Taste Hungary Blog
The Taste Hungary Blog is authored by a group of expat and local writers, intent on making sense of Hungary’s traditional foodways, its emerging wine industry, and Budapest’s food scene. We focus on telling the stories of the deliciously complex foods and wines of Hungary, the people and places that fascinate us, and all of the cultural details which make Hungary such a memorable place to visit (or live).
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Hungarian Wine Articles
Hungary has 22 wine regions, and produces a diverse range of wines from exciting local varieties, as well as international varieties. Read our wine region guides, essays, and other explorations of Hungarian wine culture.
LATEST ARTICLES
Tokaji vs. Sauternes: Comparing Two Legendary Sweet Wines
Tokaj Aszú and Sauternes are both sought-after sweet wines. We’ll fill you in on the key similarities and differences between the these two botrytized beauties.
Volcanic Hungary in 3 Wines
Hungary’s diverse volcanic soils produce unique styles of wine which are very different from each other, but share a strong volcanic swag. Here are three types to try.
Hungary’s Beloved Aromatic Wines
Aromatic wines are exuberantly fruity, soft, charming, and loved by millions of Hungarians. This style is made from a diverse range of grape varieties in many regions.
An ode to that infamous bottom-shelf Bull’s Blood, and all the others that followed
My journey with Hungarian wine began with a bottle of Hungary’s most infamous wine, picked from the bottom shelf of a convenience store. Since then it has taken off in many directions.
Etyek Wine Region: Where Limestone and Cool Weather Equal Bubbles
Etyek—the region sitting in Budapest’s shadows—has historically been known for its sparkling wines. Its limestone soil and colder climate make it Hungary’s best region to grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, …
Hungarian Food Articles
There’s much more to Hungarian food than paprika. Read our essays and guides to learn more about what makes Hungarian cuisine so exciting.
LATEST ARTICLES
Hódi Paprika: A Life of Spice in Szeged
Paprika is truly a way of life for the Hódi family in Szeged. We interviewd Ágota Hódi is (the fifth-generation in her family paprika business) to find out more about this essential Hungarian spice.
Palacsinta: it’s Not a Pancake, Don’t Call it a Pancake
Palacsinta, in case you don’t know, are a beloved Hungarian flat cake that can be stuffed with fillings both savory and sweet. It of course looks nothing like a pancake. While it has minor differences…
Five Amazing Spots at Budapest’s Lehel Market Hall
The quality of the produce and the diversity of food stands at the Lehel Market is exceptional, and we could have easily listed many more highlights.
The Eater’s Guide to Hungarikums
If you spend time in Hungary, sooner or later you’ll hear talk of ‘Hungarikums.’ As any traveler will quickly learn, Hungarians are proud (and fiercely protective) of their natural treasures, achievem…
A Guide to Hungarian Szalonna
Szalonna is an essential food staple in Hungary. Its recipe is very simple—you add salt, smoke, and time to a piece of pork fat. But there are many different types (depending on the cut of meat, the s…
Hungarian Recipes
Read on to check out our recipes, and learn how to cook Hungarian-style in your own kitchen!
- Gulyás: The Ultimate Hungarian Soup (Recipe)
- Paprikás Csirke (Paprika Chicken) Recipe
- Lecsó, A Recipe For the Last Summer Days
- Dobos Torta: Hungary’s Iconic Layered Beauty (With a Recipe)
- The Many Faces of Körözött, With A Recipe
- Cherry Soup (Meggyleves): Hungary’s Sweet and Sour Summer Soup, With a Recipe
LATEST ARTICLES
Christmas is Coming, Bejgli is Here (Recipe)
There is one Christmas culinary custom that is indisputable: LOTS of bejgli will be eaten! Here’s a recipe, to make your own poppyseed bejgli.
Lecsó, A Recipe For the Last Summer Days
Lecsó is a staple made with sweet Hungarian peppers, onions, tomatoes, and paprika. It’s a versatile dish, which can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and pairs well with a variety of wines.
Krumplis Tészta: A Protected Man in Budapest
Adventures in krumplis tészta (potatoes with pasta), with a recipe.
