Hungary’s cuisine is an explosion of rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and time-honored traditions that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Europe.
Think smoky paprika, tender stews, and buttery pastries that practically melt in your mouth.
Hungarian recipes are soul-warming, filling, and made with love—every dish tells a story.
In this list, we’re bringing you 11 of the most iconic Hungarian recipes that you have to try at least once.
Whether you’re craving a thick bowl of goulash or a comforting slice of Dobos Torte, each dish promises a delicious adventure. Let’s get cooking!
1. Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás)
Hungarian Goulash is hands down the country’s most famous dish.
It’s a thick, hearty stew that strikes the perfect balance between tender meat, vegetables, and a rich broth infused with paprika.
Goulash isn’t just food—it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté the onions until golden brown. Add the garlic and beef, cooking until the beef browns. Stir in the paprika, making sure it coats the meat evenly.
Add the carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper. Pour in the beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 90 minutes until the beef is tender and the broth thickens. Serve hot with fresh bread on the side.
Why did this make it to our list?
Goulash is the heart and soul of Hungarian cuisine. It’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with the country’s signature spice—paprika. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a national favorite.
2. Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke)
When it comes to comfort food, Chicken Paprikash is king. This creamy, paprika-rich dish is served with tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce.
Pair it with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a deep skillet, heat the oil and brown the chicken thighs. Set them aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until soft, then stir in the paprika.
Add the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pan.
Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and flour, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Why did this make it to our list?
Chicken Paprikash is pure comfort on a plate. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it an irresistible classic that’s loved by all.
3. Hungarian Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé)
This spicy, flavorful fish soup is a staple in Hungarian riverside towns. It’s made with fresh fish, paprika (of course), and a touch of heat that’ll warm you right up.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb freshwater fish (carp or catfish), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 large onions, diced
- 4 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 6 cups fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a large pot, sauté the onions until golden. Add the paprika, bell peppers, and tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
Pour in the fish stock and bring it to a boil. Add the fish pieces and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Why did this make it to our list?
This soup is bold, spicy, and packed with flavor. It’s a true taste of Hungary’s riverside heritage, and every spoonful is an adventure.
4. Hortobágyi Palacsinta (Savory Hungarian Crepes)
Hortobágyi Palacsinta is not your typical crepe. These savory pancakes are filled with spiced minced meat, rolled up, and baked with a rich paprika sauce on top.
It’s a popular dish in Hungary, often served as a hearty appetizer or even a main course. Think of it as a savory pancake-meets-casserole hybrid.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by making the crepes. Whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Heat a non-stick pan and cook the batter in thin layers to create crepes. Set aside.
In a pan, sauté the onions in oil until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
Stir in the paprika, tomato paste, and broth, simmering until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Fill each crepe with the meat mixture, roll it up, and place it in a baking dish.
Mix the sour cream with a little paprika and spread it over the crepes. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why did this make it to our list?
Hortobágyi Palacsinta is comfort food with a twist. The tender crepes filled with savory goodness and topped with creamy paprika sauce make this dish a true Hungarian classic that deserves a spot on your table.
5. Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)
Hungarian Cabbage Rolls are a labor of love but worth every bit of effort.
These savory rolls are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and rice, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, and topped with sour cream.
It’s a hearty dish that’s often made for special family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Core the cabbage and blanch it in boiling water to loosen the leaves. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place a small amount of the mixture in each cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly. Arrange the rolls in a pot, pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth over them, and simmer for 2 hours until tender.
Why did this make it to our list?
Cabbage Rolls are a true taste of home-cooked Hungarian comfort food. The combination of tender cabbage and savory filling will have you coming back for seconds.
6. Hortobágyi Pancakes (Hortobágyi Palacsinta)
If you think pancakes are just for breakfast, think again. Hortobágyi Pancakes are savory crepes stuffed with seasoned meat, smothered in a paprika-infused sauce, and baked to perfection.
It’s a unique dish that blends pancakes with stew in the most delicious way.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 lb ground chicken or beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Whisk together the flour, eggs, and milk to make a thin pancake batter. Cook the pancakes in a nonstick pan and set them aside.
In a skillet, sauté the onion, then add the ground meat and paprika. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer until the meat is tender.
Fill each pancake with the meat mixture, roll it up, and place it in a baking dish. Top with sour cream and bake for 20 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
Hortobágyi Pancakes are a delightful mashup of savory crepes and stew. The rich sauce and tender meat make every bite unforgettable.
7. Hungarian Stuffed Peppers (Töltött Paprika)
Stuffed Peppers are a Hungarian classic that’s both filling and flavorful.
Bell peppers are stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, then cooked in a slightly sweet tomato sauce that balances the savory filling perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a pot.
Pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth over them, add the sugar, and simmer for 1 ½ hours until the peppers are tender.
Why did this make it to our list?
Hungarian Stuffed Peppers are comfort food at its best. The tender peppers and savory filling make this dish a family favorite.
8. Dobos Torte (Dobos Torta)
Dobos Torte is a showstopper of a dessert. This layered sponge cake is filled with rich chocolate buttercream and topped with a caramel glaze for an extra layer of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs, separated
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Beat the egg yolks and sugar until fluffy, then fold in the flour.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the batter.
Bake in thin layers for 10 minutes each. For the filling, beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy, then add the melted chocolate and vanilla.
Layer the cake with the chocolate buttercream and pour caramel over the top.
Why did this make it to our list?
Dobos Torte is a true masterpiece. Its layers of rich chocolate and caramel make it the ultimate treat for any dessert lover.
9. Lángos (Fried Dough)
Lángos is Hungary’s answer to fried dough, and it’s absolutely addictive.
It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and traditionally topped with garlic, sour cream, and grated cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make It:
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Add the flour and salt, then knead into a soft dough. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Divide the dough into small portions, flatten them, and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with sour cream and grated cheese.
Why did this make it to our list?
Lángos is street food at its finest. Whether you enjoy it plain or loaded with toppings, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
10. Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)
Kürtőskalács is a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry baked over an open flame and coated in sugar, cinnamon, or nuts.
It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a caramelized crust that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup melted butter
- Cinnamon and sugar for coating
How to Make It:
Mix the yeast and warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Combine the flour, remaining sugar, egg, and melted butter. Knead the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
Roll the dough into long strips, wrap them around a greased rolling pin, and bake until golden. Roll in cinnamon and sugar while hot.
Why did this make it to our list?
Kürtőskalács is the ultimate festival treat. Its caramelized crust and soft center make it a dessert you’ll crave long after it’s gone.
11. Hungarian Plum Dumplings (Szilvás Gombóc)
These soft dumplings are filled with sweet plums, boiled to perfection, and rolled in buttery cinnamon breadcrumbs.
They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 12 small plums
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make It:
Mix the mashed potatoes, flour, and egg into a dough. Flatten it, place a plum in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
Boil the dumplings for 10 minutes. In a skillet, toast the breadcrumbs in butter and add cinnamon. Roll the cooked dumplings in the breadcrumb mixture.
Why did this make it to our list?
Hungarian Plum Dumplings are a hidden gem. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for dessert or a quick snack.
Conclusion
Hungarian cuisine is a beautiful blend of rich flavors, hearty meals, and sweet indulgences.
From savory stews to sweet chimney cakes, each recipe on this list is a must-try. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and start cooking!