Hungarian food is hearty and comforting, shaped by Central European traditions and lots of paprika. Paprika is considered the very heart of Hungarian cuisine and is used in many of their dishes, which gives it that deep red color. Paprika originally arrived in Hungary in the 16th to 17th centuries, brought from the Americas via the Ottoman Empire. At first it was a peasant food, grown cheaply and used as a substitute for expensive black pepper. However, the Hungarians soon took this “lowly” spice and turned it into a symbol of Hungarian identity. 

Popular dishes include Gulyás (Goulash), a soup that is made with beef, onions, potatoes, carrots, and lots of sweet paprika. It is considered one of Hungary’s national dishes. You also have Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash), which is a dish featuring chicken cooked in a creamy paprika and sour-cream sauce. For street food, there is the ever present Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread that is usually topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese. And of course, you cannot go to Budapest without having Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake), a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry rolled in sugar, cinnamon, or nuts. 

During our time in Budapest, we definitely tried to have almost all of the most popular dishes. It’s much easier if you’re in town during the Christmas market season, because a lot of the signature dishes are available at the markets. For example, we are able to have Gulyás, Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake), and Lángos at the St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market. 

Menza Étterem és Kávéhá
Menza Étterem és Kávéház is one of Budapest’s most popular café‑restaurants, loved for its retro vibe, hearty food. This is our first meal in Budapest and it did not disappoint. I had my first Hungarian Gulyás with dumplings as well as an amazing chicken liver mousse. 

Fakanál Étterem
Fakanál Étterem is a traditional Hungarian restaurant located inside the market. According to their website, it is designed to feel like grandma’s cooking, reflecting authentic Hungarian flavors. We had an amazingly hearty Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash) with dumplings as well as a Hungarian sausage with sauerkraut. The food here was homey, hearty, and really warmed us up in the cold weather. 

Gettó Gulyás
Gettó Gulyás is a popular Hungarian restaurant in Budapest’s former Jewish Quarter. It is a traditional Hungarian eatery specializing in Gulyás (Goulash), Pörkölt (stews), Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash), and other classic dishes. The Chicken Paprikash was flavorful, creamy, and very tender. We also tried their beef tartare, which was paired with pickles, mustard, and sun-dried tomatoes. The food was very good, and a great spot to eat after exploring the former Jewish Quarter.