In Hungary, there is an event called pig slaughter, people use peppers and onions in almost every dish and Santa Claus comes on St. Nicholas Day. Read our article and check out some weird Hungarian traditions!
Peppers and onions are used in almost all dishes
Hungarians tend to use peppers and onions in almost every dish, writes mindenamikulfold.hu. If you look up a Hungarian recipe, almost every one of them will start like this. Foreigners often wonder how people living in Hungary can eat these heavy dishes. For foreigners, Hungarian dishes are too spicy. However, the famous Goulash is internationally praised and cooked. In addition, it also might be strange for foreigners that Hungarians put sour cream in many dishes.
Hungarian restaurant habits are also different
A man from New Orleans shared some traditions and customs he found weird in Hungary. Among others, he mentions restaurant habits. In America, waiters come over to see if you want something, talk to you to get to know you. In Hungary, however, the waiter comes once, takes your order, serves the food and you do not even see him after that, writes magyarorszagom.hu.
Another weird tradition is the Hungarian pig slaughter. As the name suggests, this is an event when pigs are slaughtered. After the animals are killed, their blood let and their skin burned off, the butchers split the carcasses and chop them up, reports reuters.com. Although it might sound brutal, Hungarians actually attend this event with their families, friends.
In Hungary, Santa Claus comes and brings chocolates on St. Nicholas Day, and on Christmas Eve, Jesus brings the gifts. This is completely different abroad. Usually, foreigners do not celebrate Santa Claus day separately, he comes at Christmas on 25 December. Moreover, many families in the USA already have a Christmas tree at the beginning of December, while in Hungary, it is strictly decorated (by the angels) only on 24 December.
If we compare the expressions and idioms of different nationalities, we can find some real gems as back-translation can lead to some pretty amusing results. Read this article and check out the funniest Hungarian expressions!
Hungarians are “as happy as a monkey about its tail”
As matadornetwork.com writes, Hungarians express their happiness in a very funny way. Instead of jumping for joy, people in Hungary are “as happy as a monkey about its tail” (Örül, mint majom a farkának). Although this might sound extremely amusing for foreigners, this is a totally common Hungarian idiom.
“Why are you giving drinks to the mice?”
This Hungarian expression is also among the funniest ones. Instead of “Why are you crying?”, Hungarians ask, “Miért itatod az egereket?”, meaning, “Why are you giving drinks to the mice?”
If you found the previous examples amusing, you will definitely like this one. While the English would say “A leopard can’t change its spots”, the Hungarian equivalent is “You cannot make bacon out of a dog” (Kutyából nem lesz szalonna). Although expressed differently, both proverbs mean that it is impossible for one to change their character, even if they try very hard. However, the Hungarian expression sounds probably funnier.
“Far, far away” or “behind God’s back”?
In Hungary, Christianity has a very large community of believers. In addition, Christianity has always been part of Hungarians’ life, beginning with Hungary’s first king, Saint Stephen I, who took up Western Christianity in the 11th century. Therefore, these religious roots can be found in some Hungarian expressions. For example, while “behind God’s back” (Isten háta mögött) meaning “far, far away” might sound weird to foreigners, this expression’s origin is actually deep-rooted.
While in some cases there are explanations for the Hungarian idioms, there is no excuse for this strange expression. If you are not familiar with this idiom, it is really hard to guess its meaning. “You can spread him on bread” (Kenyérre lehet kenni) is actually used for good-hearted people. If you think someone is very nice, you may say that you can spread them on bread!
Hungarians are proud of their customs and traditions. In addition, they have strict rules when it comes to etiquette and expect others to follow them. Read our article to find out how you should behave when you are staying in Hungary!
No loud noises in public
In some cultures, people are used to speaking quite loudly. However, in Hungary, you should avoid any loud noises. No loud singing, whistling or humming is tolerated. If you are using public transport, make sure you use your earphones or headphones when listening to music, as it is considered to be rude, if you listen to music loudly.
According to culturalatlas.sbs.com.au, most visits are arranged in advance. You should not show up at someone’s doorstep unannounced. Give them time to prepare for your visit. More importantly, punctuality is crucial for most Hungarians. Therefore, if you are invited to an event, try to arrive on time. However, if you plan to go to a more informal party, it is acceptable to be late about 30 minutes.
Meeting people in Hungary
According to the rules of etiquette, when meeting people of the same sex, the younger person always greets the older person in advance, thereby expressing respect for the older person’s age, writes www.irodalmiradio.hu. Men usually greet each other with a handshake, in the case of women a handshake is not expected. According to the rules of the protocol, you must introduce – the man to the woman, – the younger person to the older person, – the lower position path/rank path to the higher one, – the later arrival to the person already there, taking into account the previous rules.
Eating and drinking are always considered special occasions for Hungarians. No matter if it is lunch or dinner, Hungarians like to organise the event to make sure everything is appropriate for the occasion. When catering at home, the host welcomes all arriving guests personally and ensures that the guests will get a drink immediately. As the guests leave, the host expresses how grateful they are that the guests have accepted the invitation.
It is very much recommended to visit Hungary and explore its beautiful capital, the stunning countryside and its colourful culture and traditions. However, before you travel to Hungary, there might be some things you should know about the Hungarian people.
Hungarians are rather introverted and pessimistic
Although there are some exceptions, most Hungarians are usually described as introverted and pessimistic. It also does not help that Hungarians are very straightforward and will seldom hide their discontent, writes travelnotesandbeyond.com. In addition, people in Hungary do not open up easily, it takes time for them to accept foreigners. So do not worry if you feel like you are not welcome in Hungary at first! If you get to know Hungarians better, you will realise that they just need their time to warm up to you.
