As a picky eater, I was nervous about all the new foods I would find when I moved to Hungary. But I was pleasantly surprised by how many new dishes I tried and loved! Budapest is a big city with plenty of familiar places like pizza shops, McDonald’s and Starbucks. However, I wanted to challenge myself to try local dishes that Hungarian families have been making for hundreds of years. One of my favorites so far is goulash (a hearty beef stew).
Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish and also widely considered the national dish. It's a hearty beef stew with lots of paprika and vegetables. It can be found in almost any Hungarian-style restaurant, each giving a unique take on the flavors and style of the soup. My favorite way to enjoy the soup is in a bread bowl.
When the bowl arrived, I’ll admit I was a little nervous. As soon as it was placed in front of me, I could smell all the spices and see the steam rising. After my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it! The broth was warm and rich, and the paprika tasted smoky and a little sweet, not spicy like I had feared. “Mama Goulash” has become one of my favorite spots to get the soup. The line to order is often wrapped around the building.