The Many Faces of Körözött, With A Recipe
Served throughout Hungary (as well as in Slovakia, Austria, and Northern Italy), körözött is a simple paprika-spiked cheese dip. It’s typically part of a Hungarian appetizer spread, offered with chunk…
Túró: How to Make Hungary’s Favorite Cheese
In Hungary the most common types of cheese are young and fresh ones. In this category túró is definitely the most popular, accounting for half of all cheese consumed in the country.
Hungarian Spirits, Beer, Coffee, and More
From pálinka and Unicum, to craft beer and coffee … read our dispatches on Hungarian drinks of all sorts.
LATEST ARTICLES
Pour Relations: The Story of Csíki Beer
The complicated story of Csíki Sör (Csíki Beer), from Transylvania to Hungary.
The History of Hungarian Beer
The craft beer revolution has brought lots of excitement to Hungary’s beer scene, but Hungary’s history of beer brewing goes back to the nomadic Magyars. And Budapest’s Kőbánya neighborhood is still h…
The Story of the Hungarian Craft Beer Revolution
The Hungarian craft beer revolution began not long after a few friends spent a long night drinking and grumbling over the bad local beer.
The Drinker’s Guide to Hungarikums
There is always something delicious (and local) to drink in Hungary. The drinks that inspire the most pride in Hungary have also been named Hungarikums.
Dill Power: The Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice
You know it’s summer when you see jars of kovászos dill pickles fermenting in sunny window sills. That summery pickle flavor can also come in the form of a drink, concocted with the juice from the pic…
The “Drinking Cure”: Mineral Water Straight from The Source in Budapest
The variety of bottled water available in Hungarian shops is wide to the point of being bewildering, but mineral water doesn’t only come bottled. You can get an even more intense mineral water by goin…
Insider Tips For Travel in Budapest, and Beyond
From thermal bathhouses and stunning architecture, to restaurants and hiking trails … there’s plenty to do in Hungary. Read on for our articles on things to do in Hungary.
LATEST ARTICLES
Watch Hungarian Films (In English) Online
Many Hungarian classic films, and some newer releases, are available to stream online. Open a bottle of Hungarian wine and dig into some Hungarian film history!
Films with Locations in the Palace District
There is something both very particular, yet very universal about Budapest that makes it a perfect stand-in location on film for many other cities. And District VIII is being increasingly discovered a…
Hollywood on the Danube
if you haven’t had a chance to come to Budapest in person, it is likely you are familiar with it to some degree from the silver screen. Budapest has hosted so many large-budget (read: Hollywood) films…
The Last Pho: Eating in Budapest in the Time of Coronavirus
I was hungry, but I guiltily kept walking, on my way to stock up on cleaning supplies. I am sure I’m not the only one who has performed this kind of quick calculation: weighing the options between sup…
Six Places to Day Drink In Budapest
Day drinking isn’t just for degenerates, miscreants, and stag parties; it can also be a sign of a person who takes pleasure in a bit of transgressive but legal fun. It is possible to get classily slos…
Taste Hungary Updates
Read the latest news and updates about Taste Hungary.
LATEST ARTICLES
15 Observations From 15 Years of Taste Hungary
Taste Hungary recently turned 15 years old—which is a lot to celebrate, and a lot to reflect on. Here are 15 random observations from 15 years of Taste Hungary.
Waiting for Guests! (An Interview with Gábor Bánfalvi in Borsmenta)
Gábor met with Edit Szabó from Borsmenta for a discussion about our experience with Hungarian wine and tourism, these trying times for international tourism, and our Drinks Business award!
Becoming a Wine Importer
After our two-year journey into the business of wine importing, I’m pulling out my journal to share some details about our experience with starting a wine import company.
Socially Distanced in Budapest: Christian’s Story
While Taste Hungary and The Tasting Table are closed due to the Coronavirus, some of our team members will be checking in here with updates about they are managing work and life.
Socially Distanced in Budapest: Tamás’ Story
While Taste Hungary and The Tasting Table are closed due to the Coronavirus, some of our team members will be checking in here with updates about they are managing work and life.
Socially Distanced in DC: Gábor’s Story
The Magic Table It’s 9am in Washington DC. Our first zoom meeting of the day is about to start. We’re catching up and making plans with fellow tour operators from…
