Words & Pictures by Shaun Troke
I’d chosen to stay in a self-catering apartment on the border of Old Town Bucharest.
Therefore, I’d planned to help my budget, by buying foods from a supermarket, to cook meals myself…
But, with restaurant prices so low – and, with everything within walking distance – I was able to experience & enjoy five local food places, all within a five minute walk!
LA MAMA
Twice, while in Bucharest, I was told that my English accent is ‘the real one’, with one of these compliments from a waitress in La Mama’s…
Of course she was fishing for tips…
And, La Mama is a restaurant where I didn’t hesitate to tip!
It was twice I decided to eat in this restaurant, too.
The first time, I found the environment so very spacious & relaxing. The food – mixed meat kebabs & fries, followed by dessert – was served quickly, and was presented extremely well.
The second time, I returned with my laptop… And, with only mellow music & light chatter in the background, I was able to enjoy my omelette while working.
Definitely a place I’d return to next time I visit Bucharest!
FRENCH CAFE
One day, while walking through the Old Town area, I saw this little place…and, it lured me in after I saw ‘Goats Cheese Omelette’ advertised on their board outside!
Though the interior is quite small, with minimal seating, I felt it was the type of place you couldn’t have a private conversation, without everyone else around you eavesdropping…
However, the well-presented – and delicious – food certainly compensates for that!
THE COFFEE SHOP
Found quite easily (as it was only ten seconds from the door of where I was staying!), The Coffee Shop is a franchise with stores all over the city.
The store I visited – on Strada Academiei – has a really cosy atmosphere: The staff are polite & chatty, and, with free wifi, it’s a great place to sit by the window and which the world go by!
CUCINA DiMICHELLE
One local independent business I ate at (but, didn’t get a picture of) was this one.
Here, food is on display, and you choose which is scooped into a tray, where it is then weighed…and, you’re then charged by the weight of your choices (much like Whole Foods in New York City).
The reason for recommending this place is because it serves mostly Romanian food, AND, the staff – especially the Manager – are very helpful, particularly if you’re Romanian dialect isn’t too good.
McDONALD’S
Located immediately opposite Cucina DiMichelle is a McDonald’s, where we at The Travel Tab were able to conduct our traditional McDonald’s report…
A new menu item I’d not seen before – and, a word I cannot pronounce either (all I have is the photographic evidence!) – had a great taste:
The cheese, the salad, & the sauce really gave this burger a unique taste.
The following morning, I ventured back this spot…because, for the first time ever, I was able to buy a sausage & egg bagel + a hash brown + a coffee for UNDER £4!
One last thing…
AIRPORT FOOD (Lavazza)
While I mentioned in a Bucharest Transportation article that eating at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport can be expensive…
I found myself in a position where I HAD to eat!
So, I decided to hit one of the open-spaced dining & eating areas in the airport:
Lavazza!
For a little under £13, you can opt for a kinda Meal Deal, which includes ALL of this:
Burger & Fries
A Coca-Cola
And, a tiramisu
Both the burger & the burger cheese tasted smoked, adding so much flavour to this meal…
And, I truly can’t fault Lavazza for this food experience…definitely money well spent!
You can find out more about Bucharest in our series GOING SOLO, available to watch here on YouTube!