The culinary story of Neamț County invites travelers on a fantastic journey, a tour of its four picturesque regions, filled with tales and flavors that combine tradition, ecotourism and fresh, delicious dishes. Each stop aims to reveal the senses in a unique way and promises a fabulous experience.

In the heart of this region, south and west of Târgu Neamț, lies the Land of the Bison, an oasis of ecotourism in the Vânători Neamț Nature Park. Here, local producers and culinary experience providers offer a variety of authentic products, reflecting the local beauty and authenticity, available at organized eco-brunches. You can find more details here.

The Land of the Bison will enchant you with its unparalleled beauty and rich culture. Monasteries and hermitages here host over 1,100 monks and nuns, forming the second-largest monastic community in Europe, following the wisdom of Mount Athos. The monastic villages around Agapia and Văratec Monasteries will envelop you in their calm and reflection.

This is not only a place dedicated to spirituality but also one steeped in history, telling stories from the Neolithic era to today. Museums and natural sites welcome visitors with open hearts, ready to reveal the secrets of the past. The memorial houses of great writers like Mihai Eminescu and Ion Creangă will transport you into their world and the inspiration they found in these lands.

As you explore the Land of the Bison, you’ll meet warm, hospitable locals who will share captivating stories and treat you to traditional Moldovan dishes. From polenta with cheese, sour cream, and cracklings, to skillfully prepared Moldovan tochitura, and delights like stuffed cabbage rolls with whey cheese in beet leaves, you’ll explore an entire culinary destination that will stay with you for years, leaving you with unforgettable memories. Authentic products, like Tazlău black bread, bitter cherry jam, and mushroom zacusca, will reveal unique flavors and authentic traditions. These unique experiences are only possible by joining special gastronomic tours, occasions where you can spend time with old and new friends and explore the cultural and culinary richness of this special place.

Before reaching a new destination, let’s take a break to prepare the most delicious stuffed cabbage rolls with whey cheese in beet leaves you’ve ever tasted:

Take two cups of the finest whey cheese, one cup of rice, one onion, 25–30 beet leaves, two cups of borscht, 100 ml tomato paste and water, and a cup of sour cream. We recommend cooking this delicious, traditional recipe from the Land of the Bison with friends, seasoned with plenty of laughter and stories. Start by finely chopping and sautéing a large onion, then add a cup of rice, salt, and two cups of whey cheese. Mix well, then fill the cabbage rolls as usual. Simmer them in a mix of borscht, tomato paste, and water. Finally, add sour cream to the sauce. Serve slowly, with joy and gratitude!

The second stop takes you to the Bicaz Lake area, located between the Stânișoara and Ceahlău Mountains. Here, you’ll admire spectacular landscapes and discover unique local flavors and talented artisans.

In the Neamț Depression, the third region on your journey, you’ll meet traditional craftsmen eager to share their culture and local traditions, then transform them into a souvenir that will remind you of the wonderful days spent in these lands.

The final leg of your journey takes you to the Cracău-Bistrița Depression, where villages will remind you of local traditions, and unique flavors will evoke times gone by.

You can watch the video and listen to the audio guide by accessing Neamț Local Gastronomy, Neamțul în Bucate on the Attractive Romania site, which offers 12 Cultural Routes and over 270 tourist attractions.