Hungarian people are smart
According to CNN, Hungary has one of the highest rankings, per capita, for Nobel laureates. The first Hungarian Nobel prize dates back to 1905 (for physics). Fülöp Lénárd’s results led to the discovery of electrons and X-rays. Furthermore, Hungarians are famous for their numerous inventions. For example, they invented the light bulb or safety matches. Read more about Hungarian inventions here!
You should avoid talking about politics!
If there is one thing that divides even families, it is politics. Although things can get pretty intense when the topic comes up, Hungarians often engage in serious debates. It is probably safer to avoid politics altogether.
You will probably notice that Hungarian people say their last names first. For example, they will introduce themselves as “Kiss Péter”, with “Kiss” being their last name. It is useful to know this so that you do not confuse their first and last names.
The history of Hungary might explain why Hungarians tend to be pessimistic. Hungarians had to fight for their freedom several times and had to face many hardships. Among others, Mongols and Tatars invaded the country, and the 47-year-long Soviet occupation also took a toll on the nation. If you are interested in the history of Hungary, you can read more about it here.
The Hungarian folk came from the west of the Ural Mountains and migrated to today’s Hungary. Due to their adventorous lifestyles, Hungarians have some pretty fascinating mythological stories. Read our article and discover Hungary’s rich folk heritage!
Hungarian mythology
Hungarian folklore is a system of mythological ideas that can be reconstructed on the basis of folk tales, legends, archaic folk prayers and recitations, as well as folk art and folk customs, writes arcanum.com. Although the Hungarian language is considered to be part of the Finno-Ugric family, its legends differ from other Finno-Ugric mythologies. Shamanism played an important role in shaping the mythological worldview of Hungarians during the time of the conquest of the Carpathian Basin. In addition, Hungarian mythology divided the universe into three worlds: the upper, the middle and the lower. The upper one was the world of the god(s) while the middle one was inhabited by people and supernatural beings.
This is probably the most famous and oldest Hungarian legend about the origin of the folk. Here is the story, also written by travelnhistory.com:
In a great and ancient land, King Nimrod’s first wife bore twin sons named Hunnor and Magor. On a hunt, their father got separated from his sons, who came across a wondrous stag. They started chasing the animal through lush meadows and deep forests but the stag kept heading west. At dusk, it seemed to have vanished so the brothers found a place to camp for the night. In the morning, the stag reappeared and led the young hunters to a beautiful and bountiful land. Although they lost the stag, Hunnor and Magor fell in love with the place and built a new life there – in Hungary.
This legend is about Emese, the wife of Attila the Hun. Once, Emese had a dream in which a Turul bird appeared to her. A clear stream began to flow westward from her, which grew into a strong, flowing river. This image symbolised an impregnation by the Turul making her lineage one of great significance. Soon, Emese gave birth to Álmos, the father of Árpád. For Hungarians, Árpád is a very important ruler, as he is considered the founder of Hungary. Therefore, Emese’s dream proved to be right, her descendants were in fact, great rulers.
Dreaming of the tranquillity of the Hungarian countryside? Fresh air, bright sky with a glass of drink in your backyard – as we would all like to imagine it. Here are some stories to prove you wrong.
We do not mean to scare anyone away from moving to the countryside. These are obviously handpicked examples from the readers of Sokszínűvidék. And you can meet bad neighbours anywhere. If you do not have one, you are probably it. Also, if you want to feel better about your own neighbours, do not miss these funny anecdotes – all are true stories recalled by readers.
We all know the old lady archetype who knows everything about everyone in the village. It turns out that sometimes they seem to know more about you than you do actually. One reader recalled a story when she went home to her parents’ house to wash her clothes as the washing machine broke down at her boyfriend’s place. The old lady who lived next door put together the pieces and started spreading the rumour that she was dumped and kicked out of her boyfriend’s place because she accidentally broke the washing machine.
The fresh air
Most people in the countryside have experienced the pungent smell of the dunghills, usually placed carefully next to the fence. It was a recurring issue readers were complaining about. Many people also mentioned that some neighbours used dirty sewage water for watering the plants. Also, as much as we love animals, it is not ideal when they are kept right next to our house (pigs, chickens, ducks or dogs) in cages that are rarely cleaned. It is not only a sad sight but can be rather smelly too.
If not the animals, it is the smoke. All winter and summer long. Something is always burning whether it is for heating or to get rid of waste. One neighbour figured, for example, that the best way to get rid of the overgrowing weeds was burning down the whole yard.
Are you bothered by late-night parties in the city or the constant noise of traffic? Well, if you are unlucky enough you can also encounter neighbours in the country who like to turn up the radio to the max while doing work in the garden. What adds to the experience is if they use a lawn mower, chainsaw, or whatever other loud machinery they can get their hands on. Do not get scared though, life in the countryside can be indeed quiet. But there will be times you will have to put up with a barking dog or the signature sound of the lawn mower at 7 AM on a Sunday.
Close-knit community
Lastly, one of the readers shared the story of their elderly neighbour. He was not bothering them so much, but he wandered a bit too freely around the area. One time they heard a noise coming from downstairs in their house and went to investigate – only to find him in their kitchen. He went over to ask for boards to build a bench in his backyard. Problem is, they obviously did not have boards nor was he in a bench-building shape physically…
Every country is unique in its own way. In different places, different customs have developed over the centuries. As the Hungarian saying goes, “as many houses, so many customs.” Some customs are natural to Hungarians, but foreigners might find them weird.
