Throughout Romania’s history, its large provinces were often under foreign occupation. The influence of the cuisines of the neighboring countries and those of the occupying nations can be clearly seen today. The north-eastern part of Romania, Moldavia, was under Russian influence for a long time and several dishes that are also popular in Russia found their way in the cuisine of this particular region. The southern part of the country displays its relationship with the Ottoman Empire, not only in the cuisine but also in the style of life, which is more relaxed than in the north or west. Dishes that are specific to Turkey or other neighboring countries, such as halva or coffee quickly became part of the Romanian cuisine. The Western part of Romania, Transylvania, shows some influences of th