Starting a culinary journey through Moldova, it’s like stepping into a hidden treasury of flavors and traditions. The gastronomy of Moldova has been shaped by the history and the way of life of its inhabitants, offering us recipes and culinary specialties that reflect the richness and diversity of the region.
Moldova is a country where hard work has always been appreciated. In the past, intensive farming was as important as breathing to the villagers. Thus, people prepared meals from what they grew themselves – wheat, corn and fresh vegetables from their gardens. These dishes had to be nutritious, filling and full of energy to sustain the people during long days of work in the fields.
Pie pies are an iconic element of Moldovan cuisine and are often the first option on a visitor’s culinary adventure. These delicious dough cakes are filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, cabbage, meat, cherries, cherries or pumpkin. Pies symbolize Moldovan traditions and hospitality and are usually served with cream. They go perfectly with a glass of red or white wine, thus completing an authentic culinary experience.
Mămăliga and Cheese
Mămăliga, a cornmeal polenta, is another extremely popular dish in Moldova. Due to the ease with which cornmeal was produced in households, using manual grain mills, polenta became the preferred garnish for various culinary preparations, sometimes even replacing bread!
Mămăliga is usually served with fresh or salty cow or sheep cheese, sour cream, pork steak (meat stewed in sunflower oil) and is sometimes accompanied by a delicious portion of vegetable stew.