Loud nose blowing
If asked, most foreigners would pick this as the strangest Hungarian habit, writes magyarorszagom.hu. Blowing your nose loudly in public is a bizarre and baffling Hungarian habit. There are many countries where it is not customary to use a handkerchief in public, especially not for blowing your nose loudly. In Hungary, however, there are no such restrictions. It is just that if you are in a company, turn away while sneezing or blowing your nose.
Name day, wrong order
In Hungarian, we write people’s surnames first, followed by their first names. For example, the Prime Minister of Hungary is Orbán Viktor, not Viktor Orbán in the Hungarian language. This is not the only interesting thing about Hungarian names. Apart from birthdays we also celebrate name days. Each date has one or more first names, when the person with that name celebrates their name day. Gift-giving is less common, but having a cake is a must on name days.
Hungarians never make a toast with beer. The origin of the custom is a protest against the executions in Arad in 1849. There is no written evidence that backs up this legend though. According to historians, it started when beer consumption appeared in Hungary. It is also possible that it was invented by wine merchants to make wine drinking look patriotic. Thus, wine became more popular than beer. Legend has it that the Austrians toasted victory with beer, hence the origin of the custom. It is said that the ban on toasting lasted for 150 years, which expired in 1999. However, many Hungarians still do not toast with beer, writes urbanlegend.hu.
Strange foods
Hungarian cuisine is special. This is not always a compliment in the eyes of foreigners. We have many dishes that are very unusual for foreigners. One such dish is a popular main course called főzelék, which is a thick vegetable stew. Fruit soup is equally rare. This sweet soup made from cold fruit is a favourite starter for Hungarians. For more strange Hungarian dishes, click HERE.
Hungarian is not a widely spoken language, however, there are some words that are used even in English. Check out these Hungarian words that were borrowed by the English language!
If you are interested in the topic, have a look at our previous article here!
What is Dobosh?
According to hungarianpod101.com, Dobosh or Dobos torte is a Hungarian word that is also used in English. Dobosh is a Hungarian cake named after pastry chef József Dobos, who invented it in 1884. This is a Hungarian sponge cake with seven layers of thin cake filled with rich chocolate buttercream, topped with caramel, and sometimes coated with ground hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, or almonds. It is a traditional Hungarian cake. In addition, it is elegant and fit for any occasion. If you enter a confestionery in Hungary, you will probably find a Dobos cake there.
If you would like to try it out at home, here is the recipe by thespruceeats.com.
Dobosh Cake. Photo: Facebook/ZsuzsiSüti
An itsy-bitsy Hungarian
Itsy-bitsy is often used by English speakers but not many know that it originates from Hungarian. Just like teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy is an adjective and means not great in size, amount. According to Cambridge Dictionary, this word is also used in the US as itty-bitty. The UK word itsy-bitsy is pronounced /ɪt.siˈbɪt.si/ , while the US one is pronounced/ˈɪt̬.iˈbɪt̬.i/.
A common Hungarian dog
Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog breed. As zooplus.hu writes, with its muscular, harmonious body structure, this dog is reminiscent of its ancestors, the German Shorthair and the French Vizla. Traces of the breed’s ancestors can be found in writings and illustrations from the 14th century. The ancestors of the breed came to other European countries with the Hungarian migrating tribes. The ancestors of the Hungarian Vizsla date back to the 19th century. From the end of the 20th century, they successfully participated in the competitions of “leading” dogs.
These dogs are not only friendly, but also very sensitive. Overall, they are lively and happy animals, therefore, they are the favourite breed of many Hungarians.
Are you an expat living in Hungary or a visitor who would like to make new Hungarian friends? Here are some funny don’ts you should be aware of when you meet a Hungarian for the first time. 😉
Don’t give hugs or kisses
The majority of Hungarians insist on keeping distance during the first encounter. When introducing yourself in Hungary, shake hands and look into the other’s eyes while articulating your name. During the first meeting, don’t hug and don’t give kisses on the face. If your relationship is going well, it will soon be time for a more intimate greeting. But the first meeting is still the gateway to building trust with a Hungarian.
Similarly to other nations, politics is a sensitive issue in Hungary as well. Therefore, it is not recommended to reveal your political reviews or start a discussion about politics during your first encounter with a Hungarian. You should rather start the conversation about the delicious Hungarian gastronomy, the wonderful tourist attractions, and other pleasant topics on which agreement is guaranteed. Political views are recommended to be discussed later, when the trust is stronger between you and differences of opinion are not able to ruin the relationship.
If the first meeting is informal, you will probably be offered a shot of pálinka at the entrance. In no case should you refuse this noble gesture. In addition to the mood-boosting effect of the delicious hungarikum, the Hungarian spirit also has curative and antiseptic effects when consumed in moderate quantities. If you feel like the second and third rounds are too much for you, of course you can say no, but you should definitely try a pint of it as it is a bucket list speciality in Hungary.
Don’t criticise the country or the nation
Like many other nations, Hungarians have a very strong national consciousness. Therefore, it is not recommended to start the first conversation with a Hungarian with a critical attitude. At the beginning, it is worth emphasising the positives things you experienced in Hungary. If you have had a negative experience – which might occur as Hungarians are not perfect either – you save it for later when the trust is stronger between you and critics are not taken personally.
A wedding is one of the most special moments in a couple’s life. There are many customs and traditions associated with the big day. We have already introduced some of the old Hungarian traditions in our previous articles. Now we will get you acquainted with the typical schedule of a Hungarian wedding. So the next time you are invited to a Hungarian friend’s wedding, there will be no surprises.
