🥘 6 Must-Try Hungarian Foods in Budapest (And What’s In Them!)

As a local tour guide in Budapest, food is not just a passion for me — it’s part of my daily mission. I spend a good chunk of my time exploring the city, constantly on the lookout for the most authentic, delicious, and memorable Hungarian dishes. I’m quite critical (in the best way!), and I regularly revisit spots to make sure the places I recommend to my guests are still hitting the mark. The spots I mention below aren't just random picks — they’re tried, tested, and trusted favorites I suggest on my tours and in my personal life.

If you’re visiting Budapest, this list will help you eat like a true local — not just what to try, but where it’s worth trying it.

Hungarian cuisine is rich, hearty, and full of character. Whether you're sitting down at a cozy restaurant or grabbing something sweet from a market stall, these are 6 must-try Hungarian foods that you simply can’t leave Budapest without tasting.

1. Gulyás (Goulash) – The National Treasure

Let’s start with the big one. Gulyás, pronounced "goo-yash", is Hungary’s national dish — and for good reason. This isn’t the thick stew you might know from other parts of Europe. In Hungary, gulyás is a soup — rich, spiced, and packed with tender beef and vegetables.

What’s in it?

• Beef (usually shank or shoulder)

• Onions and garlic

• Carrots and potatoes

• A touch of caraway

• And the secret weapon: Hungarian sweet paprika 🌶

The paprika here isn’t just for color — it gives the soup its signature smoky, earthy flavor. Pair it with some crusty bread and you're in heaven.

🫕 Where to try it: You’ll find it in most traditional restaurants, but check out Retek Bistro or Belvárosi Lugas in the city center for a solid bowl.

2. Lángos – Fried Dough Heaven

Let’s be honest, fried dough is always a good idea — and lángos takes it to the next level. Imagine a golden, crispy flatbread, still warm from the fryer, slathered with garlic butter, a big dollop of sour cream, and a snowstorm of grated cheese on top. Yeah... it’s as amazing as it sounds.

What’s in it?

• A simple yeast dough: flour, salt, water, and yeast (sometimes with mashed potatoes for extra fluffiness)

• Deep-fried until crispy and puffed

You can go classic or get adventurous — some stalls offer toppings like ham, mushrooms, or even sweet versions with Nutella or jam.

🍽️ Where to try it: Head to the Lángosom in the heart of the Jewish Quarter

3. Pörkölt – The Rich Cousin of Gulyás

While gulyás is light and soupy, pörkölt is its thicker, more intense cousin — a slow-cooked meat stew that’s all about depth of flavor. The sauce is velvety and bold, and the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

What’s in it?

• Pork or beef (sometimes even chicken or lamb)

• Onions, paprika, and a bit of tomato

• Sometimes bell peppers for sweetness

It’s often served with nokedli, little Hungarian dumplings similar to spaetzle that are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

🍲 Where to try it: Try Getto Gulyás — it’s touristy, but for a reason: they nail the classics.

4. Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) – Winter Comfort Food

Even if you’re not a cabbage fan, you should give töltött káposzta a shot. These are pickled cabbage leaves wrapped around a juicy filling of seasoned pork and rice, then simmered in a paprika-laced tomato sauce until everything is fall-apart tender.

What’s in it?

• Pickled cabbage (yes, it’s slightly sour — in a good way)

• Ground pork (or pork and beef mix)

• Rice, onion, garlic, and paprika

• Cooked low and slow in a tomato and sour cream sauce

It’s especially popular around Christmas, but you can find it year-round.

🍛 Where to try it: Look for it in home-style Hungarian restaurants, especially in Buda. Kéhli Vendéglő in Óbuda does a great version.

5. Dobos Torte – For the Sweet Tooth

After all those rich and savory dishes, it's time for dessert — and there’s none more iconic than the Dobos Torte. Named after its creator, József Dobos, this layered cake is a showstopper.

What’s in it?

• Thin layers of light sponge cake

• Chocolate buttercream between each layer

• Topped with a crunchy caramel glaze (aka the "wow" factor)

It’s elegant without being too sweet — perfect with a cup of strong Hungarian coffee.

🍰 Where to try it: Treat yourself at Café Gerbeaud or Ruszwurm (one of the oldest cafés in Budapest).

6. Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – The Sweet Street Food Star

You’ll likely smell kürtőskalács before you see it. The scent of caramelized sugar and cinnamon drifting from street stalls is basically a magnetic force. Chimney cake is a spiral-shaped pastry baked over an open flame or special rotisserie, forming a golden, crunchy crust and a soft, doughy inside. It’s warm, sweet, and perfect for walking around the city with.

What’s in it?

• Sweet yeast dough (similar to brioche)

• Rolled in sugar before baking, which melts and creates a crispy caramelized shell

• Often coated with toppings like cinnamon, crushed walnuts, cocoa, coconut, or even Nutella

The inside is soft and steamy, while the outside crackles as you bite in. It’s basically Hungary’s version of a cinnamon roll meets a doughnut — but better.

🔥 Where to try it: Head to Pichler near Váci Street or grab one from more local area at Mütyür Jászai Mari Square

Final Thoughts

Hungarian food is bold, soulful, and full of character — the kind of cuisine that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, these dishes are the perfect way to dive into local culture.

As a local, I’m always testing places, chatting with chefs, and sampling menus, so I only recommend spots that I’d confidently send my guests to. So if you’re wondering what to eat in Budapest — start here.

Bon appétit — or as we say in Hungary, Jó étvágyat! 🇭🇺

Enjoyed this post? Let’s explore Budapest together!

I’m Betti, your private tour guide behind Betti Tours Budapest.

✉️ bettitoursbudapest@gmail.com

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