A Bulgarian traveler’s Romanian stereotypes

Ah, stereotypes! Those handy mental shortcuts which assist us in our daily lives occasionally lead us astray, too. As a neighbor, I’m heading to Romania with a bunch of preformed ideas and convictions. Here are some of the most salient ones and how they measure up to the facts.

Corn is everywhere

Mamaliga: The amazing maize goodness I most associate with Romania. (Source)

We share many traditional dishes with Romanians. Sarmale got a lot of exposure during the recent EU election campaign, and all Bulgarians recognized their own favorite national dish in the Romanian recipe. The most salient and typical Romanian food in my mind, however, remains mamaliga.

It’s a porridge concoction of maize flour which has been native to the Romanian lands for centuries. Once considered “peasant food”, it has gained widespread approval for its simple preparation and nutritional value. Served with sour cream and cheese, as in the picture above, it makes an excellent snack or side dish. It almost makes me question why Bulgarians occasionally use the term “mamaligari” (“mamaliga-eaters”) in a slightly derogatory fashion. Looks yummy!

Moonshine on tap

Home-distilled Romanian hard liquor of 50 grades or higher. (Source) 

Tuica, palinca, horinca, fatata – these are just some useful words for the curious fan of local spirits. Among my most rigid Romanian stereotypes is the whole country’s love affair with homemade alcohol. Single- or double-distilled, corn- or fruit-based, in a glass or plastic bottle, I expect these curious beverages to accompany every meal and every visit.

The most popular such spirit is tuica (pronounced “TSUI-ka”), a plum brandy of the “rachiu” family. It is often presented in an elegant glass bottle with a whole apple or pear inside. A shot before the traditional hearty meal ensures every guest is ready to digest!

Watch out for potholes!

A small road tunnel in the Carpathians. (Source)

For any Balkan country, road conditions and safety are an important topic. According to the stereotype, Romanian roads must be crumbling down, full of potholes and other traps which will ruin my car and possibly kill me. I might be tempted to rent a sturdier vehicle, but generally, as a tried and tested Bulgarian driver, I say: Bring it on!

In reality, Romania has over 600 km of functional first-class motorways, and EU funds have boosted development in this area. As is the Balkan tradition, none of the four major highways is complete from start to finish, but hey, have you seen a German Autobahn without construction sites? In reality, I am sure Romanian roads will offer certain challenges, but they cannot be anything I haven’t seen yet.

We all seem so different, but we’re just the same

In the end, the greatest stereotype with which I struggle as a Bulgarian is how different / same we are. With much of our history, economy, and culture intertwined, Bulgaria and Romania remain close to this day. I am very curious to see the extent to which these similarities go. Whether it’s the people I meet, the places I see, or the general feel of the land, I’m sure it will be mind-expanding. Stay tuned!