Breakfast in Romania – What to Eat for Traditional Romanian Breakfast

Having Breakfast in Romania? A typical Romanian breakfast is a savory plate consisting of cheese and cold cuts and bread like Năsal, telemea, and Slănină.

A typical Romanian breakfast is a mix of cheese and cold cuts and is more on the savory side, unlike sweeter breakfasts from other cultures. With a traditional Romanian breakfast, you’ll usually have a Romanian plate with eggs, bread, cheese, and cured meats. We identify types of common Romanian breakfasts for each group below.

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What’s in a Typical Breakfast in Romania

Let’s look at the following:

Eggs: Fried or boiled eggs are a staple of the Romanian breakfast. They are usually served with salt and pepper and can be accompanied by other ingredients, such as cheese or ham.

Bread: Fresh, crusty bread is an essential part of the Romanian breakfast, and is often served with a variety of spreads, such as jam, honey, or butter.

Cheese: A variety of cheeses, such as urdă, telemea, or cașcaval, are commonly served at the Romanian breakfast. The cheese is typically sliced and served with bread, or used as a topping for eggs.

Cured Meats: A selection of cured meats, such as slănină, prosciutto, salam de Sibiu, or pepperoni, are often served at the Romanian breakfast. The cured meats provide a rich and flavorful taste and offer a satisfying start to the day.

Yogurt or Milk: Yogurt or milk is often included in a Romanian breakfast as a source of protein and calcium. Dairy products can be enjoyed plain or with added fruit or sweeteners.

A traditional Romanian breakfast is a hearty and satisfying meal that provides the energy and nutrients needed to start the day. It is an important part of the country’s culinary heritage and provides a taste of the rich flavors and traditions of Romanian cuisine.

Why is Romanian Breakfast Savory vs Sweet?

Traditionally, savory breakfasts in Romania have been a staple for centuries, with dishes such as eggs, cured meats, cheeses, and bread forming the basis of the meal. This preference for savory breakfasts may be due to the country’s historical and cultural influences, as well as the availability of ingredients.

Historical and Cultural Traditions: Romania has a long history of agriculture, and the country’s traditional cuisine is heavily influenced by the rural lifestyle and farming practices of the past. This has led to a focus on hearty, filling, and savory foods for breakfast, such as eggs, cured meats, and cheeses.

Economic Factors: In the past, many Romanians lived in poverty and did not have access to sweet ingredients such as sugar, fruit, and other sweeteners. As a result, savory breakfasts were more practical and affordable.

Geographical Location: Romania is located in Eastern Europe, near the Balkans and the Black Sea, and the country’s cuisine reflects its unique blend of cultural influences from these regions. Many of the savory breakfast dishes found in Romania are similar to those found in neighboring countries and are influenced by the regional cuisine.

Romanian Breakfast – Types of Cheeses for Breakfast

Romania has a rich tradition of cheese-making, and there are many different types of cheese produced in the country. Some of the most popular types of Romanian cheese include:

Năsal

Năsal is a soft, white cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a slightly tangy flavor and a creamy, smooth texture. It is often used as a filling for sweet or savory dishes and is also enjoyed as a snack. Năsal is similar in flavor and texture to ricotta or cottage cheese.

Telemea

Telemea is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s or cow’s milk. It has a tangy, salty flavor that is similar to feta cheese, and a dense, crumbly texture. Telemea is commonly used in Romanian cuisine, either as a standalone cheese or as an ingredient in a variety of dishes.

Caș

Caș is a soft, white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a fresh, slightly sour taste and a creamy texture. It is often used in Romanian cuisine as a filling for sweet or savory dishes, or as a snack on its own. Caș is similar in flavor and texture to other soft cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese.

Branza de Burduf

Branza de Burduf is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s or cow’s milk. It has a nutty, salty flavor and a firm, dense texture. Branza de Burduf is often used as a standalone cheese or as an ingredient in various dishes, such as omelettes or savory pies.

Brânză de Bălan

Brânză de Bălan is a soft, white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a mild, slightly sour flavor and a creamy texture. Brânză de Bălan is often used as a filling for sweet or savory dishes, or as a snack on its own.

These are just a few of the many types of cheese produced in Romania. Each type of cheese has its own unique flavor and texture, and they are all an important part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Brânză de burduf

Brânză de burduf is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s or cow’s milk. It has a nutty, salty flavor and a firm, dense texture. This cheese is often used as a standalone cheese or as an ingredient in various dishes, such as omelettes or savory pies. It is also sometimes served as a snack, either on its own or with bread and other accompaniments.

