Regardless of a sometimes “too spicy” first impression, Hungarian gastronomy is exciting enough to deserve a spot in the international food scene. When you are abroad, you don’t necessarily have to miss out on Hungarian flavours. Come join us on a journey, and let’s take a look at the below restaurants and eateries that spread the good reputation of the Hungarian gastro culture around the world.
The Rosemary (London, England)
There’s an organic Hungarian restaurant 14 minutes away from London Bridge, supplying the highest quality organic food at affordable prices. Among the long list of mouth-watering meals you’ll spot several must-have menu items such as Hortobágyi pancake, goulash soup, chicken paprikash with homemade noodles, mushroom and beef stew, and heavenly desserts like Hungarian trifle and cottage cheese dumplings. As for the interior design, it evokes the ambience of rural Hungarian restaurants thanks to the chestnut brown furniture and wooden surfaces. Tables are nicely set with place mats resembling the famous Hungarian textile art called blue-dyeing, and from time to time they invite Hungarian musicians to perform.
Bar Central (Stockholm, Sweden)
Voted as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, Bar Central sports modern Twin Peaks vibes when it comes to its interior. It is a multinational eatery inspired by Eastern and Central European gastronomy where the tourist-favourite lángos (the popular deep fried flat bread which is incredibly delicious with sour cream and cheese on top) is also available. Based on customer reviews, the venue has many reasons to be proud: Bar Central constantly receives words of praise for its excellent meals – their homemade sausage seasoned with Hungarian pepper should definitely be on your bucket list’s food experience section –, cosy atmosphere, and quick service. The Tokaj wine infused white German asparagus is another must-eat.
Kürtős Cosenza (Cosenza, Italy)
For all the sweet-toothed out there, we have something to satisfy your sugar craving. Located in south Italy, Kürtős Cosenza is operated by a Hungarian-Italian couple whose love for the renowned chimney cake (“kürtőskalács”) materialized in the form of a little store less than two years ago. They offer all the classic flavours that you can think of, cinnamon, cocoa and coconut included, but a few novelties (Nutella filling with crumbled creamy waffle, for instance) are also part of the available choices. The business proves popular with Italian customers who, together with Hungarians living in the neighbouring cities, enjoy the sweet delicacy and the lovely environment, decorated with vintage Hungarian posters.
Paprika Hungarian Restaurant (Alicante, Spain)
Many years ago, when our great-grandparents were kids, people lived in buildings with white washed walls in the village. That kind of cleanness and simplicity is reflected in Paprika Hungarian Restaurant, where pieces of Hungarian folk art (and dummies dressed in traditional Hungarian outfits) are used to enhance the charm of the little bit eclectic place. The interior is so powerful it almost makes us believe that we are sitting in a garden. (Fun fact: Paprika Hungarian Restaurant actually has a garden and a terrace). With specialties from Central and Southern Europe on the menu, the restaurant makes sure to kindly serve guests not only with flavoursome food like goulash and chicken paprikash, but an unforgettable dining experience.
Tokaj (Sarasota, USA)
Cosy and elegant, Tokaj restaurant offers Hungarian and European specialties to its growing number of American clientele. Considering the fact that Tokaj restaurant was named after a famous Hungarian wine region (as well as a Hungarian city), it is a must for them to up their wine game. Thankfully, there’s no reason to complain, because the restaurant has an incredible wine selection. The brick wall surfaces decorated with black and white, framed photos, and the white table sheets create a warm and welcoming ambience, making the place the perfect choice for any special occasion, regardless of who you are accompanied by. The live violin music is the icing on the cake. If you are in Florida, Tokaj should be your next stop.
Balaton Restaurant (Krakow, Poland)
Fortunately, our gastronomy could find an easy way to Poland; there are plenty of eateries where one can indulge in Hungarian flavours there. Krakow’s oldest Hungarian restaurant is called Balaton, just like the biggest freshwater lake of Central Europe, situated in western Hungary. The restaurant specializes in potato pancakes served with goulash soup in tiny cauldrons, and as the restaurant’s management claims on their website, the latter was actually invented to strengthen the legendary Polish-Hungarian friendship. They put special emphasis on offering tasty, brightly coloured food at reasonable prices, and stocked up on Hungarian liqueurs Unicum and Tokaj wine to complement their dishes.
Flakes Chimney Cake (Baku, Azerbaijan)
The Transylvanian – Hungarian dessert that we live and die for made its way to Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, situated more than 3000 kilometres away from Budapest. Based on photos uploaded to Flakes Chimney Cake’s social media account, colourful, divine looking delicacies are sold, cones filled with ice-cream included. Among other things, the chimney cake confectioners use sprinkles, coconut, and cinnamon to coat the delicious pastries which look so inviting that we almost want to go there and get a taste, right now. They deserve credit for the creative decorating ideas; our personal favourite is the mini pretzel topping.
Café Churchill (Mumbai, India)
Being considered a landmark café in Colaba, Mumbai’s main tourist district, Café Churchill offers an exciting mix of international cuisine. From rich and creamy Hungarian goulash to chicken cordon bleu, fish & chips, juicy and hearty steaks, and traditional Indian delicacies, the hungry wanderer can find whatever flavour their instincts desire. The dessert section is just as appealing: heavenly waffels and cheese cakes are also available at Café Churchill. Former visitors of the place often describe it as an oasis in the desert, perfect for recharging your batteries after going through the tumultuous market place in the often hot and humid weather.
Budapest Hungarian Restaurant (Beijing, China)
Opposite the East Gate of the Worker’s Stadium, China’s first ever Hungarian restaurant sports a huge mural of Budapest and the Danube on its walls to trick your mind into believing that you are actually there. Among the mouth-watering main courses, visitors are challenged to choose from goulash, Hortobágyi meat pancake, beef stew, or a special Budapest plate (for two) filled with a selection of taste-sized specialties. It is safe to say that when you are looking for a place to satisfy your Hungarian food cravings, Budapest Hungarian Restaurant won’t fail to impress. The drink menu is quite exciting too: you can order our famous herbal liquor, Unicum, or the sweet dessert wine, Tokaji Aszú to complement the chosen meal.
If the above restaurants are nowhere near your hometown, don’t worry; there are plenty more to discover worldwide. Find them online!
The article was written in cooperation with Funzine.