This recipe combines the flaky texture of puff pastry with the savory goodness of cow brânză and fresh scallions, creating a perfect treat for any occasion.
MAI DULCE FESTIVAL 2024 – Recap
Last weekend, the MAI DULCE Festival brought a delightful array of sweets, community spirit, and unforgettable moments! Here’s a sweet summary of what went down:
CREAMY ASPARAGUS SOUP
Asparagus, although it conquered the big world a long time ago, has arrived in Moldova relatively recently with Moldovans who return home cooking and looking for the ingredients they got used to there.
PAȘTELE BLAJINILOR (EASTER OF THE DEADS): Honoring the Departed in Moldovan Tradition
Paștele Blajinilor is a rich and meaningful tradition in Moldovan culture, blending ancient customs with Christian beliefs. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family, memory, and cultural heritage, connecting the past with …
BEEF HEART SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE
Satisfying, crunchy, tart: an uncanny combination of ingredients. Even though it is definitely not a traditional salad from our cuisine, as we don’t yet grow…
STUFFED LAMB: A TRADITIONAL EASTER DELIGHT
Mutton is not too popular in moldovan kitchen. Probably because of its specific smell and fatty meat. However, lamb is a mandatory dish on the Easter table.
ALIVANCA – SOMETHING BUNIȘOR (BELOVED) FORM MOLDOVA
I wish I had discovered this dessert sooner.
MAI DULCE – THE SWEETEST FESTIVAL FROM EASTERN EUROPE
I invite you to “Mai Dulce” festival, at 26 May, to taste the most delicious, sweet and fun desserts.
TURTE WITH POPPY SEEDS
Turte [‘turte] with poppy seeds is a vegetarian pastry made especially during Lent. The simplicity of this recipe represents the essence of our traditional cuisine….
IF IT’S SPRING, THEN IT’S BORȘ VERDE
This green soup indicates the summer is coming – the season of lambs and sorrel. It is best served freshly made and hot. It blends in so many greens, that it instantly awakens the nature inside your mouth.
FASOLIȚA: A MOLDOVAN DELIGHT FOR THE FASTING SEASON
Fasoliță — white bean dip, topped with cold fried onions, is one of the favourite recipes of Moldovans during the fasting season. The dip is very nutritional and is a good meat replacement for those who choose to eat less of it, like my family.
SALMON WITH POTATOES NATUR
As the local fish market is somehow limited, Moldovan women have adopted recipes that include not only local sweet-water fish as carp, zander and silver carp, but imported fish as well.
THE FUTURE OF WINEMAKING: MOLDOVA INTRODUCES AI WINE
Introducing AI Made in Moldova – Chelaris, the first AI wine from Moldova. This innovative approach to winemaking combines the best of tradition with the cutting-edge technology of artificial intelligence. From the vineyard to the glass, every step of the winemaking process has been guided by Chelaris, our AI winemaker.
NETTLE STEW WITH MĂMĂLIGĂ – A TASTE OF MOLDOVAN HERITAGE
Because we are constantly chasing modern trends, even food-related trends, many typical dishes from our local cuisine are unjustly neglected. We eat avocados and iceberg…
MOM’S SECRET: EASY AND DELICIOS POTATOES WITH A TWIST
This is a quick and simple recipe my mother used to resort to when had to stay late at work. She was calling home and asking to place the potatoes into the oven.
LUME NEO BISTRO: WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION IN CHIȘINĂU’S OLD CITY CENTER
LUME is a recently opened restaurant in the old city centre of Chisinau. It is another HORECA business started by…
CREATE SPECIAL OCASIONS WITH POTATO AND MUSHROOM FRITTERS
Potato and mushroom fritters is not something my mother would cook on a daily basis. This dish is made on special occasions, for a more diverse menu. At first glance, it may seem a tedious recipe, but trust me, it is not the case. Children love these fritters, especially with some chicken legs to go along.
CUIB (THE NEST) NEXT TO THE CĂPRIANA MONASTERY
Inspired by the rich tourist offerings in Greece, the owners of CUIB in Căpriana have created a unique experience for visitors.
