Hungarian Food

What Are the Local Foods in Hungary?

Hungary is famous for its hearty dishes and strong flavors. With a rich history and influences from nearby cultures, Hungarian food includes more than just the popular goulash. You can find a variety of savory and sweet dishes that will excite your taste buds.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Hungarian Food Products

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

Szegedi Szalámi

Szegedi Szalámi PDO is a salami from Hungary that is protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

Traditional Dishes in Hungary

Traditional Hungarian dishes usually have slow-cooked meats, creamy sauces, and lots of paprika. This spice adds warmth and color to the food.

You can expect to find famous stews and soups, filling main courses, and special desserts. Get ready for a tasty journey through Hungary’s favorite recipes.

Appetizer

Halászlé

Halászlé is a traditional Hungarian fisherman’s soup.

Side Dish

Tócsni

Tócsni or Rösti are traditional Hungarian style potato pancakes.

Nokedli

Nokedli is a traditional Hungarian spaetzle noodle. These small wheat dumplings are typically served with beef stew and paprikash chicken.

Main Course

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian goulash is a key dish in Hungarian cuisine. It is a filling meal that mixes tender meat, vegetables, and a rich broth made with paprika. This popular stew shows what Eastern European comfort food is all about. There are different types, including beef, pork, or even venison. Goulash is often served with a side of nokedli, which are Hungarian dumplings, or with a slice of bread. Every spoonful of goulash is full of warmth and flavor. Its taste goes beyond Hungary, exciting food lovers everywhere with its tasty and comforting qualities.

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash is a classic dish made with tender chicken cooked in a delicious paprika sauce.

Dessert

Dobos Torte

Dobos torte, also referred to as Dobosh, is a traditional Hungarian sponge cake that consists of multiple layers filled with chocolate buttercream and finished with a caramel glaze.

Sour Cherry Soup

Sour cherry soup is a chilled, slightly sweet dish made with sour cream, sugar, and fresh sour cherries. It originates from Hungarian cuisine and is a summer delicacy in many European countries.

Rákóczi Túrós

Rákóczi Túrós is an iconic túró cake name after János Rákóczi.

Gundel Palacsinta

A Gundel crêpe (Gundel palacsinta) is a type of pancake from Hungary. It was first made by Károly Gundel, who filled it with ground walnuts, raisins, and rum. The crêpe is served flambéed in a dark chocolate sauce containing egg yolks, heavy cream, and cocoa.

Street Food

Lángos

Lángos is a popular street food in Hungary. It is a deep-fried dough that is topped with sour cream and cheese. Another tasty option is Kürtőskalács. This sweet chimney cake has sugar and nuts on it. Then, there is Kolbice, which are Hungarian sausages served in a cone. You can add different toppings to these savory treats. If you enjoy sweets, try Flódni. It is a layered pastry filled with poppy seeds, apples, and walnuts. These street foods show the best of Hungarian cuisine in every bite.

FAQs About Hungarian Food

What is the most beginner-friendly Hungarian dish to cook?

Goulash soup is an easy Hungarian dish for beginners to make. It has a tasty flavor and is simple to cook. This dish helps you learn about the special flavors of paprika and sour cream in Hungarian cuisine.

Can vegetarian options be found in Hungarian cuisine?

In Hungarian cuisine, there are vegetarian choices. You can enjoy dishes like lecso, a stew made with peppers and tomatoes. There’s also túrós csusza, which is noodles with cottage cheese. Palacsinta, or crepes, is another tasty option. Traditional meals can be changed to fit vegetarian tastes.

What are some must-try Hungarian desserts?

Enjoy the sweet taste of Hungary with famous desserts like Dobos Torte, Somlói Galuska, and Kürtőskalács. These sweet treats mix different flavors and textures. They show the rich food culture of Hungary.

How do I choose a good paprika for cooking?

When choosing paprika for Hungarian dishes, pick between sweet, hot, or smoked types based on the taste you want. Check for bright color and a fresh smell to make sure it’s good quality. Think about how spicy you want your recipe to be.