Study In Hungary - Hungarian cuisine (2024)

Hungarian cuisine

To fulfil the living-abroad experience you must give it a go and try the very delicious and diverse Hungarian cuisine.

Hungarian cooking is actually quite difficult to define. It tends to use paprika, black pepper, several different spices and often onion. Traditional Hungarian dishes are primarily based on meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh bread, dairy products, cheeses and fruits.

Study In Hungary - Hungarian cuisine (1)

In Hungary, a typical breakfast may consist of fresh bread, cold sausage type minced meat products (such as kolbász or szalámi), some vegetables or jam. Lunch is the main meal of the day, usually consisting of three courses: soup is followed by a main dish and a dessert.

We are quite sure that you have already heard of the famous Hungarian gulyás soup. The soup was accredited as a hungaricum in 2017 although it has been well-known for a long time by many international people coming to the country. It is made from vegetables and beef but also can be made in a vegetarian version. Another typical national food is fisherman's soup called “halászlé”, a soup of paprika-spiced broth and thick cuts of river fish. Since Hungary has the river Tisza, the river Danube and several lakes, it is easy to get fresh, tasty fish. For hot summer days, light fruit soups are also great.

We couldn’t make this list without mentioning “lángos” which is a platesized sheet of fried dough that is usually smothered with sour cream and cheese, the popular stuffed cabbage called “töltött káposzta”, which is large leaves of cabbage, stuffed with meat and rice, cooked and then smothered with sour cream (yes, we love sour cream) or the well-known “lecsó”, the paprika vegetable stew of onions, tomatoes and peppers with variations including sausage and egg.

Study In Hungary - Hungarian cuisine (2)

If you prefer sweet foods, try the Hungarian Dobos cake, a chocolate butter-cream-layered sponge cake, topped with crystallised caramel and covered on the edges with nuts, or the incredibly popular Túró Rudi, a dark chocolate bar filled with sweetened cottage cheese, available in different flavours or with jam fillings as well. Desserts often contain different fruits or jams since Hungary has internationally famous vineyards and orchards full of apples, pears, plums and other fruits.

If you feel like having a drink after a good meal, taste one of the fine Hungarian wines. Hungary has 22 wine regions, the most well-known among foreigners are the Tokaj, Villány, Balaton Highland and Eger regions, but it is also worth visiting other regions for their special local wines. If you like shots, you should not miss the famous Unicum and pálinka, either.

Typical dishes you should try while in Hungary:
gulyásleves (goulash soup), húsleves (meat soup), halászlé (fish soup), hideg meggyleves (cold sourcherry soup),Jókai bableves (bean soup Jókai style), Hortobágyi palacsinta (pancake filled withmeat), túrós csusza(pasta with cottage cheese), töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), pörkölt(stew made of different kinds ofmeat), lecsó (stewed onions, tomatoes and peppers), paprikáskrumpli (potatoes with paprika), mákos guba (dumplings with poppy seed), szilvás gombóc (dumplings filled with plum), Dobos torta (chocolate cake with a special caramel top on it), rétes (strudel), szaloncukor (special Christmas sweet), bejgli (Christmas cake filled a with walnut or poppy seed filling), túró rudi (sweet curd bar coated with chocolate), lángos (Hungarian fried bread), pogácsa (small savoury biscuits) and the list is endless in fact.
Study In Hungary - Hungarian cuisine (3)

If you want to try out some Hungarian recipes,visit the following websites:
https://hu.pinterest.com/explore/hungarian-recipes/

Study In Hungary - Hungarian cuisine (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous Hungarian food? ›

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.

What is a typical Hungarian breakfast? ›

In Hungary, a typical breakfast may consist of fresh bread, cold sausage type minced meat products (such as kolbász or szalámi), some vegetables or jam.

What did Hungarians eat before paprika? ›

Before paprika, ancient Hungarian cooks used dill, horseradish, marjoram, rosemary, sage, and wild mushrooms. Hungary's climate is very favorable for growing paprika; our country is a leading producer of this spice.

What is the national dish of Hungary? ›

Hungary's national dish

Gulyás, known to English speakers as goulash, is a spicy meat stew containing lots of paprika pepper. Originally, it was eaten by the country's cattle herders and stockmen.

What is the national drink of Hungary? ›

The national drink of Hungary is Pálinka and Unicum.

What is the national soup of Hungary? ›

Goulash (Hungarian: gulyás) is a soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. Originating in Hungary, goulash is a common meal predominantly eaten in Central Europe but also in other parts of Europe. It is one of the national dishes of Hungary and a symbol of the country.

What do Hungarians say before eating? ›

“Enjoy your meal!” Hungarians always say 'jó étvágyat” to each other before they start devouring their meal. A számlát kérem! “The bill, please!” Common term for getting the bill in a bar or restaurant. Don't forget to check if the tip is included.

Do Hungarians drink tea or coffee? ›

Hungarians drink kávé (coffee) throughout the day, either in coffeehouses or less seldom in standup coffee bars. The menus in a number of coffee shops have expanded greatly. In general, when ordering coffee in Hungary, you are still ordering espresso.

What is the food etiquette in Hungary? ›

Table manners are formal in Hungary. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. The hostess will wish the guests a hearty appetite at the start of each course. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.

What is the national spice of Hungary? ›

Hungary is a major source of paprika, and it is the spice most closely associated with Hungary. The spice was first used in Hungarian cuisine in the early 19th century.

Do Hungarians eat garlic? ›

Hungarian cuisine is well-known for paprika, black pepper, onion, and garlic. Although traditional Hungarian dishes are primarily based on meats and dairy products, the country offers a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year thanks to its excellent geographical location.

What is a typical Hungarian dinner? ›

Traditional Hungarian dishes are primarily based on meats, seasonal vegetables, fruits, bread, and dairy products. Pörkölt which means stew in English. Hortobágyi palacsinta, a savoury crêpe filled with meat. Chicken paprikash (csirkepaprikás) simmered in thick creamy paprika sauce with homemade pasta called nokedli.

What time is dinner in Hungary? ›

#6 - In Hungary, people usually eat dinner between 7 and 9 p.m. and it's the main meal of the day.

What drink is Budapest known for? ›

1. Pálinka. Pálinka, which is perhaps one of the best-known Hungaric*ms (uniquely Hungarian product), has a distinguished status in Hungarian culture and gastronomy. Pálinka is an extremely strong fruit brandy, fermented, distilled and matured in a unique way.

What is the most popular snack in Hungary? ›

1. Lángos. Lángos is a true Hungarian speciality you must try. The very first bite of this golden fried dough will be a blast of flavours.

What is Hungary best known for? ›

Hungary is well-known for its wealth of thermal and mineral water sources. It is often called the land of waters, and the thermal lakes and baths attract thousands of tourists to the country throughout the whole year.

What's the difference between goulash and paprikash? ›

Both paprikash and goulash are paprika-based stews, but goulash is made with beef and vegetables, while paprikash is most typically made with chicken. Recipes vary, but goulash is usually not thickened with flour like paprikash is, and goulash typically isn't enriched with cream or sour cream.

What is a typical breakfast in Budapest? ›

Traditional Hungarian breakfast. It can vary depending on seasons or whether we fancy cold or hot breakfast. A delicious pastry with a nice artisan coffee is always a great option, but cured meets, toast, jams, cheeses, many different forms of eggs are all on the list of the locals' favourites.

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