CUIB’s commitment to rural tourism development is evident in their dedication to showcasing the best of Moldova.
SPICY COD LIVER AND CHEESE SNACK
The cod liver and cheese snack is another craving of mine from the 90s, when food shortages were a reality. Knowing how much we loved it, my mother made it for us even on ordinary days for breakfast. You can substitute any other canned fish for the cod.
WINTERTIME NUTRIENT BOMB
Black radish contains 3/4 of Vitamin C daily-recommended dose. Therefore, it is considered a strong immune booster. It is unlikely to find black radish dishes in other European cuisines. That’s why I consider it deserves a special place on our menus.
CASTANE WITH SOUR CHERRIES – A SWEET TREAT
Castane [kas’tane] (literally translated as chestnuts) is another sweet treat my mother used to make when I was little. While working on EAT LIKE MOLDOVANS cook book, we remembered this recipe and this brought back so many beautiful memories from my childhood.
PLAM JAM ÎNVÂRTITĂ – A TIMELESS MOLDOVIAN TREAT
Although Învârtită [ɨnvɨrti’tə] requires technique and time, it doesn’t stop our mothers and grandmothers from baking it and send it to us wherever we are.
STUFFED MUSHROOMS WITH HAM AND VEGETABLES
It’s an appetizer best served hot. Consider about two mushrooms per person. If you do not like ham, replace with eggplant, grated carrot or minced celery.
“OLIVIER” SALAD ON THE OLD NEW YEAR
As the Old New Year approaches, a beloved tradition takes center stage on Moldovan dinner tables—the iconic “Olivier” salad. This culinary gem, with its roots deep in Soviet-era nostalgia, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Moldovans, especially during the festivities of Sf. Vasile on January 14th.
BAKED APPLES – WINTER CHILDHOOD DESSERT
This dessert is ideal to serve instead of a cake at a festive dinner. If you select the best, and season them well with a good blackcurrant jam, baked apples are delicious, especially when served with vanilla ice-cream.
RABBIT WITH QUINCES
This dish may come as a surprise, as quince is not a very popular ingredient in western cuisine. The marriage between rabbit and quinces is delightful, especially when cooked in a clay pot.
LET’S PREPARE IZVAR FOR THE LONG WINTER EVENINGS
Crafting the perfect Izvar is an art, and here’s how you can master it at home.
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CAKE: A NEW YEAR’S DELIGHT
Homemade chocolate cake? Yes, please! This is a dessert rich in calories and gustatory pleasure. It’s a must try and the kids love it.
CREPE CAKE WITH LIVER PÂTE
The Crepe Cake is a carnival of flavors and we love it.
A warm crepe cake with different stuffing in-between the layers, not only will it satisfy your belly, but will also become one of your favorites.
VINEGRET SALAD
Vinegret is the childhood salad of every person born in the Soviet Union. This is because it featured as the number one salad on the menu of all kindergartens and schools in Moldova. It’s a great salad for the fasting season.
PLĂCINTE WITH POTATO FILLING
Plăcinte [plə’t͡ʃinte] – a traditional pastry that resembles a pie and that can have different kinds of stuffing, sweet or savoury.
We have so many types of plăcinte, enough to fill an entire cookbook. Here is the perfect recipe for this time period.
RURAL ESCAPE – SIX ASTONISHING TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN MOLDOVA
With its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Moldova offers a treasure trove of hidden gems for travelers seeking a rural escape. Among the serene countryside, there are six extraordinary tourist destinations that promise an unforgettable journey through local flavors, heritage, and natural beauty.
WINTER PROVISIONS – STUFFED PICKLED PEPPERS
Stuffed pickled peppers are made with local seasonal vegetables. For making this preserve, my parents begin with covering their kitchen floor with plastic film and then start chopping the cabbage, carrots and onions.
ROOTS AND TASTES AT BERD’S RESTAURANT
Berd’s Restaurant hosted an exclusive luncheon that paid homage to the essence of the season. The event featured a specially crafted seasonal menu designed by the esteemed Michelin-starred Chef Oxana Crețu.
