Language/Romanian/Vocabulary/Food-and-Drink
As a Romanian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I always tell my students that learning a language is not just about mastering grammar rules or memorizing lists of words. It's also about discovering the culture, history, and traditions of the people who speak that language. That's why in this lesson, we will explore the delicious world of Romanian cuisine, as well as the vocabulary needed for ordering food and drink in restaurants and cafes.
Romanian Cuisine
Romanian cuisine is a fusion of flavors and influences from various cultures that have crossed the country's borders throughout history. From the spicy, rich dishes of the Ottoman Empire to the hearty, rustic recipes of the peasants, Romanian cuisine offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience. Here are some of the must-try dishes:
- Sarmale - stuffed cabbage rolls with minced meat and rice, usually served with sour cream and polenta;
- Mici - grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices, served with mustard and bread;
- Ciorba - a sour soup made with vegetables, meat, and sour cream, usually served hot and spicy;
- Mamaliga - a cornmeal porridge that is a staple in Romanian cuisine, served with cheese, cream, honey, or meat.
You can learn more about Romanian cuisine and its diverse flavors by visiting the local markets, restaurants, and festivals.
Basic Food and Drink Vocabulary
Now let's move on to the essential vocabulary you need to know when ordering food and drinks in Romania.
Restaurant Phrases
- A table for two, please. - O masă pentru doi, vă rog.
- May I see the menu? - Pot vedea meniul?
- What would you recommend? - Ce recomandați?
- I would like to order... - Aș dori să comand...
- Can we have the bill, please? - Putem primi nota, vă rog?
Food Vocabulary
| Romanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mâncare | muhn-kah-rah | Food |
| Pâine | pah-ee-neh | Bread |
| Supă | soo-puh | Soup |
| Salată | sah-lah-tuh | Salad |
| Pui | poo-ee | Chicken |
| Porc | pohrk | Pork |
| Vită | vee-tuh | Beef |
| Pește | pehsh-teh | Fish |
| Legume | leh-goo-meh | Vegetables |
| Cartofi prăjiți | kar-toh-fee pruh-jeetss | French fries |
| Desert | deh-sehrt | Dessert |
Drink Vocabulary
| Romanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Apă | ah-puh | Water |
| Suc | sook | Juice |
| Cafea | kah-fah-ah | Coffee |
| Ceai | chai | Tea |
| Bere | beh-reh | Beer |
| Vin | veen | Wine |
| Băutură | boh-too-roo-rah | Beverage |
Cultural Tips
When dining in Romania, it's common to say "poftă bună" (pohf-tah boo-nah) before starting a meal, which means "enjoy your meal". It's also polite to wait until everyone has been served before starting to eat. In restaurants, the service fee is usually included in the bill, but you can tip between 5-10% of the total amount if you're satisfied with the service.
Learning Romanian food and drink vocabulary is not just about knowing how to order in a restaurant. It's also about discovering the country's rich culture and traditions.
Exercises
Now it's time to test your knowledge with some exercises!
- Complete the following sentence: "O masă pentru _____, vă rog." (A table for two, please.)
- What is "sarmale" in English?
- What does "băutură" mean in English?
- True or False: In Romanian culture, it's polite to start eating before everyone has been served.
Sources
- A1.15 Romanian food & drinks vocabulary
- Food & Drinks in Romanian » App2Brain
- Learn Romanian vocabulary: food and drinks quiz
Related Lessons
- Adjectives in Romanian
- City
- Numbers and Counting
- Hotel in Romanian
- Beverages
- Colors
- Family and Relationships
- Geography
- Art and Aesthetics
- Cardinal Directions (Direcţii cardinale)