In the Chisinau Restaurant Guide below we have tried to provide some general information about the food and cuisine of Moldova as well as some places where you can experience these within this beautiful city. Enjoying a nice meal in a relax atmosphere will definitely be on your list of priorities, after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

Food and Cuisine in Chisinau

Chisinau cuisine

Moldova is rich not only by virtue of its fertile soil but also in its caring and hardworking people. Nature has been very generous and the country is blessed with a variety of fruits and vegetables, cereals, meat and dairy products, which are all part of the food and cuisine in Chisinau. Using largely traditional agricultural processes and thanks to its fertile soil, the produce of Moldova is still ecologically pure.

For traditional meals, ingredients such as tomatoes, aubergines, beans, white cabbage, green peppers, garlic and onions are commonly used. Vegetables are used for salads and for making sauces, and are baked, salted, canned and pickled to create food art. The trademark colour in Moldovan dishes comes from maize and maize flour. The most common of these is 'mamaliga' a type of maize porridge or polenta, which has a delicious taste. Mamaliga is typically served with diced meat, fried meat, cheese and cream.

Meat is cooked for both the first and second course and is granted a special place in Moldovan cuisine. Common items are chicken soup, roast meat, goulash, meat rolls of minced meat and more. Many meat courses are grilled over charcoal, but the essential part is that they are treated and prepared properly before grilling. Holiday food includes cabbage rolls, noodles and meat jelly, along with pies, cake dipped in syrup, biscuits and fruit.

There are many variations of Moldovan food and cuisine. In the eastern regions, Ukrainians prefer to have 'borsch'; while in the south, Bulgarians will make a particularly delicious chicken sauce called 'mangea', the Gagauzians like to serve a 'sorpa', which is a spicy ram soup; while the Russians like their traditional 'pelmeni', which is a roll stuffed with meat.

For a cheap but tasty meal, head to places that locals visit, and you can be sure to get an insight into a slice of life in Chisinau. For a greater selection of food, visit Chisinau restaurants and cafés, most of which have prices comparable to their European counterparts. Fast food outlets and pizzerias can be easily found on every corner of the city and are a great option for a quick lunch and eating out in Chisinau.

Chisinau beverages

Moldovan cuisine goes well with its traditional drinks - juices, stewed fruits and alcoholic drinks, such as brandy, wine and 'tuica', which is a plum brandy.

Growing grapes for wine is an ancient tradition in Moldova and many of the country's wines are famous and well known beyond its borders. You will find wines that are dry, strong and sweet and generally have a mixed bouquet of colours and flavours. If you are accustomed to European wines such as Cabernet, Sauvignon and Muscat, try the local varieties of Black Rara, Feteasca and Moldova.

The local variety of plum brandy is still produced using traditional methods. If you'd like to sample some local wine, you can try wine tasting, which is offered at most Moldovan cellars.

Most bars and restaurants in Chisinau do not include a tip in the bill. There is no fixed amount to be tipped, but most people do not leave more than 5 % of the bill. Do remember to tip only if you received good service, as it is not obligatory to tip in Moldova.

Clubs

Chisinau nightclubs vary their music from night to night, so there is always plenty of variety. One night it might be a cabaret, while the next night it might be an erotic show or something completely different. Check the ‘feature' listing before entering the bar, so you know what to expect.