Praid Salt Mine to Host Romania’s First Underground Gastronomic Festival: Taste of Transylvania Underground

Between March 28-30, 2025, Praid Salt Mine, one of the largest and most spectacular salt mines in Europe, will host Taste of Transylvania Underground, a groundbreaking national event promising to redefine culinary experiences through the concept of fun dining. Organized in collaboration with the Pro Economica Foundation, the festival is expected to attract between 1,500 and 2,500 visitors per day, drawn by a spectacular mix of high-class gastronomy and entertainment.

Taste of Transylvania Underground Brings Together Culinary Elites from Romania and Hungary

The festival will feature top restaurants from Romania and Hungary, including Michelin-starred venues such as Babel Budapest and SALT Budapest. Special menus will be crafted by renowned chefs from Costes Downtown, Páva, NOUA + NOUA Bar, Soro Lume, Bistro de l’Arte, Voilá Bistro, Mosafir, and Cimbru. The event’s unique underground atmosphere will be enriched by live performances from various artists.

Wine Tastings & Traditional Crafts 100 Meters Underground

Festival attendees will enjoy a wide range of authentic experiences celebrating the culinary and cultural richness of the region. Wine enthusiasts will have the chance to explore premium selections from local producers, participating in exclusive wine-pairing sessions alongside gourmet dishes prepared by acclaimed chefs, including Michelin-starred ones.

Workshops dedicated to traditional Transylvanian crafts will complete the experience, offering visitors the chance to discover pottery, weaving, and other folk arts. Additionally, stands featuring local artisanal producers will showcase a variety of delicacies, including aged cheeses, handcrafted smoked meats, traditional desserts, and specialties from Hungarian, Csángó, Romanian, and Székely cuisines.

For those seeking an exclusive experience, a VIP area elevated three meters above the main event space will provide stunning views of the salt mine. Guests in this area will enjoy a private bar, personalized service, and special menus curated by top chefs. This fusion of fine dining, tradition, and sophistication promises to turn every festival moment into an unforgettable memory.

Event Schedule & Ticket Options

The Taste of Transylvania Underground festival offers four ticket categories to suit all preferences and budgets:

• Basic Ticket: General access to concerts, exhibitions, and activities.
• Foodie Ticket: Includes five gourmet dishes crafted by renowned chefs.
• Premium Ticket: Offers nine gourmet dishes and access to the exclusive VIP terrace, featuring a private bar and personalized service.
• Sunday Brunch Ticket: Includes access to Romania’s largest all-you-can-eat brunch, featuring culinary offerings from 12 participating restaurants.

Entry is free for children under three years old. For children aged 3-14, tickets cost 50 RON for Friday or Saturday and 100 RON for Sunday. Tickets are available online at tasteoftransylvania.eu.

The festival will feature live performances until 2:00 AM, with acts including Gyárfás István Trió, DJ Dark, DJ BRNY, Jazzappella, and Freak Fusion Cabaret, alongside the 100-member Székely Men’s Choir.

Through its strategic partnership with the Pro Economica Foundation, the festival aims to promote traditional Transylvanian products and foster the growth of a sustainable local market.

Monika Kozma, President of Pro Economica Foundation, stated: “This partnership highlights the gastronomic richness of the region and positions Transylvania on the international map of gourmet destinations. Our goal is to establish this event as an annual landmark, attracting tourists from around the world and contributing to the growth of culinary tourism in Romania.”

Festival founder Trucza Adorján added: “With Taste of Transylvania Underground, we aim to prove that Transylvania can become a premium destination for food lovers by blending local traditions with high-end fine dining. This is not just about organizing a gastronomic festival but about creating an ecosystem that supports the local economy and the region’s authentic values.”