Trying the tasty food is one thing you must do when you visit Budapest. You will find abundant flavor in Hungarian dishes and learn to love a variety of delicate but delicious recipes. We’ll show you the culinary highlights of Budapest, main dishes to try and where to find them. You can find great meals in the markets or in fancy restaurants and you won’t forget your trip to Budapest’s food spots.

Goulash – The Traditional Meal of Hungary

Goulash is one of the main dishes you should sample when eating Hungarian cuisine. Usually, the soup includes soft beef, different veggies and brings out its color and flavor mainly thanks to paprika. Apart from being a meal, goulash represents Hungarian history and culture. All around the city, you can see goulash on menus at both simple bistros and more upscale establishments. You can get a real feel for Hungarian food at Central Café or Local Korner, both traditional restaurants in Budapest. Traditional goulash is how these places make their fair, letting it simmer as it should, with just enough broth to make the meat tender. Have the stew with a piece of rough bread for a hearty treat.

A Hungarian Street Food Gem – Langos

Look no further than langos if you want something satisfying to eat. Chimney cake which is puffy and round, is enjoyed by both tourists and locals on Budapest’s streets. Normally, peopletop langos with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese, but you’ll also see variations that add jam, sugar or other tasty toppings. You’ll see langos stands everywhere in Budapest and Retró Lángos Büfé near the Great Market Hall is a favorite among locals to try the dish. It’s a convenient choice if you need a snack while walking the city.

Kürtőskalács – Treat Yourself to a Chimney Cake

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to eat kürtőskalács. Another name for snail pastry is chimney cake and they are often coated in sugar and filled with cinnamon, Nutella or vanilla. Shaped into a ball around the spit, the dough browns on the outside and remains soft inside. At Castle Hill and Váci Street, along with many other places, you can see kürtőskalács sold on street stands. Although people enjoy ice cream mainly in winter and at festivals, it’s tasty any day.

Káposzta Töltött – Baked Cabbage Rolls

Töltött káposzta is a favorite Hungarian dish that fills you up. A blend of pork, rice and spices is stuffed into cabbage, cooked in tomato sauce and the result is delicious together with the filling. Its comforting homemade flavor and the presence of vegetables are often reasons people enjoy it at parties and gatherings. If you want to truly enjoy the dish, try Gettó Gulyás or Stand25 Bistro, because their chefs carefully stick to the seasoning of the original recipe. This meal is satisfying, so it’s great for comforting you after a day out.

Ice Cream Cone Made With Chimney Cake

Make traditional Hungarian desserts unique by ordering the chimney cake ice cream cone. They are shaped with kürtőskalács batter, filled with ice cream choices and decorated with sprinkles or pieces of crushed nuts. Making chimney cakes with ice cream adds a warm and fresh taste that makes this snack perfect for any season or your city trips. You’ll discover these great cones around St. Stephen’s Basilica at Gelarto Rosa, a well-known destination for artistic gelato.

This dish is comforting to eat on its own or as a partner to your favorite Hungarian dish.

Paprikás csirke is a traditional Hungarian meal good for anyone wanting a warm, comforting dish. Generous seasoning with paprika and a creamy sauce on the chicken gives the dish a wonderfully smoky and rich texture. Dumplings or egg noodles (nokedli) are usually served with stew, as they soak up all the good sauce. Restaurants like Menza and Belvárosi Disznótoros are where you’ll find this favorite dish served in its most genuine style. Paprikás csirke makes a great dish for lunch or dinner, but tastes particularly good during cold weather.

A delicious Hungarian Strudel

A journey through Hungarian food would not be rightly called complete without tasting traditional strudel. Usually, this sweet pastry is filled with apple, cherry or poppy seeds and covered with thin, flaky dough that is baked until both the top and bottom are crispy and golden. Strudel makes a perfect treat or snack for coffee or tea. For a lovely option of several strudel flavors, have a look at Rétesbolt near Buda Castle. Such a well-known family shop is celebrated for preparing strudel perfectly and offers various versions that hit the taste buds right.

Pörkölt represents the beloved Hungarian Stew

Pörkölt is a tasty and hearty Hungarian stew that comforts you. Most of the time, this stew is cooked with pork or beef and includes onions, peppers, paprika and a mix of spices. Unlike goulash which is thinner, pörkölt is a thick meat stew. Experience the original taste of pörkölt at either Kéhli or MATRICA Csárda. Pörkölt, eaten with some mashed potatoes or dumplings, makes a wonderful Hungarian comfort meal.

Fisherman’s Soup is one of the Local Specialties from the Danube

Any seafood fan will appreciate trying fisherman’s soup which hails from Hungary and is very popular along the Danube River. The fact that this soup is made with freshwater fish, paprika, tomatoes and assorted other ingredients means it is flavorful, spicy and delicious. Many people here like to fish because it reflects a traditionally Hungarian pastime. Enjoy some hearty fisherman’s soup and watch the Danube River at Halászbástya Étterem. A mix of good food and wonderful surroundings creates a lasting memory at a restaurant.

Conclusion

No food lover will be disappointed, as Budapest offers many types of delicious and different dishes. Both goulash and stuffed cabbage rolls are famous and street foods like langos and kürtőskalács provide an exciting option for everyone. Taste Hungarian meals from the places where they originated and get to know the richness of the cuisine when you’re in Budapest.

Try new places and listen to local opinions to taste the region’s many foods. Having courage will help you to explore the city’s many food options and find flavors you won’t get back home. Savor and discover the delicious dishes throughout this beautiful place!