By Soren Rivero
Combining influences from parts of the East and the West as well as a rich culinary heritage, Hungarian cuisine offers a diverse array of dishes that reflect the country's history and diversity.
If you're on a Budapest vacation or traveling anywhere else in Hungary, be sure to try these 10 delicious Hungarian dishes.
Chicken Paprikash
One of Hungary’s most beloved comfort foods is Chicken Paprikash, a dish that features tender chicken smothered in a rich, paprika-infused gravy. You’ll often see this dish served alongside egg noodles or dumplings. The real star of the dish is the flavorful sauce, which gets its signature taste and aroma from paprika (a spice that is very special to Hungarian cuisine).
Hortobágyi Palacsinta
Spend a few days in Hungary and you’ll realize that the country’s cuisine is not only delicious and satisfying, but very creative. Hortobágyi Palacsinta, or stuffed pancakes, is an excellent example of the ingenuity of Hungarian cuisine: meat (usually chicken or veal) is mixed together with onions, paprika, and other spices, and stuffed into a pancake. After being baked, they are then covered with a creamy paprika sauce and served hot.
Túrós Csusza
Comfort food is at the heart of Hungarian cuisine, Túrós Csusza being no exception. This dish combines egg noodles with cheese curds and bacon, then seasoned with black pepper and paprika. Not only is this dish frequently savored by locals, it's one of the most popular Hungarian dishes to try amongst visitors.
Lángos
Hearty comfort food isn’t all that Hungarian is known for, as the country also has a plethora of unique street food items worthy of a chef’s kiss. First up on the list are Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re great on their own, but are typically paired with sour cream, garlic, and onion. Try this Hungarian street food for a quick and savory treat that satisfies cravings and leaves you wanting more!
Stuffed Peppers
Witness Hungary’s commitment to bold and flavorful cuisine by tasting Töltött Paprika (Stuffed Peppers). Töltött Paprika starts with fresh bell peppers that are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and various spices. The peppers are then simmered in a tomato-based sauce until tender. Using farm-to-fork, simple ingredients, this hearty meal will leave your tastebuds happy and your stomach full.
Fisherman's Soup
Craving some seafood? You’ve got to get your hands (and your taste buds) on some Halászlé (Fisherman’s Soup). Made from a variety of freshwater fish, paprika, and other spices, this spicy soup is sure to entice you with its complex flavor profile. Fisherman’s Soup is typically made in large cauldrons meant to sustain more than a handful of people. Pair this with a slice of bread for a bold taste of Hungary’s seafood!
Goulash
The quintessential Hungarian stew, Goulash, is something you absolutely cannot miss. The well-known, robust flavor of this hearty stew gets its flavor from, you guessed it, paprika and peppers. Prepared in a cauldron over an open flame, the stew is then mixed with slow-cooked beef, onions, and sometimes other vegetables. Add a side of nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) and treat your soul to a comforting dish that captures the essence of Hungarian home cooking.
Chimney Cake
After all this hearty food, you can’t help but crave something sweet. Hungary doesn’t shy away from an abundance of sweet treats to try. Start off by indulging in Kürtőskalács, otherwise known as chimney cake. This delicious treat is made by wrapping sweet dough around a cylindrical mold and baking it until golden brown and crispy, with a caramelized exterior and fluffy interior. Depending on where you buy chimney cake, the pastry may come topped with cinnamon, sugar, nuts, or coconut.
Somlói Galuska
Hungary’s region of Somló is known for more than just producing wine. The region was the inspiration for the next dessert on our list: Somlói Galuska. If you’ve got a real sweet tooth, this multi-layered blend of sponge cake, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and nuts will more than satisfy your cravings.
Dobos Torte
Similar to Somlói Galuska, Dobos Torte is a multi-layered cake made from a base of sponge cake, separated by chocolate buttercream, then encased in a hard caramel layer. The dessert gets its name from its creator, József C. Dobos, and is a timeless dessert mostly enjoyed on special occasions.
