Food Shopping

There are several types of places to buy food in Romania, a local grocery store, a super suburban grocery story, or an open-air market. The open-air markets vary in size and frequency but usually there is one in every residential area. Usually small stands are open every day. In an open-air market one can buy fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dry goods like beans, nuts and dried fruit. Purchases may be made in small quantities (a piece of fruit) or large amounts (a bag of potatoes). Customers can touch the food and choose their own. The vendor weighs the purchase and tells the customer how much is owed. Bargaining over the price of goods is for the most part not acceptable, yet is occasionally possible at the end of the day. Shoppers must bring their own baskets or bags, unless they are willing to purchase a bag from the vendor.

Local grocery stores stock fresh produce as well as dry goods, packaged products, wine and liquors, and toiletry items. There is no age limit or ID required for alcohol purchases. State stores are generally open Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 and private general stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 in the morning until at least 7, and sometimes as late as midnight. On Sundays they are open until noon. Customers should bring their own bags to the grocery store. For sweet baked goods one can go to an ice cream shop. Butcher shops sell fresh chicken, pork, beef, and processed meats such as sausages and salami. Seafood is available at fish markets, often located near the town's fresh food market.

A new trend is supermarkets, located in major shopping areas. These are convenient places to purchase bulk items; sales run for several weeks, and bags are provided. In spite of the development of supermarkets, Romanians generally buy bread and dairy products daily. When buying food, cash is the norm.