I had a great experience with Patricia & Dan, a very friendly warm welcoming couple. Enjoyed both the hands-on cooking experience and the interesting talks we had (got the chance to practice my Romanian language skills, but they are both fluent English speakers). The food we prepared was very tasty. You also get the recipes so you will be able to prepare them at home. If you are in Bucharest this HIGHLY RECOMMENDED both for solo travellers and for couples. Make sure you come hungry.
There’s something truly special about being welcomed into a home that feels both cozy and alive — a place where warmth isn’t just in the air but in the people themselves. That’s exactly how it felt meeting Pati and Dan.
Dan spoke with depth and passion about Romanian history, traditions, and politics — his insight giving each conversation a richness that mirrored the country itself. Pati, on the other hand, opened the door to the heart of Romanian cuisine. Her knowledge of traditional cooking, local flavors, and time-honored techniques was inspiring — the kind of wisdom only passed down through years of care and practice.
They offered me a taste of Transylvania in liquid form — traditional local drinks that were potent, savory, and, by some standards, a little hardcore. I, of course, loved them. As a cook, I’ve always appreciated authenticity over perfection, and this was the real thing. If you’re someone who values presentation over flavor, this might not be your kind of experience. But if you’re a traveler, a cook, or simply someone who seeks out genuine taste and tradition, you’ve found your jackpot.
Later, I went searching for Pălincă in the market — no luck. But I did manage to enjoy three mici, with bread, mustard, and a beer. When I told the owner about my hunt for Pălincă, he laughed and handed me a glass of cherries soaked in it. It was both hilarious and perfectly Transylvanian — strong, sweet, and unforgettable.