On Dining
Traditional Magyar cuisine is considered spicy and substantial. Paprika and sour cream are essential to many national dishes including chicken paprikash with noodles (spetzles); stuffed cabbage, and goulash, which contrary to popular belief is not a stew but a hearty soup made of beef, onions, potatoes and other vegetables.
Always leave room at the end of a meal for sweets and pastries, such as strudels made with sour cherries, apples or farmers cheese; the legendary walnut-filled Gundel pancakes; or somloi galuska, a whipped cream and chocolate-crowned sponge cake with nuts and raisins.
On Drinking
The most distinctive red wines come from Villany-Siklos, and the best white wines from the vineyards around Lake Balaton and in Somlo. The reds from Eger and sweet whites from Tokaj are much better known abroad, however, and these two regions are the most dynamic when it comes to wine production. Wines of the 22 regions are introduced in the House of Hungarian Wines, located in the Castle District of Buda, and several festivals are dedicated to the fruits of the vine: the Budapest International Wine Festival is held in September, while other Grape Harvest and Wine Song Festivals are held in other corners of the country.
Restaurant Suggestions
Restaurant Gundel: Housed in a late 19th century palazzo, Gundel thrives under the direction of the famous American-Hungarian restaurateur, George Lang. Try such signature dishes as grilled slices of goose liver, the Paloc soup, beef medallions with mushroom and red wine sauce. Save room for the Gundel palacsinta (crepe) with walnut filling and flambé chocolate sauce. Wine selections come from the Gundel Chateu.
Nancsi neni Vendegloje: With its rustic décor and home-style cooking and atmosphere, Aunt Nancsi’s Restaurant offers a special experience in Hungarian specialties. Those include turkey breast fillets stuffed with apples, peaches, mushrooms, cheese and sour cream. In warmer months, the garden area is open for dining.
Tom George: In downtown Budapest, this trendy restaurant in a contemporary setting is the place to be. The menu is international, the chef creative, serving up such specialties as nasi goreng with chicken breast and lamb with satay sauce. Probably the best sushi in town is served in at a separate sushi bar.
Fozelekfalo: There is always a crowd in this tiny eatery, on hand to enjoy home-made fast food, primarily vegetable sauces (foezelek) and some meats, plus soups, salads and sweets. Portions are large; prices are inexpensive
See a wide selection of Restaurants in Budapest with the recommendation of BudapestWeek online magazine:
www.budapestweek.com
More Information
More on Hungary's food & wine can be found here.