Retro dishes, nostalgic flavors

Hungarians are unbeatable when it comes to nostalgia. Even for the youngest generation, there are dishes that will always outrank the best burgers or pizza.

Our mayonnaise-based, sweet salads will never be beaten by tzatziki. While some modern-minded food enthusiasts have swapped sour cream for light Greek yogurt or skipped the sugar in French salad or potato salad, most people still swear by the classic versions. And yes, breaded meat remains the undisputed king of dishes in Hungary. Let’s take a look at the most beloved retro meals!

The Untouchables

There are dishes that are off-limits. Alongside Grandma’s meat soup and Szeged fish soup, there are several retro delicacies that haven’t been touched for generations – and really don’t need to be.

Retro cold platter

Most people are accustomed to the traditional, distinctively Hungarian taste and texture of stuffed eggs and French salad. These are typically dishes that haven’t changed in over 30 years since the political transition.

If you often make these divine cold salads packed with vegetables, this vegetable slicer is sure to become your favorite.

Breaded meat

Breaded meat is deeply ingrained in Hungarian culture. Even in the 2020s, the breaded meat (schnitzel) sandwich remains one of the most popular foods, and some fast-food menus are even built around this theme. To this day, there’s hardly a family where breaded meat doesn’t make it to the Sunday table at least once a month.

Potato noodle

Potato noodle is also among the most beloved retro dishes, and it’s not something you should try to reinvent. It’s always made with the same flavors and proportions—and can only be served with fