One of the best ways to learn about the culture and history of a place is to try the local food. Below are our recommended foods to try in Hungary. If you don’t want to explore on your own, just contact us to organize a food tour with a local guide.
1. Hungarian Langos
Langos is a street food and is a perfect dish to try after visiting the ruin bars. It is a fried bread traditionally topped with sour cream, garlic, and grated cheese. However, there are now many variations including adding bacon or making them sweet with Nutella.
2. Local cheeses, meat, and pickled vegetables
Cheese is very popular in Hungary. The common cheeses are Pálpusztai cheese (a strong cheese made from cow’s milk), Trappista cheese (a mild cheese), and Pannonia cheese (semi-hard cheese with a walnutty flavor). Pair the cheese with delicious venison and Mangalica pig (a Hungarian breed of domestic pig) sausages. Don’t forget to try the pickled vegetables, and be careful of the hot pickles.
3. Hungarian Gulyas (Goulash)
Goulash is a stew of meat (beef/pork) and vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and potatoes) seasoned with paprika. It was traditionally eaten by cattle herders and stockmen. It is now eaten by everyone and can be found in most restaurants.
4. Pork Crackling Pate
I have never heard of this before but it was delicious. Pork skin is fried to make the crackling first. Then it is ground and mixed with butter and mustard to make a pate. It is served with bread and definitely worth trying.
5. Strudel
Strudel is a layered pastry filled usually with a sweet filling like apple or cherry. However, there are more unusual fillings such as cabbage and poppy seed. To see a strudel making demonstration check out the Strudel House.
Bonus: Wine, beer, & herbal liqueur
Don’t forget to try the local wine, beer, and herbal liqueur (unicum).
Do you want to explore Hungary through its food and drink? Contact us today to plan your trip!