TRICK-OR-TREATING WITH MOLDOVAN-STYLE PUMPKIN TART
While Halloween isn’t typically celebrated in Moldova, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the seasonal charm of a pumpkin pie with a Moldovan twist. This delightful recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta or cottage cheese with the comforting flavors of grated pumpkin, raisins, and a touch of sweetness.
EGGPLANT ROUNDS
Of all the eggplant preserves, this one is my favorite. You can serve it on a slice of bread or as a snack in a bowl, or pair it with a dish of baked potatoes and sheep’s cheese.
HEALTH IN A JAR – CRUSHED SEA BUCKTHORN WITH SUGAR
Raspberry and sea buckthorn preserves are used as cold remedies in Moldova. I prefer to use sea buckthorn in my hot beverages as a preventive measure for winter bugs. Inspired by some Canadian sea buckthorn dishes, I may experiment and use it in marmalade, jelly and sauces.
FRIED PEPPERS WITH TOMATO STEW
When the peak of the growing season arrives for Moldovan bell peppers, every city and village smells of fried peppers. I think there’s no Moldovan who can pass by this summer food with indifference. I would classify the smell of fried peppers as one of our traditional smells.
EGGPLANT SALAD
Whether it’s cooked with tomatoes, onions and oil, or with garlic and mayonnaise, during the winter with canned eggplant or with fresh seasonal eggplant in the autumn – eggplant salad is still one of my favourites Moldovan vegetable dishes.
Moldovan National Wine Days – 22nd edition
Every country has celebrations of religion, patriotism, family, but here in Moldova we have a holiday that does not fall into these areas, but brings together all Moldovans to the same thought and this are: Moldovan National Wine Days.
RICE AND PUMPKIN PORRIDGE
The pumpkin has always had a special place in our family, especially during the cold time of the year. Of all my family my father is the one who loves pumpkin the most.
PICKLED WATERMELON
Pickled watermelon will not leave anybody indifferent. It has an entire army of fans and another army of people who do not understand how such a sweet and tasty creation can be preserved for winter.
Moldova – twice winner at the Global Culinary Travel Awards 2023
This autumn we are counting the awards for Culinary Tourism in Moldova. And once again we have something to be proud of and we are taking our fame all over the world, because this year Moldova has double entered in the Global Culinary Travel Awards.
Where to eat one of the best chicken soup in the world? In Moldova
The Republic of Moldova’s Zeama is the third best chicken soup in the world, with a score of 4.6 out of 5, according to a ranking by tasteatlas.com.
WINTER IS COMING… PREPARE YOUR PICKLED CABBAGE!
My winter medicine, my go-to food after intermittent fasting – pickled cabbage must be the only winter preserves recipe I took from my parents without panicking about the amount of jars, caps, and vegetables that need to be prepared during an entire day.
Moldovan cheese with medals at the “Mondial du Fromage”
Well friends, I’m delighted to announce the latest news in the Moldovan gourmet scene. The cheeses of a producer from the Republic of Moldova were awarded silver and bronze medals at the 6th edition of the World Cheese Competition “Mondial du Fromage”, which took place on 10-12 September 2023 in Tours, France.
GHIVECI WITH SEASONAL VEGETABLE
This dish gathers the whole flavor of the Golden Moldovan autumn.
HODINA FEST – A PLACE WITH VEGETARIAN & PESCATARIAN DELIGHTS
In the heart of Pohrebea village, on the banks of the Nistru River, nestled within the serene landscapes of the Republic of Moldova, lies a…
COOKING OVER A CAMPFIRE
Before the fast growing modern world snatches this away, enjoy the wilderness that belongs to no one and to everyone.
EGGPLANT ROLLS
We call these eggplant rolls “Limba soacrei” or “Mother–in–Law ́s Tongue”. This appetizer, made of thin eggplant slices stuffed with a spicy-garlic filling, resembles the “hotness” of unwanted advice from your mother–in–law. Of course, it’s nothing but a stereotype developed in time. In fact, mothers–in–
law are kind and loving. Even when they stick their noses in your business, they do it with good intentions.
