#83

World Rank

Ciorba de Perisoare

Ciorbă de Perișoare

Romanian meatball sour soup — pork-rice meatballs in a tangy broth with lovage, soured with lemon or borscht (fermented wheat bran liquid).

🌍

Romania

Bucharest

🌶️

Not Spicy

Spice Level

💰

$3-5

Price Range

⏱️

Prep Time

Overview

Ciorba de Perisoare, known locally as "Ciorbă de Perișoare", stands at #83 in our ranking of the world's finest soups & stews. Romanian meatball sour soup — pork-rice meatballs in a tangy broth with lovage, soured with lemon or borscht (fermented wheat bran liquid). Originating from Bucharest, Romania, this beloved dish has captured hearts worldwide with its sour, herbal, and comforting.

Key Ingredients

Ground porkriceonionlovagetomatoborscht (sour liquid)eggdillsour cream

The authentic Ciorba de Perisoare features these essential ingredients: Ground pork, rice, onion, lovage, tomato, borscht (sour liquid), egg, dill, sour cream. Each component contributes to the dish's distinctive sour, herbal, and comforting character that makes it truly special.

Flavor Profile

Sour, herbal, and comforting

Preparation & Serving

Cooking Method

Meatballs poached in sour broth with lovage and tomato

Serving Style

In a bowl with sour cream and hot peppers

Ciorba de Perisoare is prepared using the traditional method: meatballs poached in sour broth with lovage and tomato. The dish is in a bowl with sour cream and hot peppers, showcasing the care and attention that goes into every serving. This dish focuses on its rich flavors rather than heat.

Best Paired With

Wine
Local beverages
Fresh salad

History & Origins

The story of Ciorba de Perisoare is deeply intertwined with the culinary traditions of Bucharest, Romania. This iconic dish emerged from the Romania food culture, where Ground pork and rice have been staple ingredients for generations. Over time, Ciorba de Perisoare evolved from a regional specialty to an internationally recognized symbol of Romania's rich culinary heritage.

Where to Try Authentic Ciorba de Perisoare

For the most authentic Ciorba de Perisoare experience, Bucharest in Romania is the ultimate destination. Look for establishments where Ciorba de Perisoare is the specialty, and don't hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations. Many traditional eateries in Romania have been perfecting their recipes for generations.

Nutrition Information

300-400

Calories

$3-5

Price Range

/3

Spice Level

Prep Time

Cultural Significance

Ciorba de Perisoare represents more than just food—it's a window into Romania's cultural identity and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ciorba de Perisoare?
Ciorba de Perisoare (Ciorbă de Perișoare) is a soups & stews from Bucharest, Romania. Romanian meatball sour soup — pork-rice meatballs in a tangy broth with lovage, soured with lemon or borscht (fermented wheat bran liquid).
How do you pronounce Ciorba de Perisoare?
Ciorba de Perisoare is the English name, while locals call it "Ciorbă de Perișoare" in Romania.
What does Ciorba de Perisoare taste like?
Ciorba de Perisoare has Sour, herbal, and comforting.
What are the main ingredients in Ciorba de Perisoare?
The key ingredients include Ground pork, rice, onion, lovage, tomato, borscht (sour liquid), egg, dill, sour cream.
Is Ciorba de Perisoare spicy?
Ciorba de Perisoare is not typically spicy. It focuses on other flavor elements.
How many calories are in Ciorba de Perisoare?
A typical serving of Ciorba de Perisoare contains approximately 300-400 calories.
What is the best drink to pair with Ciorba de Perisoare?
Ciorba de Perisoare pairs excellently with Wine, Local beverages, Fresh salad.
Where is the best place to try authentic Ciorba de Perisoare?
For the most authentic experience, visit Bucharest in Romania, where Ciorba de Perisoare originated.