When visiting Budapest one often thinks of the Hungarian Parliament building, ruin bars, or thermal baths. It’s not often you are thinking about the food. Well, I’m here to tell you that trying Hungarian food should be on your list of things to do when visiting the city. Hungarian cuisine is delicious and honestly, I don’t know why it isn’t more popular around the world. The food is so varied, rich, and just so delicious, and I’m here to tell you all about the best Hungarian dishes to eat in Budapest.
I’m not sure I’d describe Hungarian cuisine as being great for the waistline. The meat is fried, often paired with carbs, and usually topped with sour cream. It’s hearty and delicious and it’s the type of food you can indulge in if you are visiting for a couple of days.
Hungarian cuisine would be incomplete without its famous spice, Paprika. This quintessential spice is used in many of the local dishes. But there is so much more than Goulash and paprika. This food guide gives you a list of the best Hungarian dishes to eat in Budapest. You should try everything from desserts, snacks, and wine while visiting this beautiful country.
Best Hungarian Dishes to Eat in Budapest
While Budapest has some Michelin-star restaurants, the dishes mentioned below are traditional Hungarian food delicacies.
1. Lángos
Delicious Lángos is a deep-fried bread dough that’s often served with sour cream, garlic, and cheese. These days you can find many variations of toppings. Lángos should be crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. It’s popular street food in Budapest and the perfect comfort food to grab on the go.
Where to eat Lángos in Budapest? You can find this delicious deep-fried dough just about anywhere. Try Retro Lángos which is a food stand specializing in Lángos.
2. Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
Kürtőskalács is another doughy Hungarian street food made from long strips of sugary dough that are spun and wrapped around cone-shaped baking spits. It is dusted and rolled in granulated sugar which caramelizes to form a crispy coating. Before serving they usually dust this off with cinnamon and ground walnuts.
It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while walking around Budapest.
Where to eat kürtőskalács in Budapest: There are tons of stalls that sell these sweet treats all over town. Make sure you order a kürtőskalács that’s been freshly cooked rather than one that’s been sitting on display for a while.
3. Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage)
Stuffed Cabbage is quite a popular dish in a lot of Eastern European countries. This Hungarian delicacy features cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with ground pork and beef, rice, tomatoes, and sauerkraut and is seasoned with different spices including paprika.
The dish is more commonly eaten in winter and is worth trying out when you are visiting
Where to eat töltött káposzta in Budapest: Százéves Restaurant has been serving traditional Hungarian dishes like stuffed cabbage since 1831. It’s the city’s oldest restaurant and can often be quite touristy.
4. Gulyás (Hungarian Goulash) – One of the Best Hungarian Dishes to Eat in Budapest
Hungary’s national dish is a rustic stew consisting of meat and vegetables and is seasoned primarily with paprika and other spices. It’s rich in flavor and is usually served with fresh white bread or Hungarian dumplings to soak up the delicious gravy. Regardless of the season this comfort food always hits the spot. It’s definitely considered one of the best Hungarian dishes to eat in Budapest.
Where to eat goulash in Budapest: Baltazar Budapest is located in the city’s Castle District which serves classic Hungarian dishes. The goulash here is very highly rated.
5. Kolbász
You’ll find sausages everywhere in Hungary and you’ll definitely have to try some before you leave Budapest. They are served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also feature in soups, stews, and salads. Kolbász is a Hungarian sausage that is available in many different varieties. Try one called csabai kolbász, which is flavored with paprika.
Where to eat kolbász in Budapest: For the best selection of sausages, head to Budapest’s Central Market.
6. Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash)
Chicken Paprikash is another one of Hungary’s famous stews. It’s creamy with red spiced paprika and comes with a tender and soft chicken leg. The dish is usually served with a side of Hungarian dumplings so you can enjoy the delish gravy that comes with it.
Where to eat chicken paprikash: It’s pretty common to find this dish on the menus at the best local restaurants in Budapest.
