Are you curious about travel to Budapest, Hungary? It’s a fantastic and vibrant city to visit, whether by land or by river cruise. Hungary has a long history, which started around 1000 CE when Saint Stephen became the first king.
Hungarian cuisine has been influenced by many cultures over the centuries, contributing to a delicious fusion of flavors! Let's dig in!
If you didn't know, Hungarian paprika is the known as the world’s best and highest quality, vibrant red with deep sweet or smoky flavor. Thankfully they use paprika in many of their dishes. If you are lucky enough to visit, you’re in for a culinary treat, with an array of hearty and flavorful dishes to savor.
My husband’s side of the family has a strong Hungarian heritage, and I often cooked his favorites from a traditional cookbook over the years. I could not wait to try the ‘real thing' when I was finally able to visit Budapest myself.
Here are some of my favorite Hungarian Foods:
Goulash (Gulyás Leves):
This iconic Hungarian dish is a hearty soup made with tender beef, onions, paprika, and other spices, served hot. Soak up the last of the richness with a slice of crusty bread, always served alongside. It’s fantastic in all seasons and easily found at restaurants like Café Vian, which you can find throughout Budapest.
Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke):
This is hands-down our favorite Hungarian meal to cook at home, and I searched out this dish many times during our Budapest vacation (for competitive purposes)! Succulent chicken cooked in a creamy sour-cream sauce flavored with onions, garlic, and generous amounts of paprika, served with dumplings (a homemade type of noodle), showcasing Hungary's best spice. Top this with more sour cream and...just wow.
Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposzta):
THE classic Hungarian dish – soft cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This is a comforting and satisfying meal. The version at Hungarikum Biztro Restaurant was rich and delicious.
We finished with a sweet and slightly tart slice of apricot cottage cheese cake. Make reservations in advance as we saw many disappointed people turned away!
Lecsó (Hungarian Sausage Stew):
Lecsó is a savory Hungarian stew with a delicious blend of smoky, sweet and tangy flavors. Picture juicy sausages, caramelized onions, and ripe peppers simmered together in a rich tomato base. This is a hearty, comforting dish that's both satisfying and delicious. Serve with a side of crusty bread - yum!
Palacsinta:
Hungarian-style crepes filled with sweet or savory fillings. Dessert versions have jam, chocolate, cheese, or ground walnuts. We loved the savory versions, filled with minced meat in a paprika sour cream sauce. Try it with a side of cucumber salad.
We had a delicious version at Pörc & Prézli restaurant, which also has live music featuring a traditional Hungarian instrument. They played the cimbalom, which looks like a large dulcimer, and the music really added to the ambiance. Such a fun experience, I would love to go back!
And they treated us to a glass of pálinka, a strong Hungarian fruit brandy, to finish our meal. Perfect!
Mignon Torta
Hungary has a large selection of delicious pastries. One common type is known as a mignon torta or mignon cake. These are typically made with sponge cake layers, filled with creams, fruits, or jams, and decorated elaborately with frosting, chocolate, or fruit. Enjoy this with a cup of coffee for a sweet treat!
Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake):
This is a traditional Hungarian pastry made from sweet yeast dough wrapped around a wooden cylinder to rise. Then its grilled until golden brown and coated with sugar or cinnamon, offering a delightful, sweet treat. You can find this everywhere, and it’s fun to see the steam come through the center. You can see why it’s called a Chimney cake!
There are so many other foods to try – sausages, langos, cheese, honey and jams, pickled vegetables and much more. Make time to explore Hungarian markets, such as the Great Market Hall in Budapest. These offer a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and an array of spices and condiments.
I hope you want to try some of these dishes yourself. Maybe some of my foodie favorites in Budapest will become yours too, or you will discover new dishes for yourself!
And if you do visit this wonderful city, be sure to buy lots of Hungarian paprika, sweet or smoky, to take home and cook for yourself!
Elvezd (enjoy)!
Want more travel inspiration? Check out 11 Terrific Things to See in Budapest
Keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep making memories.
Deb Pentek
Deb Pentek is the Owner and Travel Advisor of Vacation Memories by Deb, LLC. She is a member of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors and CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association. Born and raised on the east coast, she relocated to the Chicago area with her family. She and her husband have enjoyed traveling with their two (now adult) children, from Disney to Europe and Japan. She and her husband now travel together to check off their never-ending bucket list. Deb's extensive travel has taught her much, and she shares tips and experience with her clients. She strives to create amazing vacation memories to last a lifetime.
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