What to eat in Hungary: A guide to goulash and beyond

Trying to diet in Hungary? You might want to rethink that plan.

Hungarian cuisine is a vibrant mix of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences. French flavors come through in rich goose liver pâté, while the decadent seven-layer Dobos cake competes with Austria's iconic Sachertorte in terms of indulgence.

Food and drink in Hungary are both plentiful and affordable—perfect for food lovers, but a challenge for those trying to keep their waistline in check.

Goulash

Goulash – is it a soup or a stew?

Hungary's iconic dish (pronounced “gooyash,” by the way) is a hearty combination of slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions, and an abundance of paprika that delivers a bold kick.

Finding goulash on a menu is a given – it's served everywhere, from casual cafés to fine dining restaurants.

Where to try it: Enjoy a modern twist on goulash at Budapest Bisztro (Vecsey utca 3, +36 1 783 0788).

Langos

Hungary’s beloved street food is the perfect fix for a cold morning when you need a quick bite before lunch.

It’s simple yet satisfying: a deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and grated cheese, sometimes with a dash of garlic to keep things interesting (and maybe annoy the person sitting next to you).

Where to try it: The charming town of Szentendre by the Danube is home to some of the best langos in Hungary. Look for a small alleyway leading to St. Janos Church in the main square, where a sign saying “langos” will point you toward a humble stall halfway down the path.

Paprika chicken

The sweet red peppers that are a hallmark of Hungarian cuisine truly shine in this beloved stew, also known as chicken paprikash.

The dish is enhanced with powdered paprika, along with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of sour cream.

Paired with nokedli, egg dumplings similar to Austrian spätzle, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Where to try it: If you’re exploring the Buda Castle district in Budapest, head to Alabardos Restaurant (Orszaghaz utca 2, +36 1 356 0851).

Hortobagyi meat pancakes

Hungarians have a love for palacsinta – pancakes that resemble French crêpes more than the thick American variety you might top with syrup.

This savory take is just as indulgent: a hearty filling of minced veal or chicken wrapped in pancakes and drenched in a rich sour cream and paprika sauce.

Where to try it: Enjoy a meal under the medieval stone arches of Pierrot (Fortuna utca 14, Budapest, +36 1 375 6971), set in a 13th-century former bakery.

Goose liver pâté

The French aren’t the only ones who enjoy goose liver; Hungarians share a passion for this rich and buttery treat.

Where to try it: At Aranysarkany Vendeglo in Szentendre (Alkotmany utca 1; +36 26 301 479), they wrap it in bacon and grill it lightly. Alternatively, enjoy it as a starter at the iconic Gundel restaurant in Budapest’s City Park (Gundel Karoly Way 4, +36 1 468 4040).

Cold sour cherry soup

While many Hungarian dishes are perfect for chilly days, this chilled sour cherry soup is the ideal treat for warm summer nights. Fresh sour cherries blend with sour cream and sugar to create a refreshing, classic dish.

Where to try it: Grab a takeout version at Leves (Vamhaz korut 14, Budapest, +36 30 241 7760).

Tihanyi pike perch

Lake Balaton, Hungary's scenic playground, draws visitors to its thermal springs and serves as the perfect backdrop for enjoying the lake’s tender pike perch.

This flavorful fish can be roasted, grilled, or prepared Tihanyi style: transformed into a terrine with cream, white wine, spinach, and dill.

Where to try it: Enjoy stunning lake views along with fresh fish dishes at Ferenc Pince Csarda (Cserhegy 9, Tihany, +36 76 448 575), located in a prime spot on the Tihany peninsula.

Stuffed cabbage leaves

Cabbage rolls are a common sight across Central and Eastern Europe, and Hungary is no exception. Known locally as toltott kaposzta, they are filled with minced pork and, of course, a generous amount of paprika.

The dish is best served with a dollop of sour cream, the classic Hungarian touch, paired with sauerkraut and hearty chunks of smoked pork.

Where to try it: After exploring the stalls at Budapest’s Central Market, head upstairs to Fakanal Etterem (Vamhaz korut 1-3, +36 1 217 7860) for a satisfying plate of stuffed cabbage.

Kurtoskalacs (chimney cake)

Chimney cake is made by wrapping dough around a cylinder and baking it over the last glowing embers of an open fire. The pastry is often coated in sugar, creating a sticky caramelized coating that can hold onto a variety of toppings – from cinnamon and cocoa to chopped walnuts.

Where to try it: The best way to enjoy it is warm, paired with ice cream and coffee, at Molnar’s Kurtoskalacs café (Vaci utca 31) in Budapest.

Dobos cake

Seven layers of fluffy sponge cake, each separated by rich chocolate buttercream, topped off with a thin caramel layer for an added crunch before the sweetness takes over.

Hungarian confectioner Jozsef Dobos, from the 19th century, is credited with creating this divine cake that has become a fixture in Hungary's coffeehouse culture.

Where to try it: For a taste of this iconic cake, head to the opulent interior of Budapest’s Central Kavehaz (Karolyi Mihaly utca 9, +36 1 266 2110), a grand setting worthy of such a delectable treat.

Eszterhazy torte

This cake was created in honor of Prince Eszterhazy – a dessert fit for royalty, indeed.

The cake’s legacy lives on in one of Europe’s most renowned pastries: five delicate layers of almond meringue and buttercream, crowned with intricate swirls of decoration on top.

Where to try it: Just steps away from Budapest's grand Parliament, you’ll find Szalai (Balassi Balint utca 4, +36 1 269 3210), an old-world cake shop where you can treat yourself to one of these royal delights.

Somloi sponge cake

This indulgent dessert combines not one, but three varieties of sponge cake – vanilla, chocolate, and walnut – for a truly decadent experience.

But the richness doesn’t end there: Fresh whipped cream, velvety chocolate sauce, and a splash of rum unite the three cakes to create a sublime dessert.

Where to try it: For a truly luxurious experience, enjoy this sumptuous treat in the opulent New York Café (Erzsebet korut 9-11, +36 1 886 6111) inside the Boscolo Budapest hotel.