Romania is a cultural melting pot. Its character is rooted in many cultures from Greek, Turkish and Slavic in the south and east, to Austrian, Hungarian and Saxon in the north and west.

Carpathia, the first book from food writer Irina Georgescu, aims to introduce the reader to Romania’s unique, bold and delicious cuisine: an amalgamation of all its cultural influences. In doing so, it will take the reader on a culinary journey to the very heart of this fascinating European country, exploring its history, landscape and traditions through food. From chargrilled aubergines, polenta fritters and butterbean hummus, to tangy bors, stuffed breads and Viennese style layer cakes, Romanian cooking speaks of a country that’s never afraid to mix things up!