5 Reasons why I love Budapest (Part 2): FOOD

If you are a traveler who is not only interested in tourist attractions but also the discovery of the culinary life of your destination, then Budapest is perfect for you. The Hungarian cuisine has managed to make me salivate and has tempted me to eat well beyond my stomach capacity. In fact, I find it hard to control my diet here. Oh yes, I gained weight and my finger points to one specific culprit, and the evidence is exhibited by the empty plate on my table! 

When you think about Hungarian cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is paprika but Hungary has much more to offer.  Hungarian cuisine is known to be heavy but rich in aroma, texture, and of course flavor. Here are some of the victuals I've tasted that made me forget the name of my husband. :D

1.  Kolbász - The Hungarian sausages that you might be familiar with may not be the authentic ones. In fact, in countries like the Philippines, they are just German sausages with paprika in it. The real Hungarian sausage is more of a closer cousin of the Spanish chorizo but bigger and has a touch of spiciness and a very appealing taste.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Debrecziner.jpg

2. Gulyás soup - Filipinos might confuse this with "caldereta" but it is not.  This is a Hungarian soup of pork, beef, veal or lamb and vegetables (potato and carrots), seasoned with sweet and spicy paprika and other spices. You can also put cream cheese to make the dish more interesting. This is so heavenly - depending on how the soup is cooked - that it can make your palate thrill.  

http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/hungariansoups/r/gulyasleves.htm

3. Langos - Think deep fried dough coated with garlic topped with cream cheese and trappist cheese and you'll have langos, plus a wide variety of additional toppings of your choice, to mention a few are bacon, sausage, herbs and spices.  It actually tastes like bread - not baked but fried. The plain one is still a personal favorite :D

4. Palacsinta - The Hungarian pancake is more of a crepe than the typical pancake that we are accustomed to.  It's usually sprinkled with powdered sugar and filled with either chocolate or fruit jam.

5. Pörkölt - Pörkölt is a meat stew similar to goulash soup but without potatoes, caraway, and meat bones.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gulasch.jpg

6. Pork Knuckles - The first time I was served food which I would call fit for a king, or maybe in this case queen, was when we were at Budapest's Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant. Sword fights, exotic belly dancers and jester are only a few things that will keep you entertained while feasting those gigantic portions of food. I never regret ordering the crispy pork knuckles because it was so ambrosial.

7. Marcipán - There actually was a dispute between Hungary and Italy as where Marcipán was really originated. But it doesn't matter to me anyway; what matters is that it is highly pleasing to my sense of vision and taste! :p

Photo by: Madeleine Guico

8. Kürtőskalács - You'll find this pastry mostly during Hungarian festivals, and if not then its distinct aroma will lead you to its stall. It tastes like bread - but grilled not baked. :D

http://www.chimneycakehawaii.com/

9. Túró Rudi - If you are taking a tour around the scenery of Budapest, then this should be your companion. It's chocolate-coated curd and one of Hungary's best selling local sweets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rudi_akt.jpg