My First Overseas Business Trip: Discovering Romania's Hidden Gems

🌐 Professional Insights & Culinary Delights Attending this international conference on healthy aging, AI integration, and digital twin technology has been an intellectually stimulating experience. While absorbing cutting-edge knowledge from industry leaders, I've been equally impressed by Romania's underrated gastronomy. The organizers thoughtfully incorporated local flavors into our meal programs - a brilliant way to experience culture through cuisine. Now, with meetings concluded, I'm excited to spend three full days immersing myself in Romanian traditions! 🍽️ Authentic Dining at Hanu' lui Manu This beloved traditional restaurant offered my first real taste of Romanian soul food: ▪️ Mici - These skinless grilled sausages combine beef, pork and lamb with garlic and spices, served with mustard and fresh bread. The smoky aroma from the charcoal grill is unforgettable! ▪️ Sarmale - Romania's national dish features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around seasoned ground meat, slow-cooked in tomato sauce. The tangy sauerkraut-like flavor perfectly balances the richness. ▪️ Mămăligă - This golden polenta staple accompanies nearly every meal. Creamy yet sturdy, it's the ideal vehicle for sauces and cheeses. (The friendly debate with my Italian colleague about its origins added to the fun!) 🏙️ First Impressions of Bucharest • Urban Planning: The spacious four-lane boulevards reflect the city's ambitious 20th century development • Metro System: The deep, Brutalist-style stations transport you back to the 1970s Soviet era • Cost of Living: Shockingly affordable - a hearty restaurant meal costs less than €10! 📸 Recommended Photo Spots Close-up of sizzling Mici fresh off the grill The dramatic interior of Piața Unirii metro station Sunset over the Dâmbovița River #BusinessTravelDiaries #RomanianFoodExploration #EastMeetsWest