While cuisine spiced with paprika and hearty goulash may be what first comes to mind when thinking of Hungarian food, there are many diverse dishes to try. 

“Hungarian food is a reflection of Hungary's continental climate (cold winters, hot summers), its countryside fare, and the influences of neighboring countries and ethnic minorities,” writes Offbeat Budapest and Vienna. 

Hungary’s affinity for paprika comes from nearly 150 years of Ottoman occupation. “This was also when New World produce such as beans, squash, corn, potato, tomato and paprika first arrived in Hungary,” writes Offbeat Budapest. Local farmers adapted paprika by cultivating subspecies, some sweet, others spicy. 

Italian pasta, garlic and French cooking have also shaped Hungarian cuisine, which is extremely meat centric. The Ottomans contributed to Hungary’s love of desserts and coffee.

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is the perfect place to sample the best of Hungarian cuisine. Here are some of the top dishes that will give you a taste of Hungary and the best places in the city to tuck in.  

Budapest’s Flavor Profile:

“Hungarian cuisine is renowned for its comforting, hearty dishes that are rich in flavors and traditions,” writes Otter. “It's a cuisine that emphasizes the use of specific ingredients like paprika, sour cream, and meats such as pork and beef, creating dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.”

Hungarian Great Plains Goulash Soup

You would be remiss to visit Budapest and not try goulash and related dishes! Goulash soup was once a mainstay meal for herdsmen. Tender beef, small noodles and potatoes are flavored by a paprika spiced broth. This hearty stew is often served with a side of Lipóti  bread or in a delicious sourdough bread bowl.

You can sample Goulash Soup at restaurants across the capital, including Kiosk, “a hip restaurant in the heart of Budapest, favored by trendy locals and tourists in the know,” writes Offbeat Budapest and Vienna.

Chicken Paprikash

A full-bodied, creamy sauce is what makes chicken paprikash so delicious. “The ingredients of chicken paprikash read like a shopping list of Hungarian staples: onions, peppers, paprika, soured cream, tomatoes and chicken — all cooked low and slow,” writes National Geographic.

If you’re vegetarian, Mushroom Paprikash, made with cremini or white mushrooms, is a great traditional option. 

Barack and Szilva, which translates to Peach and Plum, is known for its stellar dishes, including Chicken Paprikash. The restaurant also serves French, Italian and Jewish fare, representing the diversity of its neighborhood.

Schnitzel

Hungarians rave for schnitzel, which was imported to Hungarian kitchens from Italy and Austria. Traditionally, schnitzel is a breaded veal cutlet. “When done right, a tender and juicy meat hides behind the thin, crispy crust,” writes Offbeat Budapest and Vienna. 

Restaurants in Budapest often use chicken breast, pork loin or ham and cheese. 

For amazing schnitzel, head to Buja Disznó(k), a street food vendor with three locations in Budapest. It’s known for its huge, consistently tasty, breaded meat cutlets. Its wiener schnitzel is a fan favorite.

Túrógombóc  (Cottage Cheese Dumplings)

A list of Hungarian food wouldn’t be complete without a sweet. This light, sweet-and-tart dumpling is made of a semolina flour dough filled with fresh túró cheese. 

“Túrógombóc reflects Hungary’s fondness for túró, a fresh curd cheese, and the dumpling-forward (knödel) traditions of southern Germany, Austria, and the northern Slavic territories of today’s Chechia and Slovakia,” writes Offbeat Budapest and Hungary. 

Túrógombóc is typically eaten as a second course after soup. Gettó Gulyás restaurant is known for its made-to-order túrógombóc.

Somlói galuska

This delicious dessert sponge cake is flavored with rum, vanilla custard, chocolate cream and whipped cream, and garnished with walnuts and raisins. Head to Pörc & Prézli near Saint Stephen’s Basilica to end a savory meal with a serving of Somlói galuska.

Before you plan your next foodie excursion to Budapest, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip. You should know that healthcare facilities abroad may not accept your domestic health insurance. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with Emergency Medical benefits can help provide reimbursement in the event of a covered medical emergency while traveling. Certain plans also offer benefits that can reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or delayed for a covered reason.

Get a quote today to find out how we can make your trip to Budapest stress free.

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