National dishes of Hungary: what to try?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Hungarian or Magyar cuisine is mainly based on meat, seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, dairy products and cheeses. It is a continental Central European cuisine with some elements from Eastern Europe such as the use of poppy seeds and kefir. The use of paprika, various other types of pepper and spices is found in most of the national dishes of Hungary.

Typical food of this country is based on dairy products, cheese and meat, which is reminiscent of the traditions of West Slavic cuisines (Czech, Polish and Slovak). Chicken, pork, and beef are very common, while turkey, duck, lamb, and fish are less common. Hungary is also famous for its high-quality and relatively inexpensive sausages, which are made mainly from pork, as well as poultry and beef.

Bread is perhaps the most important and basic part of cooking and a common food in Hungary. Nationaldishes are traditionally served with it, but it is often used as a main course as well. Until the fall of communism in 1990, white bread was a staple food, and Hungarians were very proud of this product. After the transition to capitalism, its quality deteriorated somewhat, as manufacturers tried to save on costs. However, today there are many specialized bakeries that strive to bake a high quality product. In recent years, not only bread, but also numerous types of bakery products such as buns and cakes, both savory and sweet, have become common. They can be found in numerous bakeries throughout the country.

Cuisine and national dishes of Hungary

Sights of Budapest can also be called establishments with authentic cuisine. Hungarians consider main dishes one of two types: they either require a side dish (köret) or do not. Dishes from the first category would be unusual to eat without a side dish. Conversely, if it is not required, it would be strange to use it. The side dish is most often potatoes cooked in various styles, but vegetables with rice or steamed are also popular. Some dishes have a traditional side dish (thus, paprika chicken is almost always eaten with noodles), while others can be served with anything (such as fried cheese).

It is worth mentioning the wide selection of smoked pork products, which are a very important part of Hungarian cuisine. Many dishes get their character from the "smoky" taste of one orseveral of these ingredients. Many types of Hungarian smoked sausages, ham and lard are also eaten without further preparation. They are served with bread and fresh vegetables and are often referred to as a "cold dish", mostly consumed for breakfast or dinner. Sometimes this combination is offered as an appetizer in restaurants.

Marinated and s alted vegetable products are also included in the list of national dishes of Hungary. The main such snacks are savanu capoza (sauerkraut), pickled peppers and cucumbers. A combination of s alted cauliflower, green tomatoes, unripe watermelons and some other vegetables is also used. They are traditionally consumed in winter and were previously often the main source of vitamin C throughout the cold months of the year. Classic Hungarian restaurants often offer some pickle options as a side dish, especially with hearty heavy meals.

In general, Hungarian cuisine is famous for its appetizing dishes. Therefore, it is not surprising that many Hungarians (and guests!) begin to miss them the moment they leave the country. From warming soups to delicious desserts, these traditional dishes are among the national treasures. What are the names of the national dishes of Hungary?

Langos

Fried dough baked with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese is one of the most popular street food snacks in this country and a favorite of many Hungarians around the world. Other fillings are also used, but it is the traditional combination that is the most common and authentic that isso beloved by many. This is the famous Hungarian national dish.

Fazelek

Főzelék is a varied stew: ingredients may vary depending on personal preference. This dish is prepared with lentils, green beans or cabbage. All of these options are popular. Technically, this dish is neither a stew nor a soup. This is a unique national dish of Hungary, which has no analogues in many other cuisines. It is so popular, however, that cafes that serve it exclusively in different variations can be found all over Hungary.

Stuffed cabbage

This interesting dish consists of cabbage stuffed with minced meat, rice and spices (paprika is used very often), drizzled with a thick tomato sauce. This is delicious food, reminiscent of the cooking of your beloved grandmother. This is a good option if the guest of the country does not know what to try from the national dishes of Hungary. Every Hungarian has a favorite recipe (often passed down through generations) and a good plate of this delicious dish is wonderful, especially during the cold season.

