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Bite into Lake Balaton: 7 Hungarian dishes and drinks to try

Planning your next trip and wondering what the food in Hungary’s like? You’re in the right place. Expect paprika-packed comfort dishes, super sweet desserts and game-changing local drinks, all bursting with regional flavour – especially around Lake Balaton, where lavender's a big deal. So, if you’re hungary (couldn’t resist) to find out more, let’s dig into our top picks.

Hungarian food

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. And around Lake Balaton, you might find it mixed with other fresh lake fish like bass, pike and eel. Plenty of cosy, family-run spots in Siófok and Balatonfüred 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.

Hungarian sweet treats

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. They’re messy (in the best way), and just the thing to round off your meal. Look out for this treat on menus at authentic restaurants in lakeside towns like Siófok and Balatonfüred. 
A plate of dumplings topped with whipped cream and drizzled in chocolate sauce.

Lavender cheesecake

If you’re a fan of food that’s as beautiful as it is delicious (looking at you, Instagrammers), the lavender cheesecake at Rege Cukrászda in Tihany is a must-try. This little village, perched in the hills overlooking Lake Balaton, is famous for its lavender and just a 35-minute bus or bike ride from Balatonfüred. Once there, you’ll find the café right around the corner from the Abbey – it’s hard to miss. Then before you know it, you’ll be digging into soft layers of biscuity base, vibrant lavender-infused cream and meringue cookies for your lakeside afternoon bite – now that’s a pretty picture.  
A slice of bright purple lavender cheesecake on a plate and a cup of coffee on a saucer held up in front of a lake backdrop.

Hungarian drinks

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. Pair a glass with dinner or, better yet, book a tasting tour for the full experience and some local wine wisdom – it’s easily one of the top things to do in Lake Balaton. 
A glass of red wine being held up in front of leafy green grapevines.

Hungarian gin

Here’s something you might not know – Hungary’s got serious gin game too. Hungarian gin-makers are experts at showcasing regional flavours, and Balaton Gin is proof. This carefully crafted spirit totally nails the vibe of Lake Balaton in every sip, with key ingredients like lavender (of course), sweet and floral muscat grapes, elderflower and a blend of spices – all coming together for a light, fragrant finish. Fancy a G&T, Lake Balaton style? Pair it with lavender tonic. Or keep an eye out for it in signature cocktails at lakeside bars. 
A glass of gin and tonic being held up in front of a lake backdrop at sunset.

Hooked on Hungary’s foodie vibes? Book your Lake Balaton trip here or head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage for more inspo. 

Author: Charlotte Baldwin 

Last updated: 10.02.2025

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