Covrigi

Covrigi are a popular Romanian snack that closely resemble pretzels. These savory treats are made from salted dough and are often sprinkled with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or coarse salt, typically with no added sugar. The name "covrigi" is actually the plural form of "covrig" a term borrowed from Bulgarian, and similar words can be found in other Slavic languages, such as Russian.

In urban areas of Romania, covrigi are a beloved snack, while in rural regions, they are often given as holiday gifts. The city of Buzău is particularly famous for its covrigi. According to legend, Greek merchants introduced covrigi to Buzău in the 19th century to encourage the drinking of wine. However, the striking similarities between covrigi, German pretzels, and sfințișori—a traditional Romanian pastry—suggest that covrigi might have been around for much longer.