Brânză de oi

Brânză de oi is a soft cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a mild, slightly sour flavor and a creamy texture. This cheese is often used as a filling for sweet or savory dishes, or as a snack on its own. It is also sometimes served as a dessert, with sweet accompaniments like fruit or honey.

Cașcaval

Cașcaval is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a tangy, slightly salty flavor and a firm texture that is similar to cheddar cheese. This cheese is often used as a standalone cheese or as an ingredient in various dishes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or baked pasta dishes.

Urda

Urda is a soft cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a sweet, creamy flavor and a smooth texture. This cheese is often used as a filling for sweet or savory dishes, or as a snack on its own. It is also sometimes served as a dessert, with sweet accompaniments like fruit or honey.

Ieblu

Ieblu is a soft cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a creamy texture. This cheese is often used as a filling for sweet or savory dishes, or as a snack on its own. It is also sometimes served as a dessert, with sweet accompaniments like fruit or honey.

Each of these cheeses has its own unique flavor and texture, and they are all an important part of the rich culinary heritage of Romania.

Can all these cheeses be eaten for breakfast
Yes, many of these cheeses can be consumed for breakfast in Romania. Brânză de burduf, cașcaval, and ibrânească are often used in traditional Romanian breakfast dishes, such as omelettes or savory pies. Soft cheeses like brânză de oi, urda, and ieblu can also be enjoyed with bread and other accompaniments, or used as a filling in sweet or savory breakfast pastries.

It’s worth noting that the specific types of cheeses consumed for breakfast can vary based on regional and personal preferences. Some people might prefer to have a more savory breakfast, while others might opt for a sweeter start to their day. Regardless of the specific cheese, dairy products like these are an important part of the traditional Romanian breakfast, and offer a delicious and satisfying way to start the day.

Breakfast in Romania – Cured Meets for your Romanian Breakfast

Slănină

Slănină is a type of cured pork fat that is a staple of Romanian cuisine. It is made by preserving pork fat in salt and spices, then slow-cooking it until it becomes tender and flavorful. Slănină is typically sliced and fried until crispy, then served with bread and eggs as a traditional Romanian breakfast dish. This rich and flavorful cured meat is an excellent source of energy and provides a satisfying start to the day.

Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a type of cured ham that is made from high-quality pork legs. The pork legs are rubbed with salt and spices, then left to dry-cure for several months. Prosciutto is characterized by its delicate flavor and tender texture, and is often sliced and served with bread and cheese as part of a Romanian breakfast.

Salam de Sibiu

Salam de Sibiu is a type of cured sausage that is made from pork and a blend of spices. The sausage is made by stuffing a mixture of ground pork, salt, and spices into a natural casing, then drying and curing it for several months. Salam de Sibiu is often sliced and served with bread and eggs as a traditional Romanian breakfast dish. Its rich and flavorful taste provides a delicious and satisfying start to the day.

Peperoni

Peperoni is a type of dried and cured sausage that is made from beef or pork and a blend of spices. It is made by grinding the meat, mixing it with spices, then stuffing it into a natural casing and allowing it to dry and cure. Peperoni is typically sliced and served with bread and eggs as a traditional Romanian breakfast dish, and its robust and spicy flavor adds a touch of excitement to the start of the day.

These cured meats are an essential part of the traditional Romanian breakfast and provide a delicious and satisfying start to the day. They offer a rich and flavorful taste that is sure to delight and sustain, and are an important part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Cârnați

Cârnați is a type of Romanian sausage made from ground pork, beef, or a mixture of the two, along with spices. It is usually smoked, dried, and sometimes fermented, and can be served as a main dish or as a snack.

Pastrami

Pastrami is a type of beef that is brined in a mixture of spices and then smoked. In Romania, it is typically served as a cold cut on sandwiches, or as part of a larger meat platter.

Smoked fish

Smoked fish, such as salmon, mackerel, or trout, is also a common food in Romania, and is often enjoyed as part of a breakfast or lunch. The fish is cured with salt and then hot or cold smoked, imparting a rich, smoky flavor.

Sunca

Sunca is a type of cured ham that is made from pork and a blend of spices. It is typically sliced and served as a snack or as part of a larger meat platter.

Tobă

Tobă is a type of Romanian sausage that is similar to cârnați, but with a coarser texture and stronger flavor. It is made from a mixture of pork and beef, along with spices, and is typically served as a main dish or as a snack.

