There are so many wonderful reasons to visit Hungary. From its magical capital, Budapest, and its many thermal baths to the city of Veszprém which was recently named one of three cultural capitals of Europe for 2023! Hungary is a country that deserves a place on your travel bucket list. Whether it’s beautiful landscapes, breathtaking architecture or fascinating history you seek, Hungary has it all! However, one of the things you may not immediately consider a selling point is Hungarian cuisine. While everyone knows goulash, there are so many more delicious Hungarian dishes and treats to choose from.
Expat Explore has put together a list of must-try Hungarian dishes:
1. Goulash
Ok, we know we just said Hungarian cuisine is more than goulash but we still had to mention this hearty, beloved stew! It is Hungary’s national dish after all. Goulash, or gulyás, is made with meat (pork, beef, lamb or veal), paprika, onion and potatoes. You’ll find that not all goulash is the same and different regions have different methods of preparing it. It’s also a very easy and affordable dish to recreate at home if you find yourself missing Hungary post-travels!
2. Lángos
Deep-fried flatbread. Are you sold yet? This extremely popular snack is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and often topped with cheese and/or sour cream. Simple, delicious and perfect eaten on-the-go while sightseeing.
3. Somlói Galuska
For those with a sweet tooth, this Hungarian dessert is not to be missed! This sweet treat is a sort of trifle made with three layers of sponge cake (each a different flavour), custard and rum-soaked raisins. To finish it off, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce is added on top!
4. Chicken Paprikash
Paprika is a vital part of Hungarian cuisine. This complex, flavourful spice is used in many of Hungary’s most beloved dishes, including goulash and chicken paprikash (Csirke Paprikás). Chicken paprikash gets its enticing reddish-orange colour from the generous serving of paprika as well as tomatoes and sweet peppers. It is usually served with dumpling-like bread noodles (similar to German späztle) making it a filling, hearty delight!
Related: Along with its cuisine, here are some more reasons to visit Budapest, Hungary’s gorgeous capital city.
5. Bukta
This ancient dessert is a popular breakfast item in Hungary. While it originated in Bohemia, bukta in various forms, and under various names, is eaten in many parts of eastern Europe. Essentially, bukta are sweet rolls made with yeast dough and filled with various items. Bukta filled with jam are popular west of the Danube whereas dill curd-filled bukta are more widely eaten in the Great Plain region.
6. Fisherman’s Soup
Hungarian winters are not for the faint of heart. Temperatures below -10℃ are not uncommon in Budapest and the village of Zabar is so icy that it’s known as the Hungarian Siberia! One of the best ways to warm up is with a bowl of fisherman’s soup (halászlé). Once again, paprika is a star ingredient of this dish which comprises a variety of river fish. Common types of fish used include carp, catfish and perch.
7. Hortobagyi Palacsinta (meat crêpes)
Crêpes or pancakes aren’t usually eaten for breakfast in Hungary. Rather, thin pancakes are stuffed with meat and eaten as a savoury meal! To make the filling, minced meat is flavoured with onions, paprika (of course), tomato and garlic. The filled crêpes are then topped with a sauce made out of the leftover meat juice and sour cream!
8. Dobos Torta
Ending off on another sweet note, Dobos torta is one of Hungary’s most famous desserts! This cake will offer a challenge to even the most experienced sugar lovers. With several layers of sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel, it’s a truly indulgent experience! Therefore, it is best shared. The Dobos torta is over 100 years old and was named after renowned confectioner József Dobos. He actually created it to last longer than other 19th-century cakes as refrigerators were not yet common at the time.
Are you feeling Hungary yet? (Sorry, we had to!) Have a look at our tours to Hungary and get ready to taste all of these delicious treats and more!