Why Cluj-Napoca Is the Perfect City for Your Dental Holiday

The city’s culinary pride: a delicious baked dish made with layers of chopped sauerkraut, rice and minced meat, enriched with smoked meat.

On local menus, you will also find it under its Hungarian name: “Kolozsvári rakott káposzta.” Thanks to its tender, soft texture, it can be a comfortable option during recovery, always following your dentist’s instructions, especially after complete oral rehabilitation treatments.

It is easy to enjoy and requires little chewing effort, a small detail that Dentaturism patients truly appreciate. The best place to try it is Vârzărie restaurant, located at 37 Eroilor Street, a landmark for Transylvanian specialities since 1967.

A clear legacy of Hungarian influence, Transylvanian gulyás (pronounced guiașul in Romanian) is a hearty and aromatic stew, slowly prepared from pieces of meat (usually beef), potatoes and other vegetables, with a rich taste given by sweet paprika.

Patients who have visited Cluj with Dentaturism often tell us that the gulyás at Mikó Restaurant, on Clinicilor Street no. 23, has a special aroma and flavor.

Few people know that this delicious dessert was first created in Cluj, becoming popular at the beginning of the 20th century in the Darvas family restaurant.

Vargabéles is a Hungarian-inspired Transylvanian dessert, which combines the flavor of sweet cheese with the delicate texture of homemade noodles.

If you end up in the central area and end up at Vârzărie, don't leave without trying it. It has a soft, creamy and slightly moist texture — ideal for a gentle snack between Dentaturism sessions.

Kürtőskalács ("chimney cake") is a dessert with roots in the Szekler Land and in the tradition of the Transylvanian Saxons. It is made from a leavened dough, rolled into a cylinder on a wooden support and baked on coals or in the oven.

It is spread with butter and sprinkled generously with sugar, which caramelizes beautifully on the outside, forming a crispy and aromatic crust. It can be served plain or with toppings such as walnuts, cinnamon, cocoa or coconut.

Although ciorba de burtă is a popular dish throughout Romania, this soup has a special tradition in Cluj. Until 2 years ago, the supremacy of the best belly soup in Cluj was held by the legendary Fair Play restaurant.

Being a big fan of this soup, I never miss an opportunity to enjoy it – either at the Valahia restaurant or at Roata in the centre of Cluj. We usually choose these specific locations with traditional Romanian food when, according to our tradition, we invite patients who have just finished their treatment to eat.

Probably the most famous Romanian dish, sarmale are rolls of cabbage leaves (sour or sweet) filled with a mixture of minced meat, rice and spices, slowly cooked in a tomato sauce. They are traditionally served with polenta and a drizzle of sour cream.

The soul of any Romanian barbecue, "mici" are juicy rolls made of minced meat (usually a mixture of beef and pork), heavily seasoned with garlic and thyme. They are perfect with a portion of french fries and mustard.

Often, when I accompany Dentaturism patients to discover the local cuisine, I notice that mititei are the dish that conquers them every time, being not only a perfect introduction to our gastronomy, but also the most authentic and tasty "dental test drive" for their new smile.

A traditional Transylvanian platter includes a variety of meat, cheese and vegetable dishes, specific to the Transylvanian region. Among the most common are smoked bacon, homemade sausages, other cured meats, bell pepper, cheese, telemea cheese, but also various local specialties, such as kaizer or smoked pork.

A rustic and hearty dish, polenta with cheese, sour cream and bacon in the oven is one of the most beloved traditional dishes in Transylvania. A comforting dish with an intense and authentic taste – perfect after an active day in Cluj or between two treatment sessions.

The king of Romanian desserts. Papanași are fluffy doughnuts, made from a sweet cottage cheese, fried and served hot, covered with sour cream and a sour jam, usually blueberries.

At the beginning of each spring, Unirii Square in Cluj-Napoca becomes a festive celebration of creativity and tradition, hosting the Mărțișor Fair. The beautifully decorated wooden stalls display a wide variety of unique mărțișoare, from the traditional ones, with white and red string, to modern interpretations, handmade by local artists and craftsmen.

Usually organized around International Women's Day, this run celebrates spring and feminine energy through a cheerful and non-competitive race, held in the central area of the city.

The event encourages movement, a healthy lifestyle and solidarity, gathering hundreds of participants of all ages at the start, many of them wearing creative outfits, flowers or themed accessories, turning the event into a true community celebration.

One of the most anticipated events by the local community, the Cluj Days transform the city into a huge stage. For several days, the squares, streets and parks are animated by concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, craft fairs and sports events for all ages.

The Color Run - also known as the “Happiest 5K on the Planet” — is a colourful fun run that celebrates health, joy, and individuality. The rules are simple: start the 5 km race in white clothes, and the finish finds you super, super colorful and happy!

TIFF (Transilvania International Film Festival) is the largest film festival in Romania and one of the most appreciated in Eastern Europe. Even during the pandemic, the organizers of TIFF found innovative solutions by offering an extended edition and outdoor screenings.

Jazz in the Park is a music festival in Cluj, which takes place annually in the city's parks. The festival covers a wide range of performances from contemporary jazz, funk and blues to alternative rock, Afrobeat, trip-hop, classical music or a cappella.

Sports Festival is the largest multi-sport event in Romania, held annually in Cluj-Napoca. During the festival, participants have the opportunity to experience a variety of sports, witness exhibition matches with internationally renowned athletes, attend concerts and enjoy a bustling festival atmosphere.

UNTOLD Festival is the country’s largest event and a global phenomenon in electronic music. Every year, it transforms Cluj-Napoca into an international center of electronic music — and it is also the perfect occasion to show off your freshly whitened, radiant smile.

Each edition has brought to Cluj the biggest DJs on the planet (David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto) and world-class pop artists (Imagine Dragons, Sam Smith), transforming the city into the world epicenter of music for a few days.

The Hungarian Cultural Days (Kolozsvári Magyar Napok) is one of the most important events of the community and the city, with hundreds of cultural programs, concerts and fairs.

It is an annual festival that celebrates the Hungarian culture of Transylvania and the Carpathian Basin, with the aim of strengthening the cultural identity and promoting the values ​​of the community.