What traditional and modern dishes should you try in Budapest?

Published: September 08 2023

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city brimming with culture, history, and mouth-watering cuisine. This post aims to guide you through some must-try traditional and modern Hungarian dishes which will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the Hungarian culinary experience.

This hearty dish has its roots in the simple meals of Hungarian shepherds. Goulash, a soup or stew, comprises tender chunks of meat (typically beef), potatoes, and a plethora of spices, most notably paprika. Garnished with fresh vegetables, this dish is as comforting as it is flavorful.

A quintessential Hungarian specialty, Fisherman's Soup, is a spicy and fragrant soup prepared with river fish and a bright red paprika-based broth. It is customarily made in a kettle over an open fire, giving it an authentic, smoky taste, making it an unmissable gastronomical experience in Budapest.

Stuffed cabbage is a traditional Hungarian dish that consists of cabbage leaves filled with a succulent mixture of rice, pork, onions, and special herbs. Its rich flavors are further enhanced with the addition of savory tomato sauce. This dish is particularly popular during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Mangalica pork comes from the Mangalica pig, a Hungarian breed known for its distinctively flavourful and fatty meat. Modern Hungarian chefs have used this local ingredient to create a range of new dishes, including Mangalica pork burgers, roast, or pork belly dishes, maintaining the essence of Hungarian cuisine while adding a contemporary twist.

Buddha-Bar in Budapest offers an interesting fusion of Asian and Hungarian cuisine, resulting in a unique and sophisticated gastronomic experience. The menu includes innovative dishes like the Duck Liver Foie Gras served with apple chutney and brioche, doing a fantastic job of showcasing the traditional Hungarian ingredient (duck liver) in surprisingly new ways.

Traditional Hungarian desserts are also being revamped by modern eateries. Gerbeaud Café, for example, offers a innovative take on the classic Dobos Torte, a five-layer sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel. At Gerbeaud, diners can indulge in Dobos Torte that’s been deconstructed and converted into an elegant and contemporary dessert.

Budapest's diverse culinary scene, infused with rich tradition and modern innovation, offers a unique gastronomic journey, from comforting bowls of Goulash to ambitious fusion dishes. This variety assures that there is something to satisfy every palate. So, when in Budapest, make sure to indulge in these traditional and modern Hungarian delights!