21 Authentic Hungarian Dishes You Must Taste: Traditional Recipes for Home Cooking

Whether you have Hungarian roots or are simply intrigued by its cuisine, there is a lot to cherish about Hungarian food. While many might only recognize dishes like goulash or chicken paprikash, it’s important to understand that Hungarian cuisine is rich and diverse, with paprika being a prominent ingredient.

During our recent travels, we had the pleasure of discovering many delectable Hungarian dishes that have truly become our comfort foods. Each dish we encountered seemed to carry the warmth of home-cooked meals prepared with love.

Traditional Hungarian Food

This article will guide you through some of the most traditional Hungarian meals, illuminating the unique qualities that each dish brings. You will gain inspiration for your next homemade dinner and explore the cornerstone of Hungarian cuisine, starting with goulash.

1. Goulash Soup (Gulyás)

No visit to Hungary or any Hungarian restaurant is complete without sampling goulash. This beloved dish is a hearty stew consisting of beef, paprika, onions, and potatoes. An advantage of goulash is its affordability, as it uses cost-effective ingredients. Furthermore, it is both filling and flavor-packed. Different regions of Hungary may feature their own variations; for instance, some may include carrots or alternative meats like pork, but beef is the traditional choice.

2. Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé)

Although the name “Fisherman’s Soup” may not sound enticing, it is an exceptional dish when prepared correctly. This staple, much like goulash, is traditionally cooked over an open fire in a kettle, although it can be easily replicated on a stovetop at home. Common fish selections include carp, perch, or catfish, with the soup being rich in paprika and typically served red. Variants often incorporate multiple types of fish, and some are served with pasta.

3. Chicken Paprikash (Csirke Paprikás)

Chicken paprikash stands out as a favorite among many, including those who are not Hungarian. Its vibrant red color, induced by paprika, is striking. Besides paprika, it includes onions, tomatoes, garlic, and sweet peppers, all enhanced with the creaminess of sour cream. While chicken breast is a popular choice for this dish, veal may also be used. For a more filling option, dumplings are often added.

4. Meat Pancakes (Hortobagyi Palacsinta)

Commonly associated with being a sweet breakfast item, Hungarian meat pancakes take a savory turn. To create this dish, start by preparing thin pancakes. The filling consists of minced chicken or beef. After enveloping the meat in pancakes, they are baked in the oven. A creamy paprika sauce is an essential accompaniment, along with sour cream for added richness.

5. Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (Töltött Káposzta)

Stuffed cabbage leaves are a beloved dish, not only in Hungary but across Eastern Europe. Similar to meat pancakes, this dish uses cabbage leaves instead. For health-conscious eaters, this can be a lighter option. The cabbage is typically cooked and pickled, while the filling consists of minced pork, paprika, and rice. Often prepared for holidays, this dish is also a year-round favorite.

6. Meat Stew (Pörkölt)

If you seek something hearty, meat stew may be what you’re after. This dish offers great flexibility, allowing you to choose any type of meat. The meat is simmered with onions, tomatoes, paprika, and vinegar to create a thick, flavorful sauce that can be served over noodles (Spätzle). The beauty of this stew lies in its adaptability to include favorite vegetables.

7. Sour Cherry Soup (Meggyleves)

Sour cherry soup might sound unconventional to those unfamiliar with it. Meant to precede the main course like any traditional soup, it combines sour cherries, sugar, and sour cream, often served cold with cream on top. This unique dish offers a refreshing contrast to heartier meals.

8. Jókai Bean Soup (Jókai Bableves)

This rich bean soup is ideal for winter as it is both filling and packed with smoky flavors. Jókai Bableves features ingredients such as smoked pork and sausage, egg noodles, and pinto beans, and is typically garnished with a dollop of sour cream.

9. Deep-Fried Flat Bread (Lángos)

If you’re in the mood for something bready, try Lángos, a popular street food in Hungary. This deep-fried flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Topped with cheese or sour cream, it offers a delightful snack or side dish.

10. Pasta With Cottage Cheese (Túrós Csusza)

For those craving a cheesy and filling meal, Túrós Csusza is a classic choice that blends noodles with cottage cheese or curd cheese. This dish shines when crafted with homemade, small-sized noodles. Toppings often include crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and a sprinkle of salt.

11. Hungarian Trifle (Somlói Galuska)

If you’re seeking something indulgently sweet, Somlói Galuska is a must-try. This Hungarian trifle consists of three layers of sponge cake, each with a different flavor, separated by layers of custard and rum-soaked raisins, often finished with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

12. Pork Bone Soup (Orjaleves)

For soup lovers, pork bone soup delivers incredible flavor and a wealth of health benefits. Deeply rooted in Hungarian tradition, this soup uses pork bones as its base, allowing the addition of noodles, vegetables, and meats to create a delicious and nourishing meal.

13. Pork Rice Pilaf (Bácskai Rizses Hús)

Are you interested in trying Hongarian rice pilaf? This dish requires patience, as it involves preparing well-stewed pork with rich flavors before mixing it with the pilaf. Grated cheese commonly tops this dish for added flavor.

14. Dobosh Cake (Dobos Torta)

If your cravings lean toward desserts, Dobosh cake is a classic option. With its multiple layers of sponge cake and chocolate, this iconic dessert is over 100 years old and topped with a layer of caramel, making it quite a challenge to consume in one sitting.

15. Ratatouille (Lechó)

While typically associated with France, ratatouille also enjoys popularity in Hungary. This dish features a medley of thinly sliced peppers, tomatoes, and onions, enhanced with garlic and paprika. Typically sautéed in oil or lard, it can be enjoyed as either a standalone meal or a flavorful side dish.

16. Sour Cherry Strudel (Meggyes Rétes)

Sour cherry strudel is another delightful dish featuring seasonal sour cherries that are wrapped in flaky pastry. Often accompanied by poppy seeds, this dessert showcases a unique balance of sweet and sour flavors.

17. Sauerkraut Soup (Korhelyleves)

Sauerkraut lovers will relish this hearty winter soup, believed by many Hungarians to cure hangovers. Rich in sausage and a thick sour cream broth, this dish is perfect for cold days.

18. Hungarian Tripe Stew (Pacal Pörkölt)

Despite tri­pe being a less common ingredient, it has a devoted following in Hungary. This stew emphasizes the tender quality and flavor of tripe, often seasoned with paprika and complemented by sliced potatoes.

19. Summer Squash Stew (Tökfőzelék)

If you’re after a lighter, summery dish, consider summer squash stew. This beloved dish is primarily made with squash, combined with sour cream and dill. Meatballs may also be added, making it a refreshing option filled with vegetables.

20. Chimney Cake (Kurtos Kalacs)

One of Hungary’s oldest desserts is the chimney cake, which is cooked by wrapping sweet dough around a cylinder and grilling it over an open fire. As it cooks, sugar is sprinkled to create a caramelized exterior that is both unique and delicious.

21. Spinach Stew (Spenótfőzelék)

Initially, the bright green color of spinach stew might catch you off guard. This dish combines spinach with egg yolks, garlic, and cream to create a smooth, rich texture best served with soft-boiled eggs for an authentic experience.

Your Guide to Hungarian Cuisine

Clearly, Hungarian cuisine offers myriad delightful dishes. Whether you’re inspired to cook these meals at home or plan to indulge them during a visit to Hungary, these traditional offerings provide an opportunity to experience the comfort and richness of Hungarian food.