Hungarian cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes, many of which are made with paprika and meat. When dining out, here are some traditional dishes you should try:
- Gulyás (Goulash): A famous Hungarian dish, it’s a soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika. Contrary to popular belief, it’s more like a soup than a stew.
- Pörkölt: A meat stew, usually made with beef, pork, or chicken, served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings).
- Lángos: A deep-fried dough often topped with sour cream, garlic, and cheese. This is a popular street food in Hungary.
- Töltött Káposzta: Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced pork, rice, and spices, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): A sweet pastry made from dough, spun around and baked on a spit, then rolled in sugar and cinnamon.
In terms of dining customs, tipping is generally expected in restaurants, and service is often not included in the bill. It’s customary to tip 10-15%. Water in restaurants is not free, so if you want tap water, you need to specifically ask for it (“csapvíz”). Finally, Hungarians tend to take their time when eating out, so don’t expect quick service—it’s part of the relaxed dining culture.