Greaves

Greaves are a type of spread made from rendered pork fat, often flavored with garlic and spices. In Romania, they are often spread on bread as a snack or used as an ingredient in cooking.

These cured meats are all important parts of the traditional Romanian cuisine and are enjoyed for their rich and flavorful taste. They are commonly served as snacks, in sandwiches, or as part of a larger meat platter, and are an important part of the country’s culinary heritage.

what kind of breads are popular in Romanian savory breakfasts
In Romania, a variety of breads are popular in savory breakfast dishes. Some of the most commonly consumed breads include:

Pâine

Pâine is a traditional Romanian bread that is typically made with wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes milk. It is a staple of the Romanian diet and is often served with a variety of spreads, such as cheese, jam, or honey.

Breakfast in Romania – Bread Types for Breakfast

Corn Bread (Pâine de Porumb)

Corn bread, or pâine de porumb, is a staple of the Romanian breakfast. It is made from cornmeal and has a dense, slightly sweet flavor. It is often served with savory dishes, such as eggs or cured meats, and is also a common ingredient in Romanian stews and soups.

Baguette

Baguettes are also popular in Romania and are often used to make sandwiches. They are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, cured meats, and vegetables, and are a popular and convenient breakfast food.

Focaccia

Focaccia is a type of Italian bread that is also enjoyed in Romania. It is made with a simple bread dough that is topped with olive oil and salt, and sometimes other ingredients, such as cheese or herbs. It is often served as a snack or as part of a larger breakfast spread.

These breads are an important part of the Romanian breakfast and offer a range of textures and flavors to the meal. They are enjoyed for their freshness, versatility, and the comfort they provide, and are an essential part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Covrigi

Covrigi are a type of Romanian pretzel that are often enjoyed as a snack or as part of a breakfast spread. They are usually made with a simple dough that is flavored with salt and caraway seeds, and are sometimes filled with cheese or other ingredients.

Cornmeal Muffins (Mucenici)

Cornmeal muffins, or mucenici, are another popular breakfast food in Romania. They are made from a batter that is flavored with sweet spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and are often served with a variety of spreads, such as cheese or jam.

Sweet Bread (Pâine Dulce)

Sweet bread, or pâine dulce, is a type of sweet bread that is often enjoyed for breakfast in Romania. It is made with a simple bread dough that is flavored with sweet spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes raisins or other fruit.

These breads are popular in Romanian breakfasts because they offer a range of textures and flavors, and provide a delicious and satisfying start to the day. They are enjoyed for their freshness, versatility, and the comfort they provide, and are an important part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Bucharest Romanian Breakfast Guide: Where to Have Breakfast in Romania

Caru’ cu Bere

This historic restaurant is located in the heart of the Old Town and is known for its traditional Romanian cuisine and atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as omelettes and eggs Benedict, as well as cold platters that feature a variety of Romanian cheeses, cured meats, and breads.

Hanu’ Berarilor

This traditional Romanian restaurant is located in the heart of Bucharest and is known for its authentic cuisine and ambiance. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as shakshuka and eggs, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses and cured meats.

Casa Doina

This cozy restaurant is located in the heart of Bucharest and is known for its traditional Romanian cuisine and warm atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as Romanian-style omelettes and pancakes, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses and cured meats.

La Mama

This traditional Romanian restaurant is located in the northern part of Bucharest and is known for its authentic cuisine and friendly atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as traditional Romanian breakfast platters, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses and cured meats.

Tara Hirsei

This traditional Romanian restaurant is located in the northern part of Bucharest and is known for its warm atmosphere and authentic cuisine. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as Romanian-style omelettes and pancakes, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses, cured meats, and breads.

La Mode

This chic restaurant is located in the heart of Bucharest and is known for its contemporary take on traditional Romanian cuisine. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as shakshuka and eggs, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.

Zexe

This upscale restaurant is located in the heart of Bucharest and is known for its elegant atmosphere and contemporary cuisine. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as eggs Benedict and French toast, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits.

Biblioteca

This stylish restaurant is located in the northern part of Bucharest and is known for its contemporary cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, such as omelettes and eggs, as well as cold platters featuring Romanian cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.

These restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences, ranging from traditional and cozy to chic and contemporary, making them a great choice for those seeking a taste of traditional Romanian cuisine in Bucharest. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a light and refreshing cold platter, these restaurants are a great choice for those seeking authentic Romanian cuisine in the city.

Hope you learned a lot and have breakfast in Romania when you’re visiting! Til our next guide.