Authentic flavors from a sun-kissed Romanian region earn global recognition.
At the 2025 edition of the World Food Gift Challenge, organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), Romania’s Moș Iosif was awarded “Best Tasting” for its exceptional artisanal meat gift box—a tribute to the multicultural culinary heritage of Dobrogea.
Situated between the Danube River and the Black Sea, Dobrogea is home to more than 15 ethnic communities, including Tatars, Armenians, Romanians, Lipovans, and Turks. This rich cultural blend is beautifully reflected in Moș Iosif’s selection of four handcrafted cured meats, all made with 100% natural ingredients, without additives, using traditional methods such as firewood smoking and natural maturation.
The award-winning box includes:
- Tatar Ghiudem – a protected traditional product made from beef and lamb, seasoned with garlic and coriander, matured for 21 days and smoked over hardwood;
- Armenian-style Beef Pastrami – matured for 46 days, deeply aromatic and full of character;
- Smoked Duck Breast Pastrami – marinated with herbs and spices, then slow-smoked for depth and softness;
- And Babic sticks, spicy and savory, completing the regional journey of taste.
The products are vacuum-sealed for freshness and presented in a reusable picnic-style basket—practical, sustainable, and ideal for gatherings under the sun. The packaging reflects the same care as the contents: elegant, eco-conscious, and rooted in function.
Each item reflects a deep connection to place. The meats are sourced locally, and the recipes are passed down through generations—echoes of Dobrogea’s ethnic mosaic. It’s a culinary snapshot of a region where traditions coexist and evolve.
The “Best Tasting” award not only recognizes superior craftsmanship and flavor, but also celebrates Moș Iosif’s role in preserving and sharing Dobrogea’s edible heritage—one bite, one basket, one story at a time.
