Traditional Romanian Food Every Group Should Try

After hosting hundreds of stag weekends in Bucharest, one thing’s clear — nothing unites the group like a Romanian feast. Whether it’s the first night out or the final dinner before heading home, traditional Romanian food is always a winner.
Big portions, grilled meats, stews that soak up the hangover, and generous servings of local booze — Romania’s cuisine was practically built for stag parties.
Here’s your complete guide to eating like a local in Bucharest — from the must-try dishes to the best places to order them.

The Romanian Feast – What to Expect

Most restaurants serve family-style, so everyone digs in. Don’t be surprised if the evening kicks off with shots of țuică, the local plum brandy — it’s how Romanians start a proper meal.

Top Traditional Dishes to Try

Below are the classics every group should taste at least once.

Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)

You can’t leave Romania without trying sarmale. These slow-cooked cabbage rolls are stuffed with minced meat, rice, and herbs, then topped with smoked pork and tomato sauce. Usually served with sour cream and mămăligă, they pair perfectly with a cold beer after a long day of activities.

Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)

If Romania had a national BBQ dish, this would be it. Mici (or mititei) are juicy minced-meat rolls made from beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic and spices, and grilled to perfection.
You’ll smell them before you see them — and once you’ve tried them with mustard and bread, you’ll understand why locals eat millions every summer.
Want to get creative and make an activity out of this - then consider our Romanian Food Challenge. In this challenge the stag has to devour a whopping 15 Mici in less than 12 minutes to win the group a round of beers!

Ciorbă de Burtă (Tripe Soup)

This one’s for the brave… or the hungover. Ciorbă de burtă is Romania’s famous tripe soup — creamy, tangy, and rich with garlic and vinegar. Locals swear it’s the best hangover cure in Bucharest, so keep it in mind for the morning after.

Tochitură (Pork Stew with Mămăligă)

A proper pork stew cooked with garlic, wine, and spices, then topped with a fried egg and grated cheese. Served on a bed of mămăligă, it’s comfort food that fuels you for another night out — or helps you recover from the last one.

Mămăligă (Polenta)

Mămăligă is Romania’s golden comfort food — simple, soft cornmeal often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat stews. Think of it as Romania’s answer to mashed potatoes, but with more flavor and texture.

Papanași (Romanian Donuts)

Finish strong with papanași — fluffy doughnuts filled with sweet cheese and topped with jam and sour cream. They’re dangerously good, and yes, you’ll want seconds.

Where to Eat – Best Traditional Romanian Restaurants in Bucharest

Over the years, our groups have eaten just about everywhere. These spots never disappoint:

• Caru’ cu Bere – The city’s most iconic restaurant in the Old Town. Traditional food, live music, and plenty of beer. Book ahead for weekends
• Hanu’ lui Manuc – A historic inn with a massive courtyard — ideal for big groups and long dinners
• Lacrimi și Sfinți – Modern twists on old recipes in a cozy setting. Perfect for smaller dinners
• La Vatra – Affordable, authentic, and packed with locals. Great food, fast service, relaxed vibe

(All within easy reach of Bucharest’s nightlife zones — we use several of them for our group dinners.)

What to Drink with Your Feast

No Romanian dinner is complete without a toast or three:

• Țuică – The national plum brandy, usually served before the meal
• Palincă – A stronger, fruit-based spirit for the brave - why not try our Palinka Tasting for the full experience?
• Romanian Beer – Local favorites like Ursus or Silva go perfectly with grilled mici
• Romanian Wine – Affordable, underrated, and surprisingly good

Final Tips for the Ultimate Dinner in Bucharest

• Book Early – Large groups fill up the best places fast
• Go Local – Skip the international chains; Romanian food is half the experience
• Pace Yourself – The portions (and shots) are generous.

Ready to Feast Like a Local?

From sarmale to mici, Bucharest’s traditional food scene is built for good times, full plates, and endless laughter. Gather the lads, raise a glass of țuică, and dive into Romania’s best dishes — one hearty bite at a time.

Your journey doesn’t have to end here — it’s just getting started. Click our links to uncover more of our exciting stag activities and tailor-made packages for Bucharest. Let’s create unforgettable memories together!