Hungary boasts a rich culinary heritage, known for its bold flavors, hearty dishes, and unique combinations of spices. If you’re visiting Hungary or looking to explore its gastronomy, there’s no better way to experience its culture than by trying its best dishes. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of the top Hungarian foods and recommend the best restaurants where you can taste them. Plus, with our guided tours, you can visit these iconic eateries and explore Hungary’s vibrant food scene!

Gulyás (Goulash)

Gulyás is perhaps the most famous Hungarian dish, a rich and flavorful soup made with beef, onions, paprika, tomatoes, and vegetables. Traditionally, it was a dish prepared by shepherds in Hungary, but today it’s enjoyed by everyone. The key ingredient, Hungarian paprika, gives the dish its vibrant color and distinctive taste.

Recipe:

    • 500g beef (preferably shank or stew meat)
    • 2 onions
    • 2 cloves of garlic
    • 2 tablespoons paprika (sweet Hungarian paprika)
    • 1 liter beef broth
    • 2 medium potatoes
    • 1 carrot
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Chop the onions and garlic, and sauté them in oil until golden.

Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.

Sprinkle in paprika and stir.

Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, and salt. Simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.

Serve hot with fresh bread or dumplings.

Where to Try:

    • Getto Gulyás, Budapest: Known for serving traditional Hungarian dishes with a modern twist, Getto Gulyás is the perfect spot to try an authentic goulash. Table reservation.
    • Paprika, Budapest: Located near the city center, this restaurant is a popular choice for both locals and tourists, serving excellent goulash made with top-quality ingredients. Table reservation.

Pörkölt

Pörkölt is a savory meat stew, similar to goulash but with a thicker sauce. It’s made with beef, pork, or chicken, and it’s flavored with paprika, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. It’s often served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) or rice.

Recipe:

    • 500g pork or beef
    • 2 onions
    • 2 cloves of garlic
    • 2 tablespoons paprika
    • 1 bell pepper
    • 1 tomato
    • Salt, pepper, and oil for cooking

Preparation:

Chop the onions and sauté them until soft.

Add the meat and brown it on all sides.

Stir in paprika, diced tomatoes, and bell pepper.

Add water to cover the meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1.5-2 hours.

Serve with nokedli or rice.

Where to Try:

    • Fakanál Restaurant, Budapest: Fakanál specializes in traditional Hungarian comfort food, and their pörkölt is a must try. Table reservation.
    • Borkonyha Winekitchen, Budapest: For a refined take on Hungarian pörkölt, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an elevated version of the dish that pairs perfectly with Hungarian wines. Table reservation.

Hortobágyi Palacsinta (Hortobágy Pancake)

This is a savory dish made with thin pancakes filled with a spicy meat filling, usually made from veal or chicken, then rolled up and baked with a creamy paprika sauce. It’s a beloved Hungarian dish, often served as a starter or main course.

Recipe:

    • 4 large pancakes
    • 300g veal or chicken breast
    • 1 onion
    • 1 bell pepper
    • 2 tablespoons paprika
    • 100ml sour cream
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the veal or chicken with onions and peppers until tender.

Stir in paprika, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few more minutes.

Spread the filling inside the pancakes and roll them up.

Place the pancakes in a baking dish, cover with a creamy paprika sauce (sour cream mixed with paprika), and bake for 20 minutes.

Where to Try:

    • Korhely, Budapest: This restaurant is famous for its Hungarian dishes, and their Hortobágyi palacsinta is a crowd favorite. Table reservation.
    • Getto Gulyás, Budapest: Getto Gulyás serves delicious variations of classic Hungarian dishes, including Hortobágyi palacsinta. Table reservation.

Lángos

Lángos is a popular street food in Hungary—deep-fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, cheese, or even ham and sausages. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect snack or meal.

Recipe:

    • 500g flour
    • 25g yeast
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 200ml warm water
    • 2 tablespoons oil

Preparation:

Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and warm water to make the dough.

Let the dough rise for 1 hour.

Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into circles.

Fry the dough in hot oil until golden brown.

Top with garlic, sour cream, and cheese (or your preferred toppings).

Where to Try:

    • Lángos Land, Budapest: At Lángos Land, you’ll find the classic crispy lángos, mouthwatering stuffed lángos, giant hot sandwiches, sausages, and fresh hake! Table reservation.
    • Lángos Papa, Budapest: Famous for its delicious and authentic lángos, this place is a must-visit for anyone craving this classic Hungarian treat. Table reservation.

Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage)

This is a winter favorite in Hungary, consisting of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, rice, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Recipe:

    • 1 large cabbage
    • 500g minced pork
    • 1 cup rice
    • 1 onion
    • 2 tablespoons paprika
    • 1 liter tomato juice

      Preparation:

      Blanch the cabbage leaves to soften them.

      Mix the minced pork, rice, onion, and paprika to make the filling.

      Roll the filling in the cabbage leaves, making tight rolls.

      Place the rolls in a pot, cover with tomato juice, and simmer for 2 hours.

      Where to Try:

        • Rézkakas bistro, Budapest:

          The Rézkakas Bistro is the perfect venue where traditional Hungarian flavors meet modern culinary artistry. The stuffed cabbage is particularly outstanding, prepared using a recipe passed down through generations. Table reservation.

        • Kéhli Vendéglő, Budapest: The Kéhli Tavern in Óbuda has been preserving the atmosphere of bygone days for nearly 125 years, where traditional Hungarian cuisine, quality wines, and warm hospitality come together. Table reservation.

      Explore Hungarian Cuisine with Us

      If you’re eager to try these traditional Hungarian dishes, hire a coach from us. We will take you to the best local restaurants where you can enjoy these dishes fresh and authentic. Whether you’re visiting Budapest for the first time or looking to explore deeper into Hungary’s food culture, our tours offer a unique culinary experience. Discover the flavors, the history, and the charm of Hungarian cuisine with us!

      Conclusion
      Hungarian food is rich, flavorful, and full of tradition. From hearty stews like goulash and pörkölt to savory pancakes and street food like lángos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to visit these top restaurants in Budapest, and if you’d like, let us guide you to these delicious spots on a tour. Experience the best of Hungarian cuisine, and take home unforgettable memories of both food and culture!

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