TOP 5 Hungarian dishes named after famous people

Today, when a chef comes up with a new recipe, the word spreads around the world in a split second. However, it was quite different in the past when people usually invented new dishes in honour of royalties, respected state persons, or celebrated movie stars. We have gathered 5 beloved Hungarian dishes that bear the names of famous late public figures. Obviously, we can not ask them anymore whether they are happy with the choices their names now represent. But judging from the mouth-watering images below, we doubt they have much to complain about. After all, it must be the ultimate personal accolade when people name delicious culinary masterpieces after you.

Eszterházy cake

It may look like a sandwich at first glance but you never judge a cake by its cover! It is a merry combination of perfectly smooth buttercream, almond meringue, and aromatic vanilla. In addition, the spicy cognac drops give a special twist to this layered wonder. The traditional Hungarian dish was named after Paul III Anton Esterházy de Galantha.

Budapest-based confectioners invented this classic treat to please the wealthy baron who was famous for his sweet tooth.

Fortunately, only a short segment of his name was given to the cake, otherwise, it would have doubled the time you usually spend waiting for your order in the confectionery store. The Esterhazy family was considered one of the most affluent dynasties at the end of the 19th century. Paul III Anton did not have to dig deep in his pocket if he fancied some sweet pleasure. In fact, he had so much lands and golds that an American author described him at that time as the richest man in the world who is not seated on a throne.

Source: canva.com

Jókai bean soup

Hungarians know how to make good use of everything. The meat-lover nation, well-known for its pig slaughter practise, does not let any part of the animal go to waste. The Jokai bean soup is a good example of that since it traditionally contains not only the front legs but also the knuckles of the pork. There have been numerous legends circulating about the origin of the Jokai bean soup.

The most likely theory is that the soup was named after the 19th-century novelist and revolutionary Mór Jókai.

The author was a regular client at a lovely waterfront restaurant at lake Balaton. He often sat for hours at his favorite table working on his literary masterpieces. Whenever he struggled to find the words, he knew well what was the best cure for his writer’s block. He waved the waitress over and ordered a steamy bowl of bean soup. The piquant pork particles instantly gave him back his courage. This heart-warming Hungarian dish was justifiably named after the writer to keep his memory alive for generations to come.

Source: Facebook page of Kicsi Csángó Magyar Konyha

Gundel pancake

What is not to love about these light airy pancakes which are drizzled with warm chocolate sauce? As you take the first bite into the grounded walnut, raisin, and rum filling the heavenly mixture literally melts in your mouth.

Surprisingly, this classic delight was first called Márai pancake after the renowned Hungarian author Sándor Márai.

Of course, it is hard to imagine that the busy novelist stood in the kitchen for hours experimenting with the ultimate pancake dough. It was actually his wife Lola who perfected this superb Hungarian dish. Therefore, she is the one who deserves the credit. The recipe was then passed to the owner of the acclaimed Gundel Restaurant. Károly Gundel loved this classy dessert so much that he immediately included it on the menu. The twist of the story is that the Hungarian dessert almost lost its good fame when Márai and his wife fled the country to escape the regime. It was politically incorrect that the pancake would bear the name of a dissident during the communist era. Hence, the dish had been renamed Gundel pancake to keep its good reputation.

Source: canva.com

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Újhazi chicken soup

This ultimate feel-good dish is a real treat both for body and soul! Packed with all the goodness nature can give you, the warm soothing delight makes the perfect meal on a chilly winter day. Hungarians also swear by their chicken soup that it’s the best folklore medicine for the cold. Take a big bowl of this warm delicacy, and you will be magically cured overnight!

The story of this iconic Hungarian dish is linked to a fussy actor who constantly asked the chef to make some changes in the ingredients.

The original recipe called for a rooster. However, the meat of the male bird did not prove to be tender enough for the delicate taste buds of Ede Újházi. Ever since that is the way the soup gets served on the family tables every Sunday. In fact, Hungarians love their chicken soup so much that it has even finished first in a 2010 culinary competition called “Best Hungarian Soup”. This simple chicken and noodle combo beat such powerful competitors as the legendary Goulash or the classic Jókai bean soup.

Source: canva.com

Dobos cake

This sweet Hungarian dish is one of those desserts that are not only visually enticing but are also mouth-wateringly delicious. Once you bite into a piece, you will be taken aback by the rich cavalcade of flavours. Dobos cake is made up of delicate layers of fluffy sponge cake and extra smooth chocolate buttercream. The cake is also topped with crunchy caramel slices so foodgasm is guaranteed.

A famous confectioner József C. Dobos created the first pastry in the 19th century and humbly named it after himself.

It was first introduced at the National General Exhibition of Budapest in 1885. The jury consisted of no less of a personage than Emperor Franz Joseph himself. They say that Empress Elisabeth also could not resist breaking her diet for a slice once in a while. The cake was proven to be such a great success that the word quickly spread around in other countries as well. Ordering a Dobos cake for a high-profile event soon became the ultimate chic. The tasty Hungaricum traveled across Europe in attractive wooden boxes that further emphasized its elegance.