Events
Tastes, Traditions, and a Gastronomic Revolution: Taste of Transylvania
In recent years, Transylvanian gastronomy has been undergoing a spectacular, unprecedented renaissance, considered unique and exemplary not only in the Carpathian Basin, but across all of Europe. The meeting of traditional, age-old recipes, familiar tastes that evoke our grandmothers' kitchens, and the innovative technologies of modern gastronomy has created a completely new culinary world. At the heart of this impressive gastro-cultural revolution and Szekler hospitality is the Taste of Transylvania festival. If you love good food and are interested in sustainable gastronomy or the "farm-to-table" concept, it is well worth saving the date for this event on your calendar.
Taste of Transylvania goes beyond a simple weekend festival and becomes a year-round experience. To bring premium gastronomy closer to the public, the event series debuted in the spring in Cluj-Napoca (May 29–31), continuing in Târgu Mureș (June 19–21), where urban audiences enjoyed dishes prepared by the region's finest restaurants.
The next event is hosted by Gyimesi Skanzen (Boroș Holiday Village), located in Lunca de Jos commune, Boroș Valley, Harghita County, from September 3 to 6. To the great delight of families, admission to the event is completely free for children under 14 years old. Day tickets and full weekend passes can be purchased in advance from the official ticketing platform, Entertix.ro. For those seeking a truly special experience, the premium Blind Culinary Experience package upgrades unlimited festival access with an eight-course gourmet dinner. It is the perfect opportunity to taste exclusive dishes created on the spot by the region's top chefs.
Centuries of Cultural Heritage on a Plate
Transylvania has always been a space of harmony among different cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Centuries of coexistence among Romanians, Hungarians, Szeklers, and Saxons have given birth to a unique culinary heritage with an identity and flavor combinations impossible to match anywhere else in the world. It is enough to think of the rich sour soups seasoned with tarragon and served with smoked meats, juicy meats slow-baked in wood-fired ovens, homemade sausages with special spices, creamy polenta, fresh urdă, and the Szekler chimney cake (kürtőskalács) baked over charcoal embers, perfected to mastery. These are not merely everyday dishes, but stories and memories passed down from generation to generation, which the festival translates into the 21st century with the help of modern cooking techniques and contemporary presentation.
Taste of Transylvania is much more than just a street food festival where you grab a quick hamburger between two concerts. It is a carefully crafted event built on solid professional foundations, aiming to preserve, research, and creatively redefine Transylvania's culinary heritage. The organizers' vision is to elevate local ingredients and traditional Transylvanian recipes to the level of international fine dining. The venue itself offers an impressive, unforgettable experience. The picturesque landscape of Boroș Valley, the authentically restored wooden houses of the Holiday Village, and the crisp mountain air create the perfect backdrop for the festival.
A Journey Through the World of Flavors
The festival gathers the region's best restaurants, most remarkable chefs, and most dedicated artisanal producers. Visitors can taste traditional soups served with crisp vegetables and tender meat, as well as trout freshly caught from nearby mountain streams, baked on beechwood with wild herbs. Meat lovers will find delicacies to match—from Mangalica dishes and game meat elevated with truffles to homemade smoked meats. Artisanal dairy products, such as aged mountain cheeses, fresh urdă, and burduf cheese, offer an unforgettable gastronomic experience for vegetarians. Finally, guests are treated to Szekler chimney cakes browned over charcoal embers—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—which chefs complement with modern creams, wild berries, and artisanal ice cream.
(Source: Taste of Transylvania)
At the Boroș Holiday Village, local gastronomy meets Michelin standards. Prestigious international chefs alongside Transylvanian professionals transform regional ingredients into true works of culinary art.
Taste of Transylvania could not exist without the dedicated small-scale producers who supply fresh, clean ingredients every single day. The festival pays special attention to local farmers, cheese makers, and butchers, without whom fine dining could not function.
Must-See Programs
In addition to tastings, the event focuses on learning, professional development, and shared experiences. In show kitchens (Live Cooking) and masterclasses, visitors can observe the precision work of the region's top chefs up close while discovering the secrets of fermentation, foraging wild plants, or baking sourdough bread. In panel discussions, producers, restaurant owners, and food critics debate topics like sustainability, zero waste, and opportunities for local suppliers. At the artisan producers' market, guests can buy products directly from the makers. Alongside the delicious food, jazz and acoustic music during the day, as well as authentic folk music in the evening, create a pleasant atmosphere around the campfires.
(Source: Taste of Transylvania)
Children's Programs and Outdoor Family Experiences
Taste of Transylvania is a family event where even the youngest guests will not feel bored for a moment. The organizers prepare a dedicated kids' corner and craft workshops where children can playfully discover nature's treasures and traditional crafts. The natural setting provided by the Boroș Holiday Village, the presence of farm animals, and generous green spaces offer little ones safe, fulfilling play opportunities while parents enjoy the cooking demonstrations and concert line-ups stress-free.
The World of Wines, Pálinka, and Craft Beer
No culinary journey is complete without the right quality drinks. The festival features the most renowned wineries from Transylvania and the Carpathian Basin, with a focus on local grape varieties and natural wines. Beyond the wine selection, traditional copper-distilled fruit pálinkas and new-wave craft beers take center stage, adding extra character to the experience. With guidance from wine experts, visitors can learn which beverage pairs best with each traditional dish to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors.
Useful Tips for Your Visit
Because accommodation spots in Boroș Valley and the surrounding area are limited and huge interest is expected from across the country and abroad, it is recommended to book as early as possible on stayhere.ro, where you can select from the best options in neighboring towns. Mountain weather can be unpredictable in early autumn. To fully enjoy your weekend, pack warm clothing to wear in layers and a pair of comfortable, water-resistant shoes.
