Often dubbed as Romanian pretzels, covrigi are prepared with leavened dough that is twisted into the shape of a pretzel. Before they are baked, covrigi are usually sprinkled with salt, sesame, or poppy seeds, while modern variations also include various fillings such as cheese, jams, fruit, chocolate, or walnuts.

In Dobrogea, the local version often incorporates pieces of chopped olives and raisins. Covrigi are usually enjoyed as street food and are mainly sold at street kiosks (covrigarie).