Moldova's national soup — clear chicken broth with homemade egg noodles and tarragon — is distinguished from every neighbouring country's version by that single herb.
About Zeamă
Moldova's national soup — a clear, intensely flavoured chicken broth made from a whole bird and root vegetables, enriched with homemade egg noodles (tăieței de casă), tarragon and lemon juice; the soup is always served with smântână stirred in at the table; the clarity of the broth and the freshness of the tarragon are the quality markers.
A clear chicken broth from a whole bird simmered with root vegetables, enriched with homemade egg noodles, tarragon and lemon juice. The tarragon distinguishes it from any other Eastern European chicken soup — the anise note gives the broth a freshness that makes it restorative in a specific way.
“A clear chicken broth from a whole bird simmered with root vegetables, enriched with homemade egg noodles, tarragon and lemon juice.”
Homemade egg noodles (tăieței de casă) made fresh and added in the last minutes so they cook in the broth without becoming starchy.
What to Expect
The zeamă arrives in a deep bowl, the broth clear and pale gold, the noodles silky and soft. The tarragon is fresh and slightly anise-forward. The lemon juice is added at the table.
Why Try It
Zeamă is Moldovan home cooking's most honest expression — nothing hidden, nothing complicated, just clean flavour.
Insider Tips
- The tarragon must be fresh — dried tarragon produces a dusty, medicinal flavour.
- Drink the broth first before eating the noodles.
- Add the lemon juice at the table, not during cooking.
