The “Map of Harghita County’s Flavours” survey was completed with 386 respondents, exploring the county’s gastronomic heritage and current eating habits as part of preparations for the 2027 European Region of Gastronomy title. The results reflect the voice of an active community that knows, values, and passes on local traditions.

According to the responses, homemade bread stands out as one of the county’s strongest culinary symbols. Other iconic dishes include stuffed cabbage, potato-based dishes, and traditional pork preparations, while chimney cake clearly leads among desserts.

In terms of beverages, mineral water (borvíz) and pálinka are considered the county’s most characteristic values. As “culinary ambassadors,” tarragon soups, chicken soup, and various types of ciorbă were most often highlighted.

Most respondents consider traditional dishes healthy or reasonably healthy and favor fine-tuning—more vegetables, lighter side dishes—rather than changing the fundamentals.

Among eating habits, pig slaughtering is by far the strongest shared practice, followed by Christmas stuffed cabbage and Easter food blessing. The overall picture is clear: Harghita County’s gastronomy is built on strong identity, living traditions, and shared values.