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Budapest Food: 10 Hungarian Dishes to Try in Budapest

Hungary is a state in Central Europe and borders Slovakia to the North. There are a variety of cuisines in the Hungarian community. The most prominent dishes available in the state are the Goulash and Chicken Paprikash. These two dishes are part of the National dishes in the state.

These two dishes are not the only cuisines available. Other dishes include Meat Pancakes, Stuffed Cabbage leaves, and Fisherman`s Soup among others. Most Hungarian dishes incorporate paprika as a spice. It is the most popular spice used in dishes in Hungary.

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1. Goulash (Gulyás)

The Goulash is a dish whose origin can be traced back to the 9^th century. Currently, the dish has grown popular and is impossible to avoid the dish while visiting Hungary.  Goulash is a hearty and warm stew filled with beef, paprika, onions, and potatoes. 

During the 9^th century, the cooked and flavoured meat was dried with the sun and packed into bags produced from sheep`s stomachs. The earlier version of the meal did not use spices however over time spices like paprika were included in the dish.

The benefit of the dish is that it required very affordable ingredients to make it. It is believed that different regions of Hungary make their own versions of the dish however the common ingredient would be meat. Read more about the top halal restaurants in Budapest here.

2.Chicken Paprikash (Csirke Paprikás)

Celldömölk , csirkepaprikás, photo by János Korom Dr.

The Chicken paprikash dish is also a popular dish of Hungary origin. The name is derived from the spice paprika which is commonly used in the region. The dish is regarded as the favourite dish of many, even non-Hungarians.

 The meat is simmered in the paprika-infused roux for a period of time for the flavour to infuse in the meat before cooking. The chicken paprikash tends to be startlingly red and it is all because of the paprika.

Other ingredients of the meal include onions, tomatoes, garlic, and sweet peppers and sour milk is added to make the dish creamier.

The dish required either meat or chicken however chicken Paprikash is mostly preferred. The dish is further filled with dumplings to make it chewier. Read more about top  10 Best Traditional Hungarian Restaurants in Budapest Here.

3.Meat Pancakes (Hortobagyi Palacsinta)

The dish begins with the making of thin pancakes for the filling of the meat. Thereafter a savoury mixture of minced chicken or beef is made into small pieces.

As opposed to other traditions where pancakes are eaten for breakfast, the Meat pancakes are quite different they can be served as a main course meal.

The meat is wrapped with the pancakes like a burrito and later baked in an oven. The Meat pancakes are normally served with a creamy paprika source and a healthy serving of sour cream.

4.Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (Töltött Káposzta)

Holishkes in tomato sauce, photo by Yuval hoffman.

Stuffed cabbage leaves are common cuisines in Central, Northern, Eastern, and southern Europe and not just in Hungary. Meat fillings are traditional and may include lump, pork or beef and seasoned with garlic onions and other spices to add flavour.

As opposed to the meat pancakes the dish uses cabbage leaves as wrappings and not pancakes. The cabbages are picked and cooked before wrapping them around the meat.

The dish varies widely in different cuisines from all over. The dish is most common during the holidays.

5.Pasta With Cottage Cheese (Túrós Csusza) 

Budapest, photo by Christo.

The Túrós Csusza is a traditional savoury curd cheese noodle made with small homemade noodles or pasta. For a cheesy and filling meal, the Túrós Csusza is a recommended dish.

The dish is a very old-fashioned traditional dish made with noodles and cottage cheese or various curd cheeses.  The dish is best enjoyed when the noodles are homemade and small in size. The dish may also be topped up with bacon, sour cream, and salt for more flavours.

6.Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé)

Fisherman soup, photo by Mis3009.

The dish is a hot, spicy paprika-based fish soup. The dish is enjoyed by both locals and tourists. If made right the Fisherman`s Soup can be astoundingly delicious.

The dish is made with fish trimmings and fins simmered with vegetables that include onion, green peppers and tomatoes for about two hours. The dish is thereafter strained and ten minutes before serving, hot paprika, two finger-thick carp fillets, the roe and coral are added to the soup.

Various types of fish may be in this soup. Some of the most common fish include carp, perch, or catfish. The dish is usually bright red because it is rich in paprika.

7. Meat Stew (Pörkölt)

Meat stew, photo by yvonne lee harijanto yvonn3my.

The Pörkölt is a Hungary soup with boneless stew, meat, paprika and vegetables. The dish is described as savoury. The Pörkölt and the Goulash soup are regarded as the National foods of the Hungarian community.

The stew is very versatile in that it can be made with any kind of meat you prefer. Other ingredients required in the meal are onions, tomatoes, paprika and vinegar to make a delicious thick sauce. The dish is preferably served over noodles and with any preferred vegetables.

 8. Sour Cherry Soup (Meggyleves)

Sour cherry soup, photo by Heather Cowper.

The Hungarian community usually enjoy the summer with seasonal fruits. The dish is made with sour cherries, a mixture of sour cream, sugar and spices like cinnamon.

The dish may seem like a desert to non-locals however the dish is to be served before any meal like any other soup. Sour cream is usually served on top of the soup to make it creamier. The soup has often been mistaken to be a desert. 

9. Deep-Fried Flat Bread (Lángos)

Langos Eger Hungary, photo by sikeri.

If you want something bready instead of meaty, try this fried flatbread. The meal is deep-fried flatbread topped with garlic oil or sour cream or shredded cheese. The Lángos is more of a street food than a meal served in a restaurant.

The flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often served with shredded cheese on top. Sour cream may be added on top for a bit of extra flavour. Read more about  top 30 Amazing things to do in Budapest Here.

10.Jókai Bean Soup (Jókai Bableves)

This bean soup is perfect for winter because of how rich and filling it is. The soup was named after Jokai Mor a Hungarian writer. The writer often visited the Balatonfured restaurant and ordered bean soup.

The soup was thereafter named after the writer in honour of his work. The Jókai Bableves is full of smoked pork and sausage, egg noodles, and pinto beans. More often than not, the soup is served with a dollop of sour cream on top. 

The Hungarian community offers a variety of cuisines to both local and non-Hungarian communities. Most of the dishes incorporate hot paprika as a spice to bring in flavour.

Here are some options for Food & Cooking tours in Budapest.