Beyond goulash: Top 5 unique Hungarian dishes every foodie must try – PHOTOS

When it comes to Hungarian cuisine, most travellers instantly think of goulash, chimney cake, or langosh… But we can really understand why! These staples are undeniably delicious, but Hungary’s rich culinary heritage has so much more to offer. Beyond the well-known favourites, a world of lesser-known Hungarian dishes awaits, packed with bold flavours, hearty ingredients, and centuries of tradition. If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and discover the hidden gems of Hungarian cuisine, here are some must-try dishes that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Pepper stew (lecsó)

Lecsó, a beloved staple of Hungarian dishes, is a hearty and flavourful pepper stew that perfectly captures the essence of Hungarian home cooking. Made with a simple yet vibrant combination of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and paprika, this dish is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Traditionally cooked slowly to allow the flavours to meld, lecsó can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side to meats, sausages, or even eggs.

Pásztortarhonya

Pásztortarhonya, a rustic and satisfying dish, is a true reflection of the hearty flavours found in Hungarian dishes. This traditional shepherd’s meal is made with tarhonya, a type of Hungarian egg-based pasta, cooked together with potatoes, smoked sausage, onions, and paprika for a rich, smoky taste. Originally prepared over an open fire by herdsmen, pásztortarhonya remains a beloved comfort food that embodies Hungary’s pastoral heritage. Its simple yet deeply flavourful ingredients make it a popular choice for home cooking.

Mushroom paprikash (gombapaprikás)

Gombapaprikás, or Hungarian mushroom paprikash, is a rich and creamy dish that showcases the bold flavours typical of Hungarian dishes. Made with tender mushrooms simmered in a paprika-infused sauce, this vegetarian alternative to the classic chicken paprikash is just as satisfying. Sour cream adds a velvety texture, balancing the warmth of the paprika and enhancing the dish’s depth of flavour. Often served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) or fresh bread, gombapaprikás is a comforting meal that highlights the country’s love for simple yet flavourful ingredients.

Roast á la Brasov (brassói aprópecsenye)

Don’t let the name, Roast á la Brasov, fool you. This tasty meal is actually one of the most iconic Hungarian dishes, it consists of of diced pork and potatoes, fried together and seasoned with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. However, some people swore by adding bacon for some extra flavour. The pork is cut into small bite-size cubes and browned, then seasoned, with broth added and the mixture left to sauté. Similarly, the potatoes are cubed and fried until golden. The two are then combined, and the brassói aprópecsenye is ready to be served. It’s a filling and flavourful meal, perfect for a hearty dinner.

Layered potatoes (rakott krumpli)

Rakott krumpli is undoubtedly one of the most comforting Hungarian dishes. This layered potato casserole features potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and smoked paprika sausage, all smothered in sour cream and baked to perfection. Some variations include bacon or frankfurter for meat lovers, while others add goulash cream to the topping. Basically, every Hungarian family has its own take on this traditional Hungarian comfort food. It is often enjoyed with pickled cucumbers or beetroot on the side. Similar layered potato dishes can be found across Europe, each with its own unique twist.

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