First look photo session — 30-60 mins
If the couple does not want to risk postponing the photo shoot, they often schedule it for the very beginning of the event. This way you do not have to leave their guests during the reception.
Waiting for guests — 1 hour
This is when the guests arrive. The in-laws and distant relatives get to know each other a bit and have a chat before the ceremony and dinner. The bride does not attend this part so that she can be first seen in her dress at the ceremony. The groom and family welcome the guests. This can give the bride extra time to get ready.
Civil ceremony — 30-60 mins
Civil ceremonies are usually short. After saying ‘yes’ and exchanging the rings, the vows are also quintessential elements. However, things may vary. The officiant will prepare a personalised speech. Usually, the civil ceremony including the procession takes half an hour.
Church ceremony — 30-60 mins
A church ceremony is slightly longer than a civil ceremony. The length of the ceremony depends on the church and priest. It usually takes 40-50 minutes. This fact should be taken into consideration if you have to travel to a more remote location for each service.
Congratulations — 30-60 mins
The length of the congratulations depends mainly on the number of guests. It usually takes one and a half minutes per guest, family and couple. If there is no bridal dance, this is also the time for the presentation of gifts.
Photography — 1 hour
The length of the photo session also depends on the number of guests. The couple takes photos both with the entire crowd and in smaller groups. The newlyweds often divide the guests into pre-planned groups, and the master of ceremonies will assist the bride and groom in that.
Dinner plus games — 2-3 hours
During dinner, all guests are seated and served various traditional dishes. Since there are different games for the couple during dinner, it is a good idea to combine these activities. Depending on the number of courses and games, you should allow 2-3 hours for this activity.
The dance is usually a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes. However, after this the guests can dance with the wife and husband. The style of dance is a personal choice.
Cake — 30 mins
Cutting and dividing the cake takes at least half an hour. It is said that the member of the couple whose hand is higher up when cutting the first slice of cake will make all the decisions during the marriage. It can also extend the duration of the programme if the guests can choose from a selection of flavours when it is a multi-layer cake.
Bridesmaid dance — 30-60 mins
During the bride dance, everyone can invite the bride to dance. Usually, couples and families are asked to do it at the same time to speed up the process. Usually, if there is a large crowd of guests, the bride is not kept waiting for more than half a minute.
Midnight meal and party
This is no longer a compulsory programme. Some guests may leave earlier while others have specific diet restrictions. However, those who stay can expect the good times to roll on until dawn.
Who doesn’t love Hungarian food: the pancakes from Hortobágy, the catfish paprikás, the goulash soup are a favourite of many. However, not all restaurants are authentic enough. We are about to show you where to go for a guaranteed taste of delicious Hungarian food.
The cuisine of Tamás Széll and Szabina Szulló is famous not only in Hungary but all over Europe. Stand25 Bistro is waiting for you in the 1st district of Budapest from Monday to Saturday. The goulash soup and the potato casserole are unmissable. Hungarian wines, craft beers and quality coffee add to the already high quality experience. They do not only focus on quality ingredients, but also on their guests.
Rosenstein Restaurant is a family restaurant in Budapest. Tibor Rosenstein and his son Róbert have been serving hungry guests for 25 years. Here, tradition and innovation meet. Classic dishes such as pacalpörkölt, salontüdő are of course also available here. They have their own brandy, beer, syrup, coffee and jam.
The Rosenstein can seat up to 50 people: family-, friend- or company gatherings are possible. The restaurant is located in the 8th district of the capital, not far from the Keleti Railway Station.
You can find the Nagylapos Sheep Tavern in Gyomaendrőd. As part of the family business, they run a livestock farm and restaurant. They have large quantities of grey cattle, sheep, mangalica and chickens. As a result, they have a direct supply of eggs and meat. What they do not produce they buy from nearby farmers. Mutton stew is one of their most popular dishes. The restaurant has been operating since 2007 and includes a 60-year-old garden.
In Békéscsaba, you can find the Veszély Csárda (Danger Tavern) along the main road. It was already a tavern in the first half of the 1800s. The restaurant, renewed in 2017, can seat 160 people in winter and 260 in summer. “Our chef and team offer a huge selection of classic tavern dishes and contemporary gastronomic delights every day of the week,” reads the website.
The experience is rounded off by a huge selection in their wine cellar. Master Chef László Metzger and his team buy their ingredients from local small producers.
Music is a universal language between people. Naturally, each nation around the world has its own variety in the medium. Folk music holds an important meaning to cultures in all corners of the world. Hungary proudly boasts a colourful folk music history. Throughout the ages, composers made recordings of many pieces of folk music. Continue reading below to find out more about the wonderful world of Hungarian folk music!
What is folk music?
The term folk music and its equivalents in other languages denote many different kinds of music; the meaning of the term varies according to the part of the world, social class, and period of history, writes Britannica. Families were the ones to pass down this traditional genre. Instead of learning it from reading, they learned through hearing. Through this genre, we can gather information on the daily lives and activities of the people of the past.
Folk music research in Hungary
Hungarian folk music research started centuries ago with the recording of a folk song. The organised folk song collection started in 1896, with Béla Vikár laying the foundations. Following him were composers Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály in the early 20th century, writes Sulinet.
The Bartók family made a significant contribution not only in collecting but also in classification, research, systematisation and practical use. Bartók alone collected about 40 000 folk songs. Today this number has increased to 300 000, 150 000 of which have written records.
Kodály also made a lasting contribution to music education. The Kodály Method, named after him, introduced the teaching of folk songs into public education. Many countries around the world utilise this techinque today.
