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7 Hungarian dishes and drinks to try

Wondering what to eat in Hungary? Here’s what to fil your plate with.

    

Planning your next trip and wondering what the food in Hungary’s like? You’re in the right place. We’ve pulled out seven things to try while you’re there so you can get straight to the good stuff. Expect paprika-packed comfort dishes, super sweet desserts and game-changing local drinks, all bursting with regional flavour. So, if you’re hungary (couldn’t resist) to find out more, let’s dig into our top picks.

 

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Gulyás (goo-yash)

The locals call it gulyás, but you’ve probably heard of it as goulash – Hungary’s most famous dish. It’s a hearty, stew-like soup loaded with tender beef, a mix of veggies and plenty of paprika. Authentic recipes really go to town with this spice, but it’s not as intense as it sounds – the Hungarian paprika used in this dish is much smoother and sweeter than the stuff on your spice rack. This national treasure’s a staple on menus in traditional restaurants across the country, so you’ll have no trouble finding one to try. 
A bowl full of goulash being held up to the camera.

Halászlé (hol-a-slee)

Next up, we’ve got another Hungarian classic – this one packs a seriously spicy paprika punch. Halászlé (aka fisherman’s soup) is typically made with hot paprika, onions and carp or catfish.  Plenty of seafood spots in Budapest serve up this fiery fave, so settle in with a bowl, some crusty bread to dip and a glass of the local white wine for dinner with a kick. 
A bowl of bright red/orange soup with a basket of crusty bread on the side.

Lángos (laang-gosh)

Lángos literally means ‘flamed’, which feels fitting for one of Hungary’s most popular street food snacks. Picture a plate-sized flatbread, deep-fried until golden, crispy in the centre and perfectly puffed around the edges. It’s often slathered with sour cream, garlic butter and cheese, but you can pile on extras like onions, bacon and gyros meat – and trust us, the toppings are anything but skimpy. Grab one for a quick lunch on the go or order it as a side to tear and share (probably wise, as they’re pretty filling).  
A round flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese being held up in front of a lake.

Somlói galuska (som-loy gol-us-ka)

Got a sweet tooth? You’ll want to save room for this dessert. Somlói galuska, or somló dumplings, are spongy balls of cake smothered in whipped cream, chocolate sauce and chopped walnuts – yum. This trifle-style dessert is messy (in the best way), and just the thing to round off your meal. Look out for this treat on menus at patisseries and restaurants in Budapest, and head to Gundel for the most authentic version - the dish was created here in the 1950's.
A plate of dumplings topped with whipped cream and drizzled in chocolate sauce.

Kürtőskalács (Koor-tuhosh-kah-laatch)

Better known as chimney cake, this funnel cake is made by wrapping dough around a spit, rolling it in sugar, then cooking it above an open fire – you’ll smell the caramelised sugar from a mile off. You’ll find clusters of them sold at kiosks all over Budapest and you can usually choose from flavoured coatings including coconut, walnut and vanilla. Some places fill them with ice cream, although it’s not traditional to, and they’re a big feature at Hungary’s Christmas markets.
Chimney Cake being cooked

Hungarian wine

The grape-growing game is strong in Hungary – especially around Lake Balaton, where vineyards stretch out in every direction. The region’s reds, whites and rosés are fresh and fragrant, but the real standout is Olaszrizling (Welschriesling). This grape makes crisp white wines with floral and peachy notes that are basically the scent of summer in a bottle, and you'll find it features heavily on wine lists.
A glass of red wine being held up in front of leafy green grapevines.

Unicum

If you’re after a punchy way to start or finish your meal in Hungary, it’s got to be a sip of Unicum. This herbal liqueur is drunk as a digestif and aperitif, and although its recipe is closely guarded, it’s known to contain 40+ herbs and spices. The end result is a thick, black bittersweet concoction that tastes a bit like medicine – but in a good way. Even the bottle looks like something from an ancient medicine cabinet, which must be a sign that it’s good for you.
Hungarian liquor on a table

Ready to get going?

Take a look at our holidays to Hungary.

For more inspiration, take a look at the best things to do in Budapest, the highlights of a Danube river cruise or the best holiday destinations for foodies.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Charlotte Baldwin and Katie Gregory

Last updated: 29.09.2026

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