The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Hungarian Foods. If you manage to be in an Hungarian restaurant or you are visiting Hungary, I recommend the following:
1. Kürtőskalács
It is a special spiral-shaped bread made from sweet yeast dough cooked over charcoal and coated with lots of sugar. This is the secret of kürtös kalács, one of the most beloved Hungarian street cakes. The chimney cake, as it is often called, has a sweet, caramelised layer, to which cinnamon, cocoa, coconut or chopped nuts are added.
2. Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash)
Paprika is the ground and dried powder of various species of red peppers. The difference is perhaps that Hungarian paprika comes in different grades of peppers and does not provide the smoky taste of Spanish paprika. The fact is that in Hungary the use of paprika is deeply rooted. Chicken paprika is one of the best known dishes with paprika. It is cooked slowly, but has an excellent end result. You will surely feel some touch of red wine and black pepper as well.
3. Gulyás (Goulash)
This soup with chunks of meat and vegetables are cooked with a touch of the quintessential paprika. This dish, which literally means “shepherds”, was traditionally cooked over an open fire. Its flavour lies in a riff halfway between a soup and a stew. The paprika gives the necessary spiciness to the meat, which balances the sharpness of the vegetables.
4. Somlói Galuska
Three types of cake: plain, pecan and chocolate; served with whipped cream on top, dark chocolate sauce, sultanas and more nuts. If you like desserts, this should be heaven for you. All three types of cake stand out clearly, while the cream and chocolate sauce play hide-and-seek with your palette.
5. Lángos
The Hungarians’ favourite dish is undoubtedly lángos – a fried flatbread served as an alternative to bread. The origin of lángos is thought to be due to Turkish influence, while others believe it comes from the ancient Romans. What makes it so beloved is the endless variety of toppings that accompany it. It is often eaten with garlic sauce, cheese, tejföl (sour cream) or even sausage.
6. Mádartej
It is a vanilla custard that is elaborately topped with fresh meringue. If there were some things that money can’t buy, then surely it would be the aroma and taste of this dessert.
7. Halászlé
A thick, red-coloured soup made with an assortment of river fish and lots of paprika. Another recipe that was traditionally cooked in an open oven, this dish is famous for its spicy flavour, authentic fishy aroma and beautiful texture.
8. Főzelék
A thick stew made with vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes, peppers, peas, carrots, lentils and spinach. It is prepared with lemon juice, tomatoes and paprika. A satisfying meal, this traditional Hungarian meal is healthy and tasty. If you are crazy about sticking to your diet, then this meal will surely fit into your menu.
9. Pogacsa
Sweet biscuits with a dense texture and cheese sprinkled on top. Often used as a delicious snack for parties and celebrations, these crackers are light on the stomach but exquisite in taste.
10. Rétes
Puff pastry in the shape of a strudel filled with a sweetened apple or cherry fruit pastry. Usually served with coffee, these may look small but they are very satisfying. The filling is creamy, gooey and quite delicious.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional European Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.