Hungary Food: Paprika!
One of the main factors in deciding where to travel is undoubtedly the country’s gastronomy, especially for a foodie. I always like to taste new dishes and discover new recipes, the more exotic, the better. Thus, I’ve felt the obligation to do research a relatively unknown country to me, Hungary.
Just to confirm the idea that there are numerous exquisite dishes and who knows, it’s better to know what to order in I'm going to spend a couple of days somewhere in Hungary exploring the food scene. During my research, I have found that one of the most typical dishes in Hungary is goulash, which basically consists of stewed meat with spices, mainly, paprika. My mother made a version of if that I absolutely loved. It’s quite easy to prepare as the steps are simple, the only inconvenience is that it requires a long cooking time, so that the meat is tender.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Opinions are always my own and I’ll never promote something I don’t use or believe in. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Three places to get goulash in Budapest:
- Gettó Gulyás – Wesselényi u. 18
- Drum Cafe Budapest – Dob u. 2
- Rose Cafe – Akácfa u. 24
Make Hungarian goulash at home with this recipe from Daring Gourmet.
Another easy and tasty dish anyone can cook at home –in case you want to impress your guests with something unexpected- is what’s called csirke paprikás, which means paprika chicken. It is traditionally made with chicken, onions, and paprika sautéed in lard, thickened with sour cream or heavy cream and served over pasta. It is a hearty and delicious meal.
Three places to get csirke paprikás in Budapest:
- Paprika Vendéglő – Dózsa György út 72
- Paprika Jancsi Restaurant – Ráday u. 16
- Fülemüle Étterem – Kőfaragó u. 5
Make Hungarian Chicken Paprikash at home with this recipe from Daring Gourmet.
Hungary is also known for its soups. For example újházi tyúkhúsleves, a chicken soup with peas, mushrooms, carrots, and pasta. Or goulash (yes, it’s the same name as the stew), it just depends on how thick you cook it; this time it refers to a thick soup made with small meat cubes with potatoes and “csipetke.”
Three places to get újházi tyúkhúsleves in Budapest:
- Gettó Gulyás – Wesselényi u. 18
- Drum Cafe Budapest – Dob u. 2
- Rose Cafe – Akácfa u. 24
Make Hungarian újházi tyúkhúsleves at home with this recipe from Daring Gourmet.
As you may have noticed, it's not the best place to visit if you don't like paprika, but if you love it, this is your dream place. Now let’s have a look at the sweet side, as they have a taste for desserts as well. If you are a chocolate fan, you’ll love Gundel Palacsinta, filled with nuts and chocolate sauce. And if you prefer something lighter, you can have a thin, light, sweet delicate, crispy cookie called piskóta.
Make Hungarian Gundel Palacsinta chocolate dessert at home with this recipe from Diplomatic Kitchen.
Let’s not forget a very important part of Hungarian richness: the wine, which can be the ideal purchase and accompaniment to any meal you might cook or enjoy.
How about you? Have you been to Budapest and experienced any of its food?
Great post, Andi, and thanks so much for the links <3 We just got back from a trip to Brittany and I've really been enjoying your recent posts covering the area – visually beautiful and so informative. Your photography is absolutely STUNNING!