Food in Hungary

Hungary, a gem in the heart of Europe, beckons travelers with its fascinating history, thermal baths, and a vibrant culinary scene that reflects a rich cultural heritage. Hungarian cuisine is a hearty celebration of flavors, with a repertoire that extends far beyond the globally known Goulash. As a traveler in Hungary, you'll be treated to an array of dishes that boast a complexity of tastes, each telling a story of the nation's past. From the spice of paprika to the indulgence of sweet pastries, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave your palate craving more. Here's a guide to Hungarian specialties that should not be missed on your next visit.

Hungarian Dishes

Gulyás (Goulash)

Perhaps the most iconic Hungarian dish, Gulyás is a hearty stew made with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and seasoned with paprika and other spices. Originally a meal for herdsmen, it has become a national symbol of Hungary, with each region having its own variation of the recipe.

Pörkölt

Pörkölt is a rich meat stew similar to Goulash but without the addition of vegetables and with a thicker sauce. It is prepared with onions, Hungarian paprika, tomatoes, and green peppers, and is typically served with egg noodles called nokedli.

Halászlé (Fisherman's Soup)

A spicy fish soup that originated from fishermen along the Danube and Tisza rivers, Halászlé is prepared with river fish, such as carp or catfish, and a generous amount of paprika, giving it a fiery red color. It's often enjoyed during Christmas.

Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

This comforting dish consists of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, rice, onions, and seasoned with paprika and other spices. The rolls are slow-cooked in sauerkraut with smoked meat and often served with a dollop of sour cream.

Lecsó

Lecsó is a thick vegetable ragout or stew which includes onions, peppers, tomatoes, and seasoned with paprika. It's often served as a main dish with bread or as a side, and can include sausage or eggs for a heartier version.

Jókai Bableves (Bean Soup à la Jókai)

Named after the famous Hungarian writer Mór Jókai, this rich bean soup contains smoked pork, sausage, sour cream, and often topped with a spoonful of csipetke (pinched noodles).

Töltött Paprika (Stuffed Peppers)

Peppers stuffed with a mix of ground meat, rice, onions, and paprika, then simmered in a tomato sauce, is a simple yet popular Hungarian dish. It’s typically served with sour cream on top.

Rántott Sajt

A favorite snack or appetizer, Rántott Sajt is deep-fried breaded cheese, often served with tartar sauce or a side of rice or potatoes.

Disznótoros

A traditional pork feast, Disznótoros includes various Hungarian sausages, black pudding, liver, and crispy pork rinds. It is a celebration of the pig slaughter and a showcase of Hungarian charcuterie skills.

Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)

Originating from Transylvania, this sweet, spiral-shaped pastry is a popular street food in Hungary. The dough is wrapped around a wooden cylinder, coated with sugar and butter, and baked over an open flame until its surface caramelizes and crisps up.

Hungarian Desserts

Somlói Galuska

This indulgent dessert is a trifle made with sponge cake, chocolate sauce, rum-soaked raisins, walnuts, and topped with whipped cream. It's a decadent treat often found in Hungarian restaurants.

Dobos Torte

A famous Hungarian cake, Dobos Torte consists of thin layers of sponge cake, chocolate buttercream, and topped with a hard caramel glaze. It's known for its distinctive round shape and caramel topping.

Rétes (Strudel)

Hungarian strudel comes in sweet and savory varieties, with fillings such as apple, sour cherry, cottage cheese, or cabbage. The paper-thin pastry is rolled with the filling and baked until crisp.

Eszterházy Torte

This delicate cake is made up of thin layers of almond meringue and a rich buttercream, often flavored with cognac or vanilla. The top is decorated with a characteristic chocolate striped pattern.

Palacsinta

Similar to French crêpes, Hungarian Palacsinta are thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as jam, cottage cheese, or meat. Sweet versions are often served with powdered sugar or chocolate sauce.

Gesztenyepüré (Chestnut Puree)

A simple yet elegant dessert, Gesztenyepüré is made of sweetened chestnut puree, topped with whipped cream and sometimes rum. It's a comforting treat especially popular in the colder months.

Mákos Guba

This dessert is an old Hungarian bread pudding made with poppy seeds, honey or sugar, and sometimes walnuts. It is typically eaten around Christmas time.

Túró Rudi

A beloved Hungarian snack, Túró Rudi is a sweet cheese curd bar coated with a thin layer of dark chocolate. It’s a unique fusion of tangy and sweet, available in various flavors and sizes.