Tulcea Tastes: Top 5 Food & Drink You Gotta Try!

So, you’re off to Tulcea, alright? Well, get ready for some amazing grub because this spot, acting almost like the gateway to the Danube Delta, is where river life meets the plate. Expect food that is incredibly fresh, often with a crazy local twist, as there’s quite the collection of things going on, from simple eats to fancy treats.

1. Plachie de Crap: A Carp Stew to Remember

If there is that one dish you absolutely shouldn’t pass on, it’s Plachie de Crap. Basically, you know, this carp stew is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and this, that, and the other spices that makes it all so rich and deeply tasty. Like your grandma’s special recipe, it totally embodies the heartiness of Danube cuisine. What to expect? Well, it’s the kind of plate where the carp, sourced directly from the nearby waters, melts just right in your mouth.

Places where you can totally savor a stunning Plachie include traditional Romanian spots along Strada Isaccei or in the city center. These places will often boast that theirs is “the real deal”. Actually, just look for restaurants where the locals head too; a full house speaks volumes!

2. Storceag: Fisherman’s Soup – A Delta Must-Try

Think you know soup? Then Storceag comes along, anyway, which is a fisherman’s soup with a touch more, to shake all of that up. Typically loaded with a mix of river fish—such as pike, perch, or catfish—the broth will get so nice and thick, often cream-based. It gives this creamy, warming hug from inside. Many have said it has unique properties.

To get some seriously good Storceag, well, just stroll over to restaurants that specialize in fish preparations. Many locations dot the waterfront, especially nearer the port. As a matter of fact, the key ingredient is freshness, so picking an eatery that looks busy tends to improve the odds of a delightful meal.

3. Zacusca: A Taste of Roasted Vegetable Spread

You might be in need of some flavors besides what fish brings? See if Zacusca is your kind of deal, basically, especially as this is not solely a Tulcea treat, still, you might see this vegetarian spread that can be seen nearly everywhere, that being an awesome intro to local produce, too. Basically, Zacusca features roasted veggies – that often includes bell peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, slow-cooked until this gorgeous spread just appears from seemingly nowhere. Usually seasoned very carefully, like with garlic, onions, and some spice combination, anyway, so its perfect for slathering on bread or, if you’re really hungry, to chow down on with a spoon. Yes, it’s kinda a versatile delight.

Okay, you can totally grab jars of Zacusca at the local markets (like the central market in Tulcea). This will provide a genuine taste. Also, keep an eye out at breakfast buffets in smaller guesthouses or hotels, for a very unique culinary start to the day.

4. Local Wine: Murfatlar or Sarica Niculitel

You really should go try some local vino while sampling the foods. Consider some regional wineries, particularly wines from Murfatlar or Sarica Niculitel areas. Obviously, being close by, you might see that their wines carry these distinct flavors because of what type of soil they are. It’s actually worth trying a crisp white wine (good pairing with fish) or a hearty red for the meats that aren’t from the sea, especially because the tradition dates back ages and ages!

In the same vein as the Zacusca tasting tips, check in smaller restaurants where the house wine is sourced directly from regional vineyards; so this tends to come cheap and good, naturally providing a richer, authentic experience. Wine shops in the city often hold tastings. That will help you pick your poison.

5. Placinte Dobrogene: The Tasty Pie of Dobrogea

Okay, now, if you are that person that just loves carbs, then don’t overlook Placinte Dobrogene. As a matter of fact, this kind of pie will often appear either filled with cheese (branza), potatoes, or cabbage. Moreover, baked ’till each inch of them’s golden. Now, like the spot you visit is crucial; if you choose wisely you could taste something quite exquisite! Seriously, Placinte may work like that quick bite as your travel this landscape.

In truth, bakeries and street food vendors practically on every corner around Tulcea may have Placinte fresh every single hour. This would allow sampling some morning pastries or afternoon treat whenever you have these carb cravings. Otherwise, farmers’ markets on Saturday would usually stock homemade kinds – basically, it is made by locals, in their house, giving very authentic flavors to them.