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20 Foods to try in Hungary

Starr Wlodarski




Hungary is filled with history and culture, from its colorful cities to beautiful riverside towns. But one of the most exciting aspects of visiting Hungary is indulging in the local fare.

From hearty stews to sweet treats, there are plenty of delicious traditional dishes for you to try as you explore this stunning destination.

To help water your mouth, here's our list of 20 must-try foods when traveling through Hungary!

1. Gulyás

Also known as Goulash, Hungary's national dish has been satisfying taste buds for over a thousand years. Made from a meat stew with noodles, it features cubes of succulent beef or pork slow-cooked with onions and paprika for an unbeatable aroma. Add in tomatoes for sweetness and caraway seeds for a nutty flavor. Additional variations include potatoes, peppers, or spicy chilis to give this hearty meal a bit of a kick!


2. Kolbász

Hungarians have perfected the art of sausage-making, and each region has its unique recipe. Kolbász can take many forms - boiled, dried, or smoked - and can be eaten on its own or as an accompaniment to any main dish or stew. These Hungarian delicacies boast an expert blend of paprika, garlic, pepper, nutmeg, and various regional spices, making every bite truly unforgettable.


3. Paprikás

Let us introduce you to the culinary gem of Hungary - Paprikás! You’ll find it in various forms: spiced, powdered, sauteed, or even stuffed. It is essential for any traditional Hungarian dish.


4. Lecsó

Hungary is renowned for its delicious soups, and this Hungarian version of vegetable soup won’t disappoint. It consists of tomatoes, red and green peppers, onions, lard, salt, sugar, and paprika.


5. Jókai bean soup

Discover the incredible flavor of Jókai bean soup! Named after the 19th-century writer Mor Jókai, this hearty dish features a delicious blend of vinegar with plenty of smoked pork, beans, carrots, sour cream, and parsley root. Perfect for cozy evenings or any day you're craving comfort food!


6. Paprikás Csirke

Chicken Paprikash certainly hits the mark after a long day of sightseeing! It features tenderly stewed chicken legs braised in a velvety rich, creamy red spiced paprika sauce.


7. Újházi chicken broth

Újházi chicken broth contains a whole chicken mixed with carrots, peas, tomatoes, cauliflower, green peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. While this dish is traditionally served at Hungarian weddings, you don’t have to say “I do” to get your hands on this bowl. It is also a favorite among locals.


8. Halászlé

Commonly referred to as Fisherman’s soup, Halászlé is a hot and spicy paprika-based soup composed of fresh fish, shrimp, prawn, and periwinkle. A bowl of this will certainly put a pep in your step, seeing that it’s one of Europe’s spiciest dishes!


9. Lángos

Give in to temptation and treat yourself to langos, the irresistible fried flatbread that will satisfy any craving! Finished with a range of delicious toppings like mashed potatoes, sour cream, yogurt, grated cheese, ham, or sausages -- it's impossible not to indulge.


10. Pörkölts

Another Hungarian favorite, Pörkölt, is a meaty stew slowly simmered with onions in a tomato-based sauce. This savory dish is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings and fill up - enjoy it over a bed of noodles for an even heartier meal!


11. Töltött Káposzta

A healthy wintertime favorite, Töltött Káposzta are stuffed cabbage rolls made from pickled cabbage leaves filled with minced pork meat, sauerkraut, rice, and paprika. They’re traditionally served with sour cream and smoked meat on the side.


12. Rántott Sajt

Who doesn’t like deep-fried cheese?? Rántott Sajt is served as a main dish and is simply thick slices of cheese rolled in breadcrumbs and deep fried. Yum!


13. Túrós Csusza

This authentic Hungarian dish is made by hand using simple ingredients. The noodles are mixed into a dough and torn into small uneven pieces before being dropped into boiling water. Once done, cheese curds and crispy bacon pieces are added and then topped with a creamy Hungarian sour cream before being placed into the oven to broil. This dish is as satisfying as it is comforting.


14. Nokedli

Delight your taste buds with Hungarian nokedli. These drop-dumplings, similar to German spaetzle, are created by grating dough into boiling water. Enjoy them alone or as an accompaniment for goulash and chicken paprikash.


15. Túrógombóc

These heavenly dumplings of curd or cottage cheese will satisfy your sweet tooth. Boiled in water and then coated with buttery breadcrumbs, they're served warm with a sugary sour cream sauce - an utterly delectable experience you won't forget!


16. Dobos torta

Treat your taste buds to a truly unique experience: Hungary's iconic five-layer sponge cake covered in decadent chocolate cream and caramel. Even though it’s imitated around the world, Budapest serves up the traditional Dobos torta!


17. Kürtőskalács

One of the most visually intriguing desserts, Kürtőskalács is a chimney cake spun and wrapped around a truncated cone-shaped baking mold, rolled in sugar, then roasted over charcoal. The sugar caramelizes and creates a shiny, crispy shell. You can eat it like this or add walnuts and cinnamon. Either way, it will no doubt leave everyone wanting more!


18. Rákóczi Túrós

This Hungarian Curd Cheesecake is made of a thin shortcrust pastry, topped with creamy cottage cheese and layers of meringue and apricot jam. Its citrusy sweet notes and contrasting textures make for a delicious treat.


19. Gesztenyepüré

One of Hungary's beloved desserts, this rich and creamy chestnut purée is traditionally served with plenty of whipped cream but can also be made more indulgent by adding some chocolate or cocoa powder plus a splash of rum for good measure!


20. Rétes

One of the most common indulgences, Hungarian strudel, can be served in a variety of ways. Always having a paper-thin layered crust, you can have it filled with sweet fruits or savory meats and cheeses– the perfect remedy for all cravings!


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