Food is everything to Moldovans. Their entire culture revolves around what they reap from the land. Moldovans eat seasonally, consuming what is ripe and available. Given that many grow their own produce and raise livestock, Moldovans take full advantage of when certain products are in season. I first arrived in Moldova in June and returned in August, and saw heaping mounds of the freshest strawberries, watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, grapes and much more. I make a concerted effort to buy all of my food at the central market, where farmers bring in their goods to sell every day. All over Moldova, it is common to find grandmothers selling their homegrown food and wine. Speaking to these people about their products not only allows me to practice Russian, but it also allows me to connect with members of my community. Knowing exactly where my food comes from is not a privilege I enjoy in the U.S., so it is one of the reasons I am grateful to live in Moldova.
The most common, ubiquitous snack found on every street corner is plăcintă. Plăcintă is flaky dough, often in swirl form, filled most commonly with meat, cottage cheese, cabbage, potato, apple, cherry or even pumpkin. It makes for a great breakfast, and it is nice to have a variety of fillings to choose from depending on my mood.
