Mâncare

Mâncare is the Romanian word for food or meals, referring to the substances that sustain the body and to the meals prepared for consumption. The term is a mass noun derived from the verb a mânca (“to eat”), and it can denote food in general as well as a specific dish.

In everyday use, mâncare encompasses cooked dishes, snacks, and beverages consumed as part of a meal. Romanian cuisine presents a broad range of mâncare, including soups and broths (such as ciorbă and supă), meat and poultry dishes, vegetable stews, and dairy products, as well as staples like mămăligă (polenta), bread, and pickles. The expression mâncăruri tradiționale refers to traditional foods, while mâncare de zi cu zi means everyday food.

Culinarily, mâncare reflects regional diversity and historical influences. Romanian culinary repertoire has been shaped by interactions with neighboring cultures and empires, including Balkan, Hungarian, Ottoman, and Austrian traditions, yielding a varied set of dishes and flavors. Socially, meals are often family-centered, with structure typically including breakfast (mic dejun), lunch (prânz), and dinner (cină), and with celebrations centered on shared mâncare.

Nutritional considerations apply to mâncare as to any diet, emphasizing the balance of energy, protein, fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. The term remains widely used in modern Romanian to discuss food, cuisine, and dietary choices.