Introduction: What is a Hungarian Breakfast?
Hungarian breakfasts are hearty and filling, designed to give you plenty of energy to start your day. They typically include a variety of breads, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, eggs, and traditional Hungarian dishes. While there isn’t a single “typical” Hungarian breakfast, there are some common elements that you’ll often find on a Hungarian breakfast table.
Bread, Rolls and Pastries
Bread is an essential part of any Hungarian breakfast. You’ll find a variety of breads and rolls, from simple white bread to crusty sourdough and flaky croissants. Hungarian pastries are also a popular breakfast option, including sweet treats like kürtőskalács (chimney cake), pogácsa (savory biscuits), and rétes (strudel). These pastries are often filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as cheese, jam, or poppy seeds.
Cheese, Cold Cuts and Spreads
Cheeses and cold cuts are another common element of a Hungarian breakfast. You’ll find a wide variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy varieties like túró and körözött, to harder cheeses like trappista and edam. Cold cuts like salami and bacon are also popular, as are spreads like lecsó (a vegetable stew) and körözött (a creamy cheese spread with paprika).
Eggs and Bacon
Eggs and bacon are a classic breakfast combination, and you’ll find them on many Hungarian breakfast tables. Hungarian bacon is typically thicker and smokier than American bacon, and is often served in slices or cubes. Eggs are often served fried or scrambled, and can be topped with cheese or vegetables like tomatoes and onions.
Traditional Dishes: Goulash and Lecsó
If you’re looking for a more substantial breakfast, you might try one of Hungary’s traditional dishes. Goulash (a hearty stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika) or lecsó (a vegetable stew made with peppers, onions, and tomatoes) are both popular breakfast options. These dishes are often served with bread or rolls, and can be a great way to start your day with a hearty, warming meal.
Beverages: Coffee, Tea and More
Hungarians love their coffee, and it’s a common beverage at breakfast time. You’ll find a variety of coffee styles, from strong espressos to creamy cappuccinos and lattes. Tea is also a popular option, with many different varieties available. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, you might try pálinka, a fruit brandy that’s often served as a digestif. And of course, no Hungarian breakfast would be complete without a glass of cold, refreshing fröccs (wine spritzer).