GALETTE WITH BERRIES
The best galette is the one made with seasonal fruits. The combination of thin and crunchy pastry with juicy fruits is simply phenomenal! Peaches, apricots, blackcurrants, raspberries, cherries or sour cherries are the fruits you can use for this recipe.
IT’S FRUIT COMPOT TIME!
Compot [kom’pot] was invented to preserve the sweetness and flavor of summer fruits for the wintertime. It is a non-alcoholic clear juice, made by boiling fruits and sugar in a large volume of water.
MY PARENTS’ HOUSE IS NOT FOR SELLING
In Moldova we have a song that translates as “my parents’ house is not for selling”. I think it also refers to this story. Chisinau-Palanca, from Calarasi district is a route that will make you feel fully rewarded; the atmosphere you will find at “Casa Parinteasca” Guesthouse will have a similar effect on you as a “retreat” in an exotic country.
THREE HOLIDAYS AT THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST WITH THEIR SPECIFIC MOLDOVAN DISHES
For almost every holiday, there is a special dish in our culture. And I’m not at all joking when I say that on 2, 3 and 4 August we have three specific dishes for three different holidays.
Let me explain what each dish is and the holiday it represents!
TEN REASONS WHY TO VISIT MOLDOVA DURING THE HODINA FESTIVAL
It started from a madness and it should stay that way – a beautiful madness on the bank of the Dniester in the Pohreabea village. We have nature, Nistru, vegetarian food, music, relaxation, art, friends. What more could you wish for in August in Moldova? Every year we hope Hodina will gather more and more Moldovans returning home and tourists coming to discover Moldova.
FIVE MUST TRY DISHES AT IA MANIA FESTIVAL
I was browsing through this year’s IA MANIA Festival photos and I already miss the aroma and the taste of this special dishes. As we say in Moldova : Plouă-n gură! (It’s raining in my mouth! = my mouth water) so I decided to share with you my top 5 MUST TRY DISHES at IA MANIA Festival
ZUCCHINI PANCAKES
I admit I wasn’t a big fan of zucchini pancakes when I was little, but I came to really appreciate this dish when I grew up. The pancakes are savory and garlicky, ideal for a late night snack with beer, or an early breakfast with sour cream and a hard-boiled egg. You can make these pancakes using other vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes or peas. Sometimes I mix two different types of vegetables for a more fragrant taste.
POTATOES WITH GREEN BEANS
n Moldova you can find several varieties of beans that are good to eat fresh, before they mature and are ready to be dried. These are early- harvested yellow flat beans, consumed in summer. You may cook the beans with garlic, new potatoes or braised with sour cream. My memory tells me that yellow beans with potatoes and dill came top of my summer food list, especially when cooked in the small cast iron pot, which I brought with me to Canada.
WHITE CHERRY CONFITURE
White cherry confiture is the most delicate and rare of all traditional confitures.
Why is it so special? because it will drive you crazy with its taste. Whether we use it for tea, ice cream, pancakes or babă albă, this confiture is the finest, sweetest creation from our cuisine.
STUFFED ZUCCHINI
Similar to our traditional sarmale [sar’male], stuffed zucchini is made with the same filling but in a different way. I prefer sarmale; however, this dish is for those who don’t like the taste of vine leaves or pickled cabbage: a different recipe for those who seek new flavors. Do you know how delicious a stuffed zucchini with homemade sour cream can be?
ABOUT ME – WHO IS NATA ALBOT?
My name is Nata Albot. I am an event producer, entrepreneor and journalist passionate about cooking. I hope that one day you’ll come to Moldova to see how beautiful and delicious it is, through the festivals that me and my K Lumea team organize in our motherland.
SPICY CHEESE-STUFFED TOMATOES
This appetizer is particularly delicious when made with sweet and juicy, medium to small seasonal tomatoes. Combined with cheese and spicy garlic, this starter will boost your appetite.