Seeing the large number of Hungarian folk songs, categorising them is not an easy task. Thankfully, we have a list of pointers through which we can classify each piece of music. Here are a few of them:
Occasion
Songs are divided into three groups according to their use: occasional (wedding, nativity work songs), non-occasional, and dance.
Style
Hungarian folk songs are divided into two main groups. The first is the old style: this includes the old folk songs, dating back to the 1880s. Following that, the new style: characterised by uniformity, in the 19th century this style emerged in the Carpathian Basin.
Attila Péczely collected this old-style Hungarian folk song titled Megrakják a tüzet (Fueling the fire) in Sándorfalva, 1933. It is one of the most well-known Hungarian folk songs.
Region
We differentiate between four or five distinct regions when talking about folk music. Keep in mind that within each region, we can find even more sub-regional differences! The main regions are the following: Transdanubian, Upper Hungary, Great Hungarian Plain, and Transylvanian. The fifth region, Moldavian, is sometimes categorised under Transylvanian.
If this sparked your interest in Hungarian folk songs, we recommend you visit this website from the Hungarian Institute of Music. Here, you will find a collection of folk songs by region, with a user-friendly interface.
Hungary is a beautiful European country with rich culture and traditions. Read our article to find out more about the national symbols.
Coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary
The coat of arms is a pointed, impaled shield. The right side consists of a silver double cross on red base, situated inside a small golden crown, which is placed on the middle heap of three green hills. On the left side, one can find the so-called Árpád stripes, four silver and four red stripes. The top of the shield features the Hungarian Holy Crown. According to the Hungarian Catholic tradition, the double cross is a sign of the Apostolic Kingdom of King St. Stephen.
The coat of arms can be found for example:
on the cover of the Fundamental Law of Hungary
on the building of the Parliament
on the Liberty Bridge
Hungarian coat of arms. Photo: Facebook, Magyarorzság Kormánya
Hungary’s national flag has developed over a long period of time. According to the chronicles, the Hungarians fought under red flags decorated with turul birds. Soon, these were replaced by images of saints. Later, the red-silver banded flag became the custom. Although from the 16th century onwards, the red-silver-green trio appeared more frequently, only the law in 1848 requires the use of the colors “red-white-green”. The three colours represent three virtues: red is for strength, white is for faithfulness and green is for hope.
National flag of Hungary. Photo: pixabay.com
National flag of Hungary. Photo: pixabay.com
The Holy Crown
The exact circumstances of the creation of the Holy Crown are still unknown, as there are no written documents about it. According to tradition, the crown was given to Saint Stephen by the Pope on the occasion of his coronation around 1000. The Holy Crown weighs about 2 kg and consists of two main parts: the lower tire, and a top made of darker gold from cross straps. The crown and the coronation insignia were taken to the U.S. after World War II and were eventually returned to Hungary in 1978. Now, they are on display in the Parliament building in Budapest.
Holy crown in the Parliament. Photo: Facebook, Országház
The National Anthem
The text of the Hungarian national anthem was written in 1823 by Ferenc Kölcsey, one of the greatest Hungarian poets of the Reform Age. Later, Ferenc Erkel composed the music for the anthem. As for the meaning of the text, it is an emotional representation of Hungarian historical struggles and hopes for the future. Although it might sound pessimistic at first, some people rather see the confidence for the future in it.
These silky, luscious icy treats, dreamed up based on traditional Hungarian desserts, will be the all-time favourite summer refreshments for the whole family. You only need a couple of simple ingredients to create these creamy wonders. Here we present you three delicious Hungarian ice cream recipes that you can try at home when the thermometer hits 30°C.
Rákóczi cottage cheese ice cream
Beat the heat with this classic Hungarian ice cream. Inspired by the traditional meringue-topped apricot-y shortbread-like Hungarian pastry, this cold delicacy will amaze your taste buds. Find the original recipe HERE!
Source: http://vaniliaakonyhaban.blogspot.com/
Ingredients for 5dl ice cream:
125 ml cream
180 ml whole milk
50 g sugar
2 egg yolks
1 egg
pinch of salt
the zest of a 1/4 lemon
half a vanilla pod
75 g cottage cheese
For the crumbs:
50 g butter
50 g sugar
50 g all-purpose flour
50 g almond flour
For the apricot jam:
1 kg ripe apricots peeled and pitted
15 dkg cane sugar
1 tbsp apple pectin or apple extract
Instructions:
To make the crumbs, work together the ingredients in a bowl and then lay and then spread them on a baking sheet. Bake them for 8-9 minutes in a 170°C (338°F) oven until lightly toasted. Let them cool down.
Beat the eggs and the yolks with the sugar and slowly add the lightly warmed-up milk-cream mixture. Simmer and stir the mixture continuously until it becomes thick. Place the mixture in a separate bowl and place it in cold water. Add the cottage cheese, the lemon zest, a pinch of salt and the vanilla. Churn the mixture in an ice cream machine according to manufacturers’ instructions. If you like, you can add raisins soaked in sugar syrup.
For the apricot jam, we wash, peel and pit the fruits. We add the sugar and the apple pectin or extract, heat them up and let them boil for a couple of minutes. We put the mixture in a blender and purée it. We can store the jam in jars up to two weeks in the fridge.
To serve the Rákóczi cottage cheese ice cream, we sprinkle some crumbs at the bottom of the ice cream bowl. Add a scoop of ice cream and top it with the apricot jam.
Cottage cheese dumpling ice cream with cream cold foam
Are you looking for the smoothest, creamiest homemade ice cream recipe in history? You are in the right place! This cottage cheese dumpling-inspired ice cream will be a staple in your fridge during the hot days! Read the original recipe HERE!
