbecue and outdoor gathering in Romania, it’s mici, a type of sausage made from a mixture of beef and pork, spiced with garlic, thyme, and other seasonings. These sausages are typically grilled and served with mustard and fresh bread. I had my first taste of mici at La Placinte, a cozy spot known for its casual yet delicious Romanian fare. The sausages were perfectly grilled, with a smoky flavor and juicy inside. The mustard added the right amount of heat, and the bread, crusty and fresh, was the perfect accompaniment.

Papanăși (Romanian Donuts)

No meal in Romania is complete without dessert, and one of the most famous treats is papanăși, a type of fried doughnut served with sour cream and jam. After a day of eating savory dishes, I made my way to Crama Domnească, a charming restaurant that specializes in traditional Romanian desserts. The papanăși were light, golden, and crisp on the outside, with a soft and warm interior. The sour cream provided a tangy contrast to the sweet fruit jam, making this dessert an irresistible finish to any meal.

2. Modern Restaurants to Try in Bucharest

While traditional Romanian cuisine is at the heart of Bucharest’s culinary scene, the city has also seen a rise in modern and innovative restaurants that blend local ingredients with international influences. These places are redefining what Romanian food can be, and I was eager to explore them during my stay.

The Artist

For those looking for a more avant-garde dining experience, The Artist is a must-visit. This Michelin-recommended restaurant combines contemporary culinary techniques with Romanian ingredients. The tasting menu at The Artist is a true journey of flavors, showcasing dishes like smoked trout with pickled beets and foie gras with a beetroot reduction. Each plate is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of modernity while paying homage to Romanian culinary traditions. The ambiance is sleek and minimalist, allowing the food to take center stage. Dining here feels like being part of a culinary performance, where each bite tells a story.

Nunta Zamfirei

For a more rustic, but still modern, take on Romanian food, Nunta Zamfirei offers a beautiful fusion of tradition and innovation. The restaurant is known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, and the chef uses techniques like fermentation and sous-vide cooking to create new twists on classic Romanian dishes. One standout dish I had was the slow-cooked pork belly served with fermented cabbage and wild herbs. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the pork belly being tender and flavorful, while the fermented cabbage added a zingy, acidic punch.

Bucharest’s Best Rooftop Dining: Skybar

If you’re looking for a dining experience with a view, Skybar is the place to be. Located atop the InterContinental Hotel, this rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of the city, making it a perfect spot for a sunset dinner or a late-night cocktail. The menu is a mix of international and Mediterranean dishes, with options like grilled octopus, fresh seafood, and sushi. I enjoyed a beautifully prepared plate of grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, paired with a glass of crisp Romanian white wine. The combination of great food, stunning views, and excellent service made this one of my favorite spots in Bucharest.

3. A Taste of Bucharest’s International Influence

Bucharest has always been a crossroads of cultures, and this is reflected in its food scene. While traditional Romanian dishes are the foundation, the city also offers a wide variety of international cuisines. From Italian and French to Middle Eastern and Asian, there’s something for everyone.

Sushi and Japanese Cuisine at Sushi Terra

Bucharest’s love for sushi is evident, with places like Sushi Terra gaining popularity. The sushi here is fresh, expertly prepared, and beautifully presented. I opted for the sashimi platter, which included a selection of fresh tuna, salmon, and sea bream. Each piece of fish was incredibly fresh and had a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The restaurant’s minimalist décor and calm atmosphere made for a relaxing meal, and I was impressed by the quality of the food.

The French Touch: Le Bistrot Francais

For a more European flair, Le Bistrot Francais offers an authentic taste of France in the heart of Bucharest. The menu features French classics like escargot, duck confit, and crème brûlée. I had the duck confit, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It was paired with a glass of French red wine, making for an elegant and satisfying meal. The intimate, cozy atmosphere of the bistro transports you to Paris, making it a wonderful choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

4. Bucharest’s Culinary Scene

Bucharest’s food scene is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting Romanian classics like sarmale and mici or you want to explore modern interpretations of local ingredients, the city offers something for every palate. As the summer months begin to wind down, Bucharest’s restaurants reflect the season’s bounty with fresh, vibrant dishes that showcase the best of local and international cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying a dish of mămăligă in a cozy corner restaurant or savoring innovative cuisine in a sleek modern spot, Bucharest’s culinary offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, if you find yourself in Bucharest in late August, make sure to indulge in the city’s culinary delights—you won’t be disappointed.