PRESERVED GRAPE VINE LEAVES
In our Moldovan cuisine grape vine leaves are used for making sarmale, those little rolls of grape vine leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables and meat, that we are very proud of. Although, you can easily find these leaves in Arabic stores, in Moldova, women prefer to preserve them at home, especially when every family in Moldova has access to a vineyard, whether it is their own or of a relative.
SUMMER SALAD
There is nothing more delicious or dearer to the Moldovan soul than a summer salad made in the right way. There comes a moment when parents in Moldova will decide to plant a small garden with produce you would usually buy at a farmers’ market.
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
Strawberry lemonade is a more colorful and flavorful version of the classic lemonade. Unfortunately, we can enjoy it only a few weeks a year, during the strawberry season. However, you can store some strawberries in the freezer, and make strawberry lemonade whenever you like it.
TRADITIONAL BISCUITS FROM THE NORTH
Because today, June 1, we celebrate International Children’s Day, this is the perfect dessert that can be cooked together with the little ones. This is how we spend quality and useful time together.
MÂNCĂRICĂ FROM THE NORTH
This dish, which literally translates as “little food” is made of chicken meat and stewed carrots, onions, and tomatoes and it ́s served cold. Dipping a slice of homemade bread in mâncărică and eating it with fresh garlic and sheep cheese is my type of culinary heaven.
BUCKWHEAT WITH CHICKEN IN WHITE SAUCE
I must say, this is one of my childhood favorites. Each time my mother cooked the buckwheat and white sauce I rejoiced, as it tasted exactly as the one we had in kindergarten.
HOMEMADE PUFF PASTRY WITH CHEESE AND SCALLIONS
The time has come for the greens that you can find in the garden of any Moldovan householder (but many, even representing the diaspora somewhere in the world, do not give up this habit). So follow the instructions in the recipe and you will have the pies of the season.
ROASTED RABBIT WITH POTATOES
My parents raise rabbits as many Moldovans do. It is the most dietetic meat one can eat, but to constantly buy it turns quite expensive. Therefore, many prefer to raise them in their backyards.
CREPES WITH COTTAGE AND RAISINS
Stuffed with cheese or mashed potatoes, fried in butter or baked in the oven, ready to eat or refrigerated for the next day – crepes are so good they disappear right away.
MOREL MUSHROOMS SEASON
It’s morel season in Moldova and the mushroom hunters are in the seventh heaven!
SPRING RADISH SALAD
Spring salads have a special vibe, opening the season with fresh aromas after a long winter. The radish salad took it´s place on our table at Easter. In early spring, my mother used to come home from the local market with a bunch of nettle, radish and wild garlic. I like to add some sheep brânză [‘brɨnzə] (salty traditional cheese made of sheep´s milk) and sprinkle some lemon juice over. Here you’ll find the original recipe of one of my favorite spring salads.
EASTER TRADITIONS IN MOLDOVA
Let me tell you a bit about Easter traditions in Moldova. It’s one of the most significant holidays in our culture. The celebration consists of…
WATERMELON AND BRÂNZA – A DELICIOUS MOLDOVAN COMBO
Watermelon is the most awaited summer delight in Moldova. Brânza is part of our national DNA. Watermelon Salad with Moldovan Brânza sounds weird, but is super tasty.
RASPBERRY GLAZED SALMON
Raspberries are not just for sweet recipes. Besides jams and dessert, you may use them in marinades or sauces for main dishes. Try this Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon. My honest advice is : Double the portion of the raspberry sauce! It is so good that you’ll need more. And don’t underestimate the fresh thyme. It gives such a special flavor to this dish.
APPLE OMELETTE – A MUST TRY BREAKFAST!
The uniqueness of this omelette consists in the combination of sour apples, lightly browned onion and melted cheese.
BRÂNZOAICE – MOLDOVAN CHEESE PANCAKES
You’ll always find a slice of sweet, salty, soft, or dry brânză [‘brɨnzə] in every Moldovan house. Brânză is a typical fresh white cow, sheep or goat cheese, very popular in Moldova. Locals get their dairy products either from relatives that live in the village or from the local market.