What the Locals Eat: A Typical Day's Food in Hungary

Breakfast in Hungary is typically large and filling, with both sweet and savoury options on the table. Sandwiches, breads, cheese spreads, cold meats, jams, pastries and more can all be enjoyed first thing in the morning. However, what Hungarians eat for breakfast often depends on the energy requirements for the day, and can be very different in cities such as Budapest and in the countryside. The grab-and-go breakfast has become increasingly popular in the capital as commuters travel to work; bakeries can be found across the city serving coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Try a kakaós csiga, a traditional Hungarian chocolate pastry.

Where to go: Kiskovász Kézműves Pékség is a small, local bakery in Budapest serving delicious fresh Hungarian pastries made daily.

When time allows, lunch is a three-course affair consisting of soup, a main course (which is often meat based, although vegetarianism is on the rise), and dessert. It’s not uncommon for the soup to be fruit-based; called gyümölcsleves, sour cherry is a popular flavour. However, more often than not in today’s more fast paced society, lunch is a quicker meal eaten around midday.

Many restaurants in Budapest offer a daily menu, which consists of two or three courses from a set menu at a discounted price; dishes vary, but are usually meat-based and filling. Főzelék – a uniquely Hungarian stew – is also popular; try it from Hokedli, in the city centre. Rántott csirke (deep fried chicken) is another well-loved lunch dish, and locals in the city centre head to Csirke Csibész, which often has a queue out the door around midday. Alternatively, head to Rapaz – a friendly chicken restaurant serving fast, freshly prepared dishes.

The evening meal is often less of a focus in Hungary and dishes served will vary depending on what was eaten earlier that day. On special occasions or at times when a family is able to eat together, it may be a three-course meal similar to that served at midday. However, more often than not it’s a time to either finish off leftovers from lunch or eat something a little lighter – it can often take the form of bread, cheese and cold meats, just as at breakfast.

Traditional Hungarian dishes often eaten can include paprikash, lecsó (a type of vegetable stew most common in summer and autumn) and stuffed peppers. The meal is often accompanied by a shot of pálinka, a typical Hungarian fruit brandy. Before the meal, it’s a must; after the meal, it’s highly recommended!