7. Pörkölt
Pörkölts are very similar to Goulash. It is another meat stew that originated from Hungary, but can now be found in many south-eastern European countries. It consists of meat and vegetables and is seasoned with Hungary’s favorite spice, paprika.
Where to find Pörkölts: You can find this dish at any traditional Hungarian restaurant in Budapest.
8. Lecsó (Vegetable Soup)
This simple yet delicious soup is made from vegetables and paprika and is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s almost like the ‘Hungarian Ratatouille’. Some people add sausages and beans as extra condiments.
Where you can find Lecsó? Arany Tacskó Bistro, A Séf utcája, and BÉLA
9. Libamaj
Liamaj is fried goose liver, generally served with warm bread. Don’t let the description put you off, it’s absolutely divine!
10. Nokedli
Hungarian nokedli are homemade egg noodles that are put together very quickly. They are similar to German spaetzles. It’s delicious with butter but they can be served with goulash or chicken paprikash.
11. Túró Rudi
This popular snack bar is composed of a thin chocolate outer coating and an inner filling of túró (sweetened cheese curd). It’s absolutely delicious. You can find this snack in almost all grocery stores in Budapest.
12. Dobos torta
Dobos torta is a Hungarian sponge cake layered with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel. If you love chocolate cake, try Dobos torta.
Where to find Dobos Torta? You can find this delicious cake at most cafes and bakeries. Try this at Fröhlich Cukrászda in the Jewish Quarter, or Auguszt Cukrászda.
13. Kifli
Kifli’s are like Hungarian croissants. You can enjoy them plain or have them with butter and jam.
14. Rétes (Strudel)
Rétes is like the Hungarian version of apple strudel. While apple is the most popular filling, other varieties include plum, cherry, and mixed fruit. You can also find savory versions made of potato and chicken.
15. Gesztenyepüré
Gesztenyepüré is a chestnut purée, sweetened and served with whipped cream. Sometimes chocolate or cocoa powder and rum are mixed into it.
16. Gundel palacsinta (Hungarian Pancakes)
Unlike American pancakes that and thick and fluffy, Gundel Palacsinta is thin crepe-like pancakes. They are served either sweet or savory. Try the sweet pancakes with a walnut filling, drizzled with a sweet chocolate rum sauce.
17. Tokaj
Hungary’s wine regions sure know how to produce a delicious, inexpensive drink. Hungary’s best-known wine is from Tokaji. This sweet white is served as a dessert wine
Must have food experiences in Budapest
- Visit Hungary’s oldest confectionary
Ruszwurm Cukrászda is the oldest confectionery in Hungary and serves delicious cakes, desserts, and pastries. Be sure to check them out when you are around Castle Hill.
- Buy some paprika
It’s the ultimate Hungarian souvenir. Whether smokey, sweet or spicy, you can buy this spic from any souvenir shop. The best place to buy it from is Central Hall Market. We bought a lot of paprika to take back home with us and used every last bit of it.
Hungarian paprika is so different from any other you may find in the region. We now buy our Hungarian Paprika online and get it shipped to New Zealand. 😊 Perfect for making goulash or chicken paprikash in the winter months.
- Stroll through Central Market Hall (a.k.a Grand Market Hall)
Great place to pick up some fresh fruit and produce. There are restaurants on the upper level that serve you delicious Hungarian food.
- Grab a drink at a Ruin pub
Their popularity has continued to explode. If you are looking to grab a drink and have a night out be sure to visit one of these. Szimpla Kert is a popular one and a good starting point.
Budapest is such a beautiful city and the food there is simply divine. So I hope this list of the best Hungarian dishes to eat in Budapest gives you an insight into the country’s amazing cuisine.
Best Hungarian Dishes To Eat In Budapest
- Lángos
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)
- Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage)
- Gulyás (Hungarian Goulash)
- Kolbász
- Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash)
- Pörkölt
- Lecsó (Vegetable Soup)
- Libamaj
- Nokedli
- Túró Rudi
- Dobos torta
- Kifli
- Rétes (Strudel)
- Gesztenyepüré
- Gundel palacsinta (Hungarian Pancakes)
- Tokaj