Source: nosalty.hu
Ingredients:
4 egg yolks
10 dkg sugar
2 dl whipped cream
25 dkg mascarpone
1 tbsp semolina
25 dkg cottage cheese
zest of a lemon
a pinch of salt
5 pieces of biscuit of your choice
3 dkg butter
150 g sour cream
1 dl whipped cream
1 packet of whipped cream stabiliser
5 dkg icing sugar
Instructions:
Heat up the mascarpone and 2 dl whipped cream with the lemon zest. Add the semolina and we simmer it on low heat. Once done, let it cool down.
Beat the egg yolks and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. Add sugar and cook it until it becomes a thick cream. Let it cool down!
We combine the two mixtures, add the cottage cheese and place it in the fridge for an hour.
Fill the cylinder of the ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.
To make the cream cold foam, we beat the icing sugar and the whipped cream stabiliser with a hand mixer in order to get a nice smooth cream. We place it in the fridge.
To make the crumb, we grind the biscuits. We lightly toast them on butter in a frying pan.
We serve the scoops sprinkled with crumbs and topped with cream cold foam.
Madártej or floating island ice cream
Every Hungarian child’s favorite snack, the floating island is one exquisite dessert you will have again and again. It does not require fancy-sounding components, and it is super easy to create. Find the original recipe HERE!
Source: http://gerdisuti.blogspot.com/
Ingredients:
5 egg yolks
20 dkg sugar
half a vanilla pod
5 dl whole milk
4 dl cream
Instructions:
Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until it gets foamy. Gradually add the milk and vanilla.
Heat it up at a low temperature while constantly stirring it, until it gets slightly thicker. Let it cool down.
Beat the cream until it gets a foam-like texture. Add it to the egg-sugar-milk mixture.
Transfer the mixture to the ice cream machine and process until it reaches desired thickness. Enjoy!
With Whitsun just around the corner, many of us are ready to relax for a while. Whitsun is celebrated in many different forms around the world. Hungarian traditions in particular are worth taking a closer look at. Follow this article to find out more!
The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Source: Skanzen FB
People often say that May is the month of Pentecost (or Whitsun), although it is not a static holiday. It can fall between 10 May and 13 June, depending on the time of Easter. In 2022, it is celebrated on 5-6 June. Pentecost traditions, like Hungarian traditions in general, are a mixture of Christian and ancient pagan elements.
An article by Anyanyelvápolók details further. The fortieth day after Easter is Maundy Thursday, the feast of the Ascension of Jesus, and the fiftieth day is Pentecost (coming from the Greek word pentekoste, meaning fiftieth). This is the day on which the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. It began to speak in different languages, astonished people who gathered to hear the sermon in their language. As a result, many of them were baptised, and the first Christian communities were formed. This is why Pentecost celebrates the birth of the Church. This time of year, not only Christians, but many Hungarians go on a pilgrimage to Şumuleu Ciuc (Csíksomlyó) in Transylvania. The settlement is well-known for honouring the Whitsun traditions.
Now, let us take a gander at what sort of traditions are still alive in Hungary!
Choosing the Pentecost King
Girls and boys dancing – Source: Skanzen FB
In many Hungarian villages, an annual tradition is to choose the Pentecost King. The young men of the village were tested through competitive games, such as horseback riding and bullfights. Only the most agile of the lads could earn the prestigious title. All lads of the village owed their service to the king. He was to be invited to all feasts and gatherings for upwards of a year. Skanzen.hu details further.
There are records which show us that the tradition sprang up around the Middle Ages. The Hungarian saying “Rövid, mint a pünkösdi királyság” (“As short as the kingdom of Whitsun”) was also used. It refers to the transient nature of the festivity.
March of the Pentecost Queen
The Queen’s March – Source: Skanzen FB
During this celebration, young girls of the village were in the spotlight. In Transdanubian areas, the folk celebrations went something like the following: five girls would march around the village, door-to-door, singing joyfully. The youngest and most beautiful girl was led by four others: she was the Pentecost Queen. Carrying a basket of flowers, the Queen wore a white dress and a flower crown on the top of her head. A red shawl or veil was to cover the little girl’s head. The group would then sing a fertility charm and dance around the queen, lifting her in the end.
While the original purpose of fertility magic lost its meaning through time, the tradition is still alive. Nowadays, girls perform their act as festive greetings or to request donations.
In Hungarian folklore, this custom was the symbol of the renewal of nature. People would adorn the village in green branches. This was to dispel winter and call for summer. It was also used as fertility magic, and to ward off evil spells.
The festival is also associated with children’s games of song and dance. In the game “Bújj, bújj zöld ág” (“Hide, hide, green branch…”), children form a gate with their arms raised, under which others pass. Little children would walk all around the village, performing this gatekeeping game.
The following is a translation of the above-mentioned folk song by Mama Lisa’s World:
Hungarian version
English translation
Bújj, bújj, zöld ág, zöld levelecske, nyitva van az aranykapu, csak bújjatok rajta. Rajta, rajta, leszakadt a pajta, leszakadt a pajta, benn maradt a macska.
Slip through, slip through, green twig, Little green leaf, The golden gate is open, So slip through it. Through it, through it, The barn has fallen in, The barn has fallen in, The cat has gotten stuck.
After nearly two years, the Castle of Hollókő is finally open to visitors again. Celebrate Pentecost in Hollókő and get an insight into the Hungarian folk traditions, food specialties and authentic village life!
