Gastronomic experiences in Harghita County can be explored on a single platform: restaurants awarded the Myrmidone certification, participants in the Open Farm programme, thematic routes and gastronomic events.

Harghita County’s online gastronomic map is now available, bringing together the county’s most important gastronomic destinations, routes and events in one place. The digital platform helps visitors navigate the region’s gastronomic offerings more easily and plan their own culinary discovery journeys. In addition to businesses from Harghita County, several entrepreneurs from Covasna County have also joined the initiative.

One of the key features of the map is the presentation of establishments holding the Myrmidone certification. The programme focuses on local ingredients, the region’s gastronomic traditions and sustainability. The certification places particular emphasis on using ingredients sourced, whenever possible, within a 100-kilometre radius, cooperating with local producers and preserving traditional gastronomic values. Closely linked to the Myrmidone certification is the Signature Dish list, which brings together Harghita County’s characteristic dishes and desserts, contributing to the promotion of the region’s culinary heritage.

Participants in the Open Farm programme can also be found on the gastronomic map. The programme aims to bring visitors closer to rural farms and offer insight into agricultural activities and food production processes. Participating partners welcome visitors by prior appointment, providing an opportunity to discover the daily life of farms first-hand. The Open Farm programme strives to ensure high-quality and safe visitor experiences while contributing to the promotion of Harghita County’s gastronomic and agrotourism assets.

The map’s thematic routes offer a variety of ways to discover Harghita County’s natural, cultural and gastronomic values. These routes include experiences related to local flavours and ingredients, as well as programmes showcasing the region’s natural treasures and traditions. These thematic experiences help visitors discover the diversity of Harghita County beyond the usual tourist routes.

The platform also features the county’s annual gastronomic events. The selection includes, among others, events such as the Famous Lăzarea Cabbage Fair and Festival, the Carpathian Basin Pig Slaughtering Festival and Taste of Transylvania.

The initiative is closely linked to the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. Through the gastronomic map, the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) aims to make the diverse gastronomic offerings of Harghita County and its surroundings more accessible and easier for visitors to explore. The initiative contributes to promoting the region’s gastronomic values, increasing the visibility of thematic experiences and strengthening gastronomic tourism, in line with the ambition that will see Harghita County hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027.

The partners of the Harghita County – European Region of Gastronomy 2027 programme are Borsec Mineral Water (Romaqua Group) and Hamm.ro.

European Region of Gastronomy

The European Regions of Gastronomy (candidates and awardees), selected and managed by IGCAT, aim to contribute to improving the quality of life of their citizens by raising awareness of the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness, while:

  • encouraging creativity and gastronomic innovation;
  • nourishing the minds of children and adults through culinary education;
  • improving the standards of sustainable tourism;
  • strengthening circular economies in both urban and rural environments;
  • supporting the well-being and health of communities and the environment.

IGCAT grants the award with the support of international and European institutions. The regions also join the global platform of awarded and candidate Gastronomy Regions in order to promote long-term benefits, increase their international visibility and support knowledge sharing.

The European Region of Gastronomy title recognises communities (cities, counties, regions, islands or countries) that place strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage through community cooperation and in the spirit of sustainable development. Particular importance is attached to preserving and protecting local food, beverages, agricultural products, as well as cultural and natural assets.

The title is a recognition that promotes the achievements, programmes, community cooperation and responses to future challenges of the respective region on a broad scale; however, it does not involve any financial prize.

Members of the Harghita County Consortium:

  • Harghita County Council
  • Harghita Community Development Association
  • Csíkszereda (Miercurea Ciuc) City Hall
  • Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc) City Hall
  • Gyergyószentmiklós (Gheorgheni) City Hall
  • Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organisations
  • Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc Faculty
  • Páva KulinarIQum Association
  • Boro Info
  • Székely Konyha és Kert
  • Association of Hospitality Businesses in Csík
  • Pro Economica Foundation