Savor Transylvania: Top 5 Foods & Drinks You Need to Try

Thinking about what you might chow down on when you visit Transylvania? That’s actually a super interesting question! Very many people associate this land with mystery and castles. What very many might not know is that it has some truly delicious foods and drinks, too. So, if you find yourself traveling in Transylvania, get yourself set to sample a bunch of savory flavors that you’ll actually remember. We’re going to look into a delightful array of eats and drinks that is a really fantastic reflection of the local way of life. This ranges all the way from hearty dishes perfect to fill you up after you spent all day looking around, all the way to drinks that give you just a taste of the locale. Ready to check ’em out?

1. Sarmale: Cabbage Rolls Filled with Flavor

Sarmale, now those are something. They’re these neat little cabbage rolls, almost packed with a yummy mixture, could be pork, could be beef, sometimes it might be a mix, too it’s almost combined with rice and some herbs, like your dill. Very often, these rolls are simmering for hours in a large pot along with some tomato sauce. That simmering is what actually makes all of those flavors come together real great. These are typically served during all kinds of occasions and family celebrations. They can be found in local restaurants and small, intimate, eateries. Usually, when they’re served, they come with a dollop of sour cream or maybe even polenta. This enhances that rich, satisfying flavor even more. These little rolls are far more than food; they’re a glimpse into traditional get-togethers with the people who really matter to you.

If you would like to explore more restaurants or places where Sarmale is served, read our full review: Restaurants Serving Sarmale Full Review and Details

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2. Mămăligă: The Hearty Cornmeal Staple

Mămăligă, very well, that is an absolutely old-fashioned staple over there. Almost like how a person feels about mashed potatoes, or maybe polenta somewhere else. Very typically, it is just made from boiled cornmeal. People have eaten it for centuries around there. Now it could be that people eat it by itself, very similarly to bread. Also, folks might use it to eat along with meat dishes, cheeses, or stews. This is very versatile and definitely hearty. Sometimes you may find it soft, almost like porridge, very likely you will find it thicker so it is served in slices that have some firmness. Traditionally speaking, folks will cook it in a cast iron pot that just has thick walls. Then, it really tastes like tradition. Many times, people will prepare mămăligă with different twists in cooking styles that highlight exactly what makes each family’s recipe really special.

Read our full review: Best Mămăligă in Transylvania Full Review and Details

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3. Tochitură: A Meaty Delight

You’re looking for something incredibly tasty? You actually can’t get past Tochitură. Mostly, this is a pretty hefty stew that is composed mostly of a lot of cuts of pork, usually cooked to death in a delicious sauce that includes tomato paste and often wine. Very usually, it’s actually flavored with loads of herbs and smoked paprika. Most people in Transylvania love that stuff. You might just catch it in traditional pubs, where that smoky flavor goes beautifully with that dark, sturdy atmosphere that’s totally Transylvanian. You are likely to find the recipe for Tochitură that actually depends on the locale; each chef seems to make their own little changes, but, really, it’s always quite substantial, filling, and oh-so-comforting.

Find great meals: Transylvanian Restaurants Serving Tochitură Full Review and Details

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4. Kürtőskalács: The Sweet Treat

You know, sweets count too! Kürtőskalács is like your super awesome pastry. The way that you can tell this thing? People basically bake it by turning dough that is shaped into a cone on a spit over some fire. So while they are baking it, they put tons of things like sugar, walnuts, or even cinnamon onto it, until it has that awesome caramelized covering on it that’s simply just mouthwatering. Now you would not usually consider this the food that is typical of Transylvania. More like you might connect this to Hungary. This kind of cooking, however, it is that popular throughout this territory, now. At any place where celebrations happen, it’s very likely that this specific baked item can be found just about any place. Eating one right when it comes off the heat could definitely be the most tasty approach to appreciating it, but, really, don’t wait until you’re finished wandering that old part of any community close by to pick just one.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Places to Buy Kürtőskalács Full Review and Details

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5. Palincă: A potent fruit brandy

What kind of flavor are you attempting to taste right now? Palincă, I guess, could very easily suit people seeking the authentic stuff. See, here, we have this pretty, strong fruit brandy. People usually make it with stuff such as plums and apricots. All sorts of people actually consider it almost just exactly their state alcoholic drink in Transylvania. Sometimes families make it on their own, very typically maintaining techniques that they know for creating really, really smooth things out of their fruit crops in the orchards. You would be shocked at what the taste is like! Mostly, palincă could include a sweet spot for after-dinner drinks. However, people believe it stimulates the tastebuds prior to trying various flavors. Some could say to stay careful though; alcohol levels are really that intense!

Want more information about places with delicious Palincă? Read our full review: Top Palincă Distilleries in Transylvania Full Review and Details

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Transylvania Food and Drink Highlights:

• Sarmale: These amazing cabbage rolls packed with flavor.
• Mămăligă: A traditional cornmeal that compliments literally anything!
• Tochitură: Meaty stews made with rich flavors that satisfy any craving you have!
• Kürtőskalács: Conical sweets roasted right over open fires so they will be hot when they get to you!
• Palincă: Fruit brandy that warms any palate at all!

Read our full review: Top 5 Transylvania Food & Drink You Need to Try Full Review and Details