As startlap.hu reports, unique castle days will take place on Pentecost weekend in Hollókő, which aim to reawaken the old Pentecostal traditions. Péter Kelecsényi, managing director of Hollókő World Heritage Management Nonprofit Ltd. emphasised that
Pentecost is one of the most important holidays of Christianity and the residents of Hollókő are already in deep preparation for the upcoming festivities.
Photo: facebook.com/gastroturismoHU/
The interactive programmes during the Pentecost celebration will reenact old customs such as a traditional play during which the young men of the village gather at the churchyard to choose their partners. Another famous tradition is the selection of the Pentecostal king of Hollókő. Furthermore, women put on their most beautiful attire to honour the celebration.
On Sunday, the programmes in the old village will include Pentecost blessing, folk dance lessons, a folk music concert, and a craft fair. All visitors are encouraged to enter the competition in which the person who proves to be the most skilled at folk craft will earn the title of the King of Hollókő.
At the free Pentecost Sunday event, villagers and tourists can savour Hungarian gastronomic delicacies.
On Sunday and Monday, visitors will also have the opportunity to try on medieval weapons and contemporary clothes. If that was not enough, the Knights of St. László will give an armed demonstration in the newly renovated castle. Last but not least, musicians will have several performances in the courtyard.
The castle of Hollókő. Image: www.facebook.com/IloveHolloko/
The UNESCO-awarded village makes sure that tourists have a grand time and get a first-hand experience of the unique Hungarian Pentecost traditions and customs.
Women wearing colourful pleated skirts and people dancing to folk music – this is the Hollókő everybody should see once in their lifetime!
Countries worldwide often boast a wide selection of strange dishes. Hungary is no exception, as Hungarians eat some of the most unique (and often quite weird) foods in the world. From the common types of dishes to what some would find quite stomach-churning; come with us to discover what culinary oddities Hungary has to offer!
It is a known fact that different nations around the globe vary in their culinary attractions. This is simply due to cultural and environmental differences. Environments largely influence the way people cook and the availability of the ingredients, while traditions dictate what standards the local cuisine has. Of course, we must not forget the external history of a nation, which can also highly influence what sorts of food people eat. Let’s take a look at Hungary, for example.
Centuries ago, when the nomadic ancestors of Hungarians rode the great Carpathian plains, effortless and straightforward meals were in high demand. Later, around the 5th and 16th centuries, the people of Turkey and Italy both exerted their influence over the local cuisine, not to mention the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With the latter came an extravagant, refined, and sophisticated style of cooking. Combine all these and you get the indulgent Hungarian cuisine we know today. However, now we bring you a list of oddities and extremes, dishes you will hardly find even in traditional Hungarian restaurants.
Let’s give these specialities a try!
Főzelék
Source: Mindmegette.hu
A dish that is too thick to be soup, and too thin to be considered a stew. Yes, this is the traditional Hungarian meal, főzelék. Its widespread popularity can be attributed to many factors. Most probably, people like főzelék because of just how easy it is to prepare. Főzelék can be made out of just about any legumes: peas, lentils, green or yellow beans, etc. Pumpkin and spinach főzelék are not unheard of either! If you want to try your hand at making this Hungarian speciality, here are the basics. After you chose your base legume of preference, just add water, bring it to a boil, and thicken with a roux (preferably made of flour).
This entry is a simple one: bologna dipped in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs, then fried. This was a regular meal in many Hungarian school cafeterias. Due to stricter regulations on what children are allowed to be served, however, fried bologna was removed from the menu. Nowadays, grandparents around Hungary are well acquainted with this easy dish. Whether they fondly reminisce on it or have strong disdain towards is another topic of discussion. Some just find bologna to be unpalatable, with little to no meat content in each slice. At times you are left to wonder what it is even made out of.
Zúzapörkölt
This dish shows just how resourceful the Hungarian culinary scene is. The base of zúzapörkölt is, well, pörkölt: a more well-known speciality. Instead of using beef or pork, this dish is made from chicken gizzard. Do not fret, this hearty stew will surely prove satisfying. Serve it with cooked pasta or nokedli (a type of small noodle) for the most authentic experience.
Fried chicken heart
From one extraordinary ingredient to another, this next entry will surely weird some readers out. It uses another strange ingredient, chicken’s heart. It is one of the easiest meals to prepare, simply pour oil into an iron skillet with a lid, add spices, stir well, and cook over medium heat. It will release a lot of juice, let it boil. When the meat is about to be done, remove the lid and simmer on high heat, stirring it occasionally. Once the juices are about to be evaporated, cook for another minute at most, stirring it constantly. Mashed potatoes, parsley potatoes, and onion and butter potatoes make a perfect side dish.
Fried blood
This dish is also connected to the long-standing tradition of pig slaughter, something which is not exclusive to Hungary. However, festivities take centre stage at these autumn gatherings. Once a year, the whole extended family reunites to sing, dance, and drink lots of pálinka together! It is customary to use all parts of the pig in various recipes. The first part of a pig slaughter is letting all the blood out of the pig in the morning. Fried blood is usually prepared by letting the blood congeal, and then frying it with onions to be served for breakfast.
Head cheese
Source: Wikipedia
To end off, this dish might turn some heads. Probably the strangest Hungarian dish is disznósajt (literally from the words pig [disznó] and cheese [sajt]). It is made of any leftover part of the pig, at the end of the pig slaughter, as detailed above. Brawn is also not an exclusively Hungarian dish. Originating from Europe, it has conquered the world. However, Hungarians have a unique way to prepare this dish. The chopped meat is stuffed into the pig’s belly, akin to the Scottish haggis, pricked with needles, and then pressed down with weights to remove excess fat and make the cheese firm and compact. It is often smoked, like sausage or ham.
