Hungarian cuisine is warm, flavorful, and deeply rooted in history, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity. Known for its bold use of paprika and other spices, Hungarian gastronomy offers a unique culinary experience that attracts food lovers from all over the world. From hearty stews and soups to delicate pastries, Hungary is home to some of the most delicious dishes you must try while exploring this fascinating country. Explore what to eat in Budapest.

Goulash (Gulyás)

One of the most famous Hungarian dishes, goulash is a hearty and flavorful soup made with tender meat, vegetables—particularly potatoes—and a generous amount of Hungarian paprika. Unlike thicker stews often called goulash in other parts of the world, traditional Hungarian gulyás is more soup-like in consistency, with a balance of spices that give it its signature taste. For an authentic experience, visit Gundel in Budapest, a historic restaurant known for preparing goulash using a time-honored recipe passed down through generations. If you’re looking for a more affordable yet equally delicious option, Hungarian Hell’s Kitchen is another excellent spot to taste this iconic dish.

Paprikash (Paprikás)

Closely related to goulash, paprikás is another classic Hungarian dish made with meat—usually chicken, beef, or pork—simmered in a rich, paprika-infused sauce. The slow-cooked meat develops a tender texture, soaking up the bold flavors of the sauce. This dish is typically served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), pasta, or rice. In Budapest, Café Kör is well known for its outstanding paprikás, prepared using traditional methods to ensure the most authentic taste.

Lángos

Lángos is a popular Hungarian street food, a deep-fried flatbread made from yeasted dough, flour, and salt, crispy on the outside and soft inside. It is often topped with sour cream, grated cheese, garlic butter, or even sausage, making it a flavorful and filling snack. Whether you want a simple, traditional version or a loaded one with various toppings, Lángos Land at the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) in Budapest is the perfect place to enjoy this indulgent treat.

Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé)

A true specialty of Hungary, halászlé is a spicy, paprika-infused fish soup traditionally prepared with freshwater fish such as carp, catfish, or perch. The dish originates from the Danube and Tisza river regions, where fishermen would cook their fresh catch over an open fire with onions, tomatoes, and generous amounts of paprika. One of the best places to try this dish is Halászbástya, an elegant restaurant with stunning views of the Danube. Since it’s a sought-after experience, reservations are recommended.

Pörkölt

Often confused with goulash, pörkölt is a thicker, richer stew made with slow-cooked meat, onions, and paprika, but with less liquid than goulash. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop into a deep and satisfying dish, which is typically served with dumplings or egg noodles. For a taste of this hearty dish, visit Százéves Étterem, Budapest’s oldest restaurant, renowned for its authentic pörkölt.

Dobos Torte

Hungary is also famous for its desserts, and Dobos torte is one of the most iconic. This layered sponge cake is filled with a rich chocolate buttercream and topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar layer, which adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Originally created in the 19th century by pastry chef József Dobos, this cake was designed to stay fresh longer than traditional pastries. One of the best places to experience this indulgent treat is Gerbeaud, a historic Budapest café known for its exquisite pastries and elegant atmosphere.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)

Much like in many Central and Eastern European countries, stuffed cabbage rolls (sarma) are a beloved dish in Hungary. Made by filling fermented cabbage leaves with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and seasonings, these rolls are then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. For a truly authentic Hungarian experience, head to Fakanál Étterem, where you can taste one of the best versions of this comforting dish.

Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)

A must-try Hungarian street food, kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cake, is a sweet dough pastry roasted over an open flame, giving it a crispy outer layer while remaining soft inside. After baking, the hot dough is rolled in sugar, walnuts, or chocolate, creating a deliciously caramelized coating. If you want to taste one of the best chimney cakes in Budapest, visit Molnár’s Kürtőskalács Kávézó, a café specializing in this traditional dessert.

Jókai Bean Soup (Jókai Bableves)

This rich, hearty bean soup is named after Mór Jókai, one of Hungary’s most celebrated writers, who was known to be a fan of this dish. Prepared with kidney beans, smoked pork, sausage, root vegetables, and sour cream, the soup is full of bold flavors and textures. One of the best places to try Jókai Bableves is Kárpátia, a historic restaurant offering an authentic and comforting version of this traditional dish.

Somlói Galuska

For those with a sweet tooth, Somlói Galuska is an absolute must-try. This luxurious dessert consists of layers of sponge cake soaked in rum, chocolate sauce, ground walnuts, and whipped cream, creating an indulgent and rich flavor profile. Often referred to as one of Hungary’s most beloved desserts, it is served in many cafés, but the New York Café in Budapest is particularly famous for its version. Located in what is often called “the most beautiful café in the world,” this venue offers a truly elegant and unforgettable experience.

Hungarian cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and exciting culinary traditions in Europe. If you are wondering what to eat in Budapest, the dishes mentioned here only scratch the surface of what this incredible country has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of savory stews, spicy soups, or indulgent desserts, Hungarian gastronomy will leave a lasting impression, making food an essential part of your journey through Hungary.