"This is real Transylvanian stuff," said Radu Sirbu, who sells the twisted-looking cakes, called Kürtőskalács, from his food truck this holiday. "Of course, I'm going to be dressed as Dracula." His commitment to authenticity ties his culinary offerings directly to his heritage, as he brings a traditional family recipe from Romania to New York City during Halloween.
Sirbu, who has been making the cakes for more than a decade in his mobile Twister Cakes Bakery, adapts them for Halloween by dusting them with bat and pumpkin sprinkles. The cakes, known for their hollow shape, have been so popular that customers have waited up to three hours to try them, showcasing the intersection of cultural traditions and modern food trends.
"A lot of people first ask 'what is this?'" Sirbu noted, emphasizing that many customers discover his stand at food festivals. He has built a local following through word-of-mouth, with social media playing a significant role in attracting new customers and helping to create a community around his food.
"Social media is also a big role [in the business]," he said. "[Customers] then come back, they bring their friends. That's how I grow." This highlights the importance of digital platforms in reaching wider audiences and fostering an engaged customer base.
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