As the most ethnically diverse centre in the US, New York City is a melting pot of many different cultures. There is always a little something for everyone. The Hungarian community and all facilities and sights related to this small Central European country are scattered all across the Big Apple, although many of them can be found in Manhattan. If you happen to walk around the streets of Yorkville on the Upper East Side, chances are you will come across a whole bunch of Hungarian places. With the help of iranynewyork.hu, we have gathered all the relevant organisations, shops and restaurants that you should not miss when you are in NYC. Just keep your eyes open to spot the tricolor sign!
Tucked on the 82th Street in Yorkville in the former Hungarian quarter, stands the Hungarian House which has served as the cultural centre for the local Hungarian community for decades. Established in 1966, the centre is operated by three non-profit organisations: the American Hungarian Library and Historical Society, the Széchenyi István Society and the Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris. They hold around 350 community programs each year, although most of them are online events. Occasionally, they also host Hungarian folk dance days and educational programs for visitors who would like to immerse themselves in the rich Hungarian culture.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/hungarianhouse/
Hungarian Reformed Church
Located on 82th Street under 229, just a short walk away from the Hungarian House is the Hungarian Reformed Church. The gothic-style 300-seat church awaits Calvinist believers with regular Mass services. The Mass is held in Hungarian. The land where the impressive building stands today was bought by two Calvinist congregations in 1957 and its inauguration took place on 27 November 1960.
The First Hungarian Reformed Church of New York
The first Hungarian Reformed Church of New York is situated on East 69th Street in the Upper East Side of the New York City borough of Manhattan. Back in the day, the area around the church had a strong Hungarian presence, that is the reason why the first Hungarian Calvinist congregation, formed in 1895, chose it for its base in 1916. The stucco-faced brick building was designed by Hungarian-born architect Emery Roth. Even though the descendants of the original Hungarian immigrants gradually assimilated and moved to other neighbourhoods, the church continues to serve them, holding services in both Hungarian and English at 11 am on Sundays.
If you yearn for a good old Dobos cake (sponge cake layered with chocolate buttercream and topped with hard caramel) or meggyes rétes (sour cherry strudel) head to Amsterdam Avenue and 111th Street, opposite St. John the Divine where you will find the cosy and authentic Hungarian Pastry Shop. According to New York Times, the confectionery that is currently owned by Greek-descent Philip Binioris and his father Peter Binioris has fed generations of authors and students. They offer free coffee refills, a European multi-cultural atmosphere and a large variety of traditional Hungarian pastries such as Sacher tortes, ischlers, and French cream puffs.
Located on 13th Street 432 in East Village, KEYBAR has been run by two Hungarians, Attila and Gyula who have years of hospitality experience under their belt, since October 2002. It is a beloved meeting point for locals, and of course, for the Hungarian community. According to their Facebook page, KEYBAR triples as a bar, DJ lounge, and jewelry-box sized nightclub for a carefree international clientele who pop in for the cocktails, signature shots (including Zwack, a Hungarian herbal liqueur) during happy hour and stay for the amazing music and downtown New York-meets-Budapest vibe.
If you miss authentic Hungarian flavours pop by this tiny quaint cafe located on the west side of 2nd Avenue between the 84th and 85th Streets. Formerly known as Andre’s Cafe, Budapest Cafe offers Hungarian comfort food at its best from savoury körözött and spicy chicken paprikash to the quintessential goulash soup. When you enter the place, there is a bakery section in front with lots of delicious cakes and pastries such as Rigó Jancsi (a traditional cube-shaped chocolate sponge cake and chocolate cream pastry), crêpes, and Dobos torte.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/budapestcafenyc/
Kossuth Statue
Each year on 15 March, the local community celebrates the Hungarian Independence Day on the 113th Street on Riverside Drive at the monument to Hungarian patriot Lajos Kossuth. The bronze tableau portrays a vignette of the struggle for Hungarian independence in 1848. Atop a pedestal of Milford pink granite, a larger-than-life figure of Kossuth motions to two other male figures at the base: a revolutionary soldier and an aged peasant, representing Hungary’s new republic and the old regime, writes nycgovpark.org. The Hungarian revolutionist arrived in New York on 5 December 1851 on the steamship Humboldt, it was the first stop of his seven-month journey in the States.
A couple of metres from the entrance of the Hungarian Reformed Church at 229 on the 82th Street stands a tricolor Hungarian fireplug. There is no information available on its origin, however, it is probably one of the most intriguing mementos of the former Hungarian quarter.
Mindszenty József Plaque
Mindszenty Cardinal’s visit to New York City is commemorated by a plaque that is placed on the front of the Hungarian House. The bilingual engraved inscription writes: “In this house Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty Prince-Primate of Hungary received the representatives of the Hungarians of New York City and vicinity on May 7 19743”.
Bartók Plaque
As you walk on 57th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, you might come across a familiar face. A small plaque depicting Béla Bartók commemorates the famous 20th-century Hungarian composer on the north side of the street. Bartók left Budapest and settled in New York after the Nazis occupied Budapest in 1940. According to feastofmusic.com, the composer and his wife faced many hardships in the Big Apple as they had to survive on a small stipend from Columbia University where they spent several years transcribing the school’s extensive collection of Serbian and Croatian folk music. The Bartók statue was inaugurated on 15 March 1928 and the ceremony was attended by 15-20,000 people, some of whom traveled from Europe to New York City on boats.
