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When visiting Budapest, you should try numerous delicious Hungarian dishes to fully experience the local cuisine. Budapest’s food scene is thriving and features lots of street food. Here are ten must-try Hungarian foods, plus a few traditional drinks, to satisfy your taste buds while exploring the Hungarian capital.
Best Hungarian Foods to Try
1. Goulash (Gulyás)
Goulash is Hungary’s most famous dish, a hearty soup made with tender beef, paprika, onions, and various spices. It is typically served with bread or dumplings and is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Where to try it: Kiosk and Drum Cafe Langosh & Goulash Bar.
2. Lángos
Langos is a popular street food in Budapest. It is a deep-fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and grated cheese. You can also find sweet variations with toppings like Nutella or jam.
Where to try it: There are a million street stalls selling lángos! You can also find these at the Central Market Hall or the Drum Cafe Langosh & Goulash Bar.
3. Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprikash)
This classic Hungarian dish consists of tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy paprika-infused sauce. It is often served with homemade dumplings called nokedli or egg noodles.
Where to try it: Pest-Buda Bistro
4. Pogácsa (Biscuits)
These small breads are usually flavored with cheese or bacon, though they can also be plain. Order a few of these, preferably in different flavors, to get the full experience.
Where to try it: Central Market Hall
5. Hortobágyi Palacsinta (Pancake)
These savory pancakes are filled with minced meat, onions, and spices, then rolled and baked. They are typically served with a creamy paprika sauce and make a delightful main course.
Note that the palacsinta (meaning crepe or pancake) at the Central Market Hall can also include sweet versions, including Nutella and bananas or strawberries.
Where to try it: Central Market Hall or street stalls.
6. Nokedli (Dumplings)
These are not the Southern or even Asian dumplings I’m used to. Instead, these are traditionally served as a side dish to a heartier meal (like with chicken paprikash). The best way to describe them is with little knots of deliciousness that are lighter than pasta. Try them at Kiosk, where I almost embarrassed myself by wanting to lick the bowl!
Where to try it: Kiosk
8. Kürtőskalács
Also known as chimney cake, kürtőskalács is a sweet pastry made from sweet yeast dough. The dough is rolled onto a cone-shaped baking spit, roasted over an open fire, and coated with sugar or cinnamon. It’s a delightful treat.
Where to try it: Stalls everywhere in the historic area sell these. Look for one near the Ferris Wheel of Budapest.
9. Dobos Torte
A famous Hungarian dessert, Dobos Torte consists of multiple thin layers of sponge cake filled with rich chocolate buttercream. The top coating is caramelized and often adorned with intricate patterns.
Where to try it: Gerbeaud Café
10. Gerbeaud Cake
A multi-layer cake made of shortcrust pastry alternating with apricot jam mixed with walnuts topped by melted chocolate. The Gerbeaud Cake gets its name from the famous cafe where it was created.
Where to try it: Gerbeaud Café
Best Hungarian Drinks to Try
Tokaji
Wines from the Tokaj region, a UNESCO World Heritage area, are sweet and often served as a dessert wine. This white wine is the perfect ending to your meal.
Palinka
Every Eastern European country has a form of fruit brandy, and this is Hungary’s version. Generally made from plums, cherries, or apricots, you’ll find a variety at almost every restaurant in Budapest. These are served in a small glass for a reason, as it packs a punch!
Unicum
This herbal liqueur is not for every taste! Some compare the taste of Unicum to Jägermeister. This dark, bitter drink has a piney eucalyptus taste. Probably best to try it in a cocktail!
Where to Try Hungarian Dishes in Budapest
Kiosk
Rumored to be on a short-list for a Michelin star, Kiosk is a must-see while in Budapest. Not only is this restaurant trendy and serves amazing cocktails, but they take pride in serving both traditional Hungarian foods and new twists on classic flavors. You’ll need reservations, though, as there is often a line out the door!
Central Market Hall
While shopping for the best Hungarian souvenirs at Budapest’s Central Market Hall, check out the food options too! Check out the various stalls until you find one that serves the food you want at a price you want.
Drum Cafe Langosh & Goulash Bar
The name says it all, if you’re looking for lángos and goulash at a fair price at a sit-down restaurant, then the Drum Cafe Langosh & Goulash Bar is for you!
Café Gerbeaud
For a unique dessert experience, try Café Gerbeaud! Yes, the cakes are pricey, but it is all about the experience of this historic bakery which opened in 1858. Try one of the dessert samplers, though you’ll suffer from a sugar rush afterward!
Final Thoughts on Hungarian Foods & Drinks
One of the best parts of traveling is tasting new foods and discovering new cuisines. Hungary is no exception. You’ll leave Hungary with a satisfied stomach and a new appreciation for Hungarian food!
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.