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The best food in Hungary reflects the country’s rich culture, deep history, and everyday life. Known for its bold flavours, hearty ingredients, and traditional cooking methods, Hungarian cuisine offers a comforting and satisfying experience. Dishes often feature paprika, sour cream, and fresh meats, creating unique combinations that are both rustic and delicious. Whether enjoyed in home kitchens or at street stalls, each meal tells a story of heritage and tradition. Loved by locals and visitors alike, these dishes truly capture the essence of food in Hungary.
10 Best Food In Hungary
Explore the best food in Hungary, rich in flavour and tradition, where every dish reflects its vibrant culinary culture, history, and comforting local taste.
1. Chicken Paprikash
Photo: Mom the Barbarian / Wikimedia Commons
Chicken Paprikash is one of the most popular dishes in Hungarian kitchens. It started as a farmhouse meal and became a favourite across the country. The dish uses paprika, which gives it its strong colour and taste. Traditionally, it is cooked slowly in a pot with sour cream and served with soft dumplings. Today, some modern versions add mushrooms or bell peppers. It is a hearty meal and a good source of protein.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged
Cost Per Plate: 2500 – 3500 HUF / ₹600 – ₹850
Regional Variations: Southern Hungary, Great Plain Region
2. Hortobágyi Palacsinta
Photo: themightyquill / Wikimedia Commons
Hortobágyi Palacsinta is a savoury pancake filled with spiced meat and covered in a paprika sauce. Although it looks like a dessert, it is a main dish. It is now a part of everyday cooking in many households. The traditional version uses veal or chicken, but modern recipes may include turkey or even vegetables. It is one of the top foods in Hungary, and it combines rich flavours with a soft texture. It has moderate calories and makes a filling lunch or dinner.
Best Places To Try: Debrecen, Eger, Pécs
Cost Per Plate: 2000 – 3000 HUF / ₹480 – ₹720
Regional Variations: Northern Hungary, Debrecen Region
3. Túrós Csusza
Photo: OsvatA / Wikimedia Commons
Túrós Csusza is a simple pasta dish made with cottage cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream. It is one of the oldest meals in Hungary, eaten mostly in rural areas. The word “csusza” means “slip,” which may describe how easily the dish slides on the plate. Traditionally, people made it with homemade noodles and fresh farm cheese. These days, people also add herbs or onions. It stands out among the famous foods in Hungary for its comfort and ease.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Miskolc, Szolnok
Cost Per Plate: 1500 – 2500 HUF / ₹360 – ₹600
Regional Variations: Central Hungary, Northeastern Hungary
4. Lángos
Photo: MichalPL / Wikimedia Commons
Lángos is a deep-fried flatbread that people often eat hot with garlic, sour cream, and cheese. It was once a food made from leftover bread dough. Later, it became a popular snack sold at fairs and markets. Some newer versions come with sweet toppings like Nutella or jam. People also enjoy it with sausages or salad. It is considered one of the best street foods in Hungary for its crispy outside and soft inside.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Lake Balaton, Székesfehérvár
Cost Per Plate: 1000 – 1800 HUF / ₹240 – ₹430
Regional Variations: Lake regions, Western Hungary
5. Stuffed Peppers
Photo: Roundhere44 / Wikimedia Commons
Stuffed Peppers, or Töltött Paprika, are bell peppers filled with a mix of minced pork, rice, and spices, cooked in a tomato sauce. This dish came to Hungary through Turkish influence in the 16th century. Over time, it became a part of everyday meals. Traditionally, families cooked them in large pots for gatherings. Now, people add cheese or use different meats for modern variations. It’s a colourful and rich dish among the famous food in Hungary.
Best Places To Try: Győr, Kecskemét, Szolnok
Cost Per Plate: 2200 – 3000 HUF / ₹530 – ₹720
Regional Variations: Central Hungary, Danube Region
6. Fisherman’s Soup
Photo: JAMIE DIAZ / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Fisherman’s Soup, or Halászlé, is a spicy fish soup made with freshwater fish like carp and a lot of paprika. It has its roots in riverside villages, where fishermen use fresh catch to make this dish over open fires. The soup has two main types: Szeged-style and Baja-style, each with a slightly different preparation. Some modern versions even use fish fillets instead of whole fish. It is one of the spiciest foods in Hungary, and it is loved by people who enjoy strong flavours.
Best Places To Try: Baja, Szeged, Mohács
Cost Per Plate: 2500 – 3500 HUF / ₹600 – ₹850
Regional Variations: Baja-style, Szeged-style
7. Goulash
Photo: valeva1010 / Wikimedia Commons
Goulash, or Gulyás, is a meat stew made with beef, onions, paprika, and vegetables like carrots and potatoes. It started as a meal cooked by herdsmen on the Great Hungarian Plain. It is one of the most iconic dishes in Hungarian culture. Traditionally, it was made in a cast iron pot over fire, and that version still exists today. Some modern versions are thicker and served with bread or pasta. As a symbol of top food in Hungary, Goulash is loved for its warm, rich flavour.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Hortobágy, Sopron
Cost Per Plate: 3000 – 4000 HUF / ₹720 – ₹960
Regional Variations: Alföld-style, Csángó-style
8. Chimney Cake
Photo: Leszek Leszczynski / Wikimedia Commons
Chimney Cake, or Kürtőskalács, is a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry baked on a rotating spit. It began in Transylvania and soon became popular in Hungary. The outside is crispy and caramelised, while the inside is soft. People used to bake it for celebrations and weddings. Today, you can find versions with chocolate, coconut, or even ice cream fillings. As a famous food in Hungary, this is a favourite at festivals and fairs.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Szentendre, Visegrád
Cost Per Plate: 1000 – 2000 HUF / ₹240 – ₹480
Regional Variations: Transylvanian-style, Walnut-coated
9. Somlói Galuska
Photo: Illustratedjc / Wikimedia Commons
Somlói Galuska is a rich Hungarian dessert made of sponge cake, chocolate sauce, walnuts, and whipped cream. It was created in the 1950s by a chef named József Béla Szőcs. The dessert quickly became popular and won awards at world fairs. The sponge cake is soaked in rum syrup, which gives it a soft, sweet taste. While traditional versions follow the original recipe, modern ones might use extra chocolate or ice cream. It is a top pick among top food in Hungary for dessert lovers.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Gödöllő, Eger
Cost Per Plate: 1500 – 2500 HUF / ₹360 – ₹600
Regional Variations: Alcohol-free version, chocolate-heavy version
10. Dobos Torte
Photo: Isabelle Hurbain-Palatin / Wikimedia Commons
Dobos Torte is a layered sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and a caramel glaze. József Dobos created it in the late 1800s to last longer without refrigeration. The hard caramel top helped keep the cake fresh. Traditional versions have six layers, but newer ones might have more. It stands out for its history and unique look among the best food in Hungary. It is rich in taste and is usually served in small slices due to its sweetness.
Best Places To Try: Budapest, Pécs, Szombathely
Cost Per Plate: 2000 – 3000 HUF / ₹480 – ₹720
Regional Variations: Smaller café version, bakery-style
The best food in Hungary reflects the country’s rich traditions and cooking style. These dishes go beyond taste, they are a part of daily life. Each bite tells a simple story of culture and comfort. From classic recipes to modern favourites, Hungarian cuisine offers a flavorful journey. Book your trip with TripXL and experience the true essence of Hungary with ease, comfort, and unforgettable meals at every stop.
Cover Photo: Kai-Chieh Chan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
