What countries are most similar to Romania in terms of cuisine?

It's tricky to definitively say which countries have the *most* similar cuisine to Romania, as "similarity" can be subjective. But here's a breakdown of some countries with cuisines that share influences, ingredients, and dishes with Romanian cuisine:

Strongest Similarities:

* Moldova: Being a neighboring country with close historical and cultural ties, Moldovan cuisine shares many similarities with Romanian cuisine. Think similar ingredients like polenta, cabbage, and meat, and dishes like mamaliga (polenta), sarmale (cabbage rolls), and mititei (grilled meatballs).

* Bulgaria: This Balkan neighbor also uses similar ingredients and cooking methods, leading to dishes like tarator (cold yogurt soup), musaka (layered eggplant dish), and kiofte (meatballs).

* Serbia: Sharing the same Slavic heritage and geographical proximity, Serbia shares many culinary traditions with Romania, including dishes like sarma (cabbage rolls), ćevapčići (grilled minced meat), and burek (savory pastry filled with meat or cheese).

Other Countries with Some Similarities:

* Hungary: Both countries have a fondness for pork, paprika, and sour cream, leading to some overlapping dishes like gulyás (goulash), paprikash (stew), and kürtőskalács (chimney cake).

* Greece: The influence of the Byzantine Empire on both Romania and Greece led to some shared dishes, especially in terms of pastries and meat dishes. Think dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), moussaka (layered eggplant dish), and spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry).

* Turkey: Ottoman influence on both countries led to some similarities in ingredients and cooking methods, particularly in the use of lamb, spices, and yogurt.

Key Points:

* Balkan Influence: Romania, being a Balkan country, shares many culinary traditions with other Balkan nations.

* Mediterranean Influences: Romania also has some Mediterranean influences due to its proximity to the Black Sea.

* Central European Influences: The influence of Austria and Hungary on Romania is reflected in some of the dishes and cooking techniques.

Remember, cuisine is constantly evolving and influenced by many factors, so finding "exact" similarities can be difficult. The best way to explore these connections is to try the different cuisines and see the connections for yourself!