Traditional Dishes Hungary
Are you already planning a trip to Hungary? Then you shouldn’t miss these delicious traditional dishes!
Traditional soups: Gulyás and Halászlé
Hearty meat dishes: Pörkölt, Töltött, Langós and Debreceni
Desserts & drinks: Kürtoskalács, Dobostorta, Tokaji and Barackpálinka
Traditional Soups
Hungary is also known for its delicious soups.
Gulyás - Goulash Soup
The Hungarian goulash soup is a very old dish that dates back to the time of shepherds, who traditionally prepared it in a kettle over an open fire. Unlike the well-known goulash, this is actually a soup. It always consists of beef, paprika, and onions. However, there are also various variations and adaptations. Due to the age of this traditional dish and the conditions at the time, more affordable cuts of meat are still used today, such as shank or simple stewing beef. These cuts are typically tougher, so they must be slow-cooked over low heat for a long time to become tender.
Halászlé - Fish Soup/Fisherman’s Soup
The so-called "fisherman’s soup" traditionally consists of white fish such as pike-perch or carp. In addition, tomatoes, peppers, and onions are cooked in the fish broth and then strained. Afterwards, finely chopped fillets are added, and everything is brought to a boil again with flavorful spices. However, the soups can vary greatly depending on the type of fish. To fully enjoy traditional Halászlé, it is usually served with white bread.
Hearty Meat Dishes
Hungarian cuisine shines with a wide selection of hearty dishes, most of which are based on meat. Therefore, there are fewer vegetarian options in Hungary. One exception is Langós, which is also known from German Christmas markets and can be served vegetarian.
Pörkölt - Goulash
In Hungary, goulash is known as Pörkölt or Paprikás. Unlike goulash soup, this is the classic goulash. Pörkölt is less spicy and differs significantly from goulash soup. It contains sour cream, onions, and light meat (chicken or white meat), making the sauce creamier. It is typically served with dumplings (Nockerln) and sour cream. Although the name resembles German goulash, it is clearly a distinct variation.
Töltött - Stuffed Vegetables
Töltött translates to "stuffed" and includes various specialties such as stuffed onions or peppers. Peppers, for example, can be filled with a mixture of minced meat and rice and then slowly braised in tomato sauce. In addition to peppers and onions, many other vegetables can also be stuffed.
Langós
This Hungarian specialty, already popular at German Christmas markets, is a flatbread made from yeast dough that is deep-fried and topped in various ways. Traditionally, it is spread with sour cream and garlic and topped with cheese. However, there are many other delicious variations, such as toppings with Hungarian sausage, bacon, or onions.
Debreceni páros kolbász - Sausage Specialty
This sausage is considered the most popular sausage specialty in Hungary and is also common in Austria and southern Germany. Traditionally, the sausages are prepared in pairs, either boiled, fried, or baked, and served with mustard or horseradish and white bread. This specialty is especially popular as a snack and is a classic at Hungarian fairs and market halls. The sausages are also often used in stews and soups.
Desserts
Don’t forget to try Hungary’s delicious desserts during your trip.
Kürtoskalács - Hungarian Chimney Cake
The Hungarian chimney cake is made from sweet yeast dough, wrapped around a wooden cylinder and traditionally baked over an open fire. The dough is coated in various ways, for example dipped in a sugar-cinnamon mixture or topped with chopped nuts. This treat is also well known from German Christmas markets.
Dobostorta - Hungarian Cake
This culinary specialty is the most famous Hungarian cake, traditionally consisting of eight layers of sponge cake, chocolate cream, and a caramel glaze. It was invented in 1885 and has remained popular ever since. The alternating layers prevent the cake from collapsing, while the caramel top protects it from drying out.
Alcoholic Beverages
In addition to all the culinary dishes, Hungary also offers a rich selection of alcoholic drinks. Try the most famous Hungarian wine, Tokaji, or taste the strong fruit brandy Barackpálinka.
Tokaji
Hungary’s most famous wine is made from white grapes and produced in various quality levels and sweetness grades using different methods. It is mainly produced in northern Hungary, in the town of Tokaj.
Barackpálinka
This Hungarian fruit brandy is one of the most popular spirits in Hungary and is distilled from apricots grown on the Hungarian plains and aged in oak barrels. This gives it its unique golden-yellow color. The production of this spirit has a long tradition and is considered authentic only if the fruit comes exclusively from Hungary.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!
We wish you a wonderful trip to Hungary and lots of enjoyment discovering Hungarian cuisine. Please make sure to check the toll regulations in Hungary in advance. You can find more information about tolls in Hungary in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and find suitable toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime via email.