Fruit Soup

The local name for this Hungarian national dish is Gyümölcsleves. It is served most often during the warmer months. This is a cold fruit soup that can have different flavors. Sour cherries are one of the most popular ingredients and this version of the soup is the most typical Hungarian one. However, everyone has their favorite look when it comes to this.refreshing meal. It is usually served cold on a hot summer day. Wine and sour or fresh cream are often added to the cherry version. The soup can be eaten as an appetizer or dessert.

Pasta with sugar and poppy seeds

Poppy seeds are often found in Hungarian cuisine, and this dish contains them as a main ingredient. The seeds are crushed before being mixed with sugar and then added to the pasta with a little melted butter. The result is a simple, sweet dish that can be found everywhere on dining tables in Hungary. With an easy recipe using readily available ingredients, it can be enjoyed no matter where you are.

Paprikash

Paprika is the most popular spice in Hungary, and paprikash is a whole series of dishes where it serves as the main ingredient. It consists of a creamy, heavily paprika-flavored sauce added to a range of different foods. Chicken, catfish or mushrooms are the most common options. Served traditionally with a side dish of noodles.

Goulash

What to try in Budapest? The national dish of Hungary, known all over the world as goulash! This is a stew with a lot of paprika.

Goulash has been known since the Middle Ages. Its origin dates back to the 9th century. At that time, cooked and flavored with spices, the meat was dried in the sun and packed in bags made from the stomachs of sheep. Further requiredonly water to prepare a complete meal.

Earlier versions of goulash did not include paprika as it was not introduced to Europe until the 16th century. Today it is one of the national dishes of Hungary and a symbol of the country. Today it is cooked as a thick soup or stew.

Garlic, cumin, bell pepper and wine are optional ingredients. For density, flour or starch is not used. The tomato is also a modern addition, not used in the original recipe and in all European cuisine until the first half of the twentieth century.

Goulash can be made with beef, veal, pork or lamb. Typical carcass parts used include tail, drumstick or shoulder blade. As a result, goulash gets its thickness from tough, well-trained muscles rich in collagen, which turns into gelatin during the cooking process. The meat is cut into pieces, seasoned with s alt and then fried with chopped onion in a pan with oil or lard. After that, add paprika along with water or broth and simmer everything over low heat. At the end of cooking, you can add garlic, whole or ground cumin, or any vegetables (such as carrots, parsley root, peppers, and celery). Other herbs and spices can also be added to the soup, especially chili peppers, bay leaves, and thyme. Potato cubes can also be added as they contain starch which thickens the goulash. A small amount of white wine or wine vinegar can also be added towards the endcooking to bring out the flavor.

Dessert cream

Hungarian vanilla custard nestled between crunchy puff pastry pieces makes for a delicious sweet treat that is a favorite dessert across the country. Visiting any traditional pastry shop in Hungary, you can see that this delicacy is almost guaranteed to be on the menu. The dessert is perfect with a hot cup of coffee and is one of the tastiest in the country.

Halasle

Halaszle, or ukha in Hungarian, is a fish soup with paprika. Traditionally, the recipe uses carp, pike or catfish. This dish is served in many restaurants in the country. The most authentic way to enjoy a delicious soup is to use fresh fish from the Danube or Tisza rivers. The fish is cooked with paprika, vegetables and broth in a cauldron over an open fire on the river bank.

Shomloi Dumpling

This is a delicious dessert. Several layers of different types of biscuits (regular, chocolate and walnut) are soaked in rum, smeared with cream and poured with chocolate sauce. In fact, many different sweet ingredients make up this delicacy, which many have awarded the title of "Hungary's Favorite Dessert".

Closing word

After reading the information about the national dishes of Hungary and photos of dishes, you can decide in advance what is better to try in this country. In recent years, chefs have turned Hungarian food into an art form by adding new ingredients and styles.cooking that never happened in the past. As a result, Hungarian national dishes prepared for tourists may seem rather unusual for locals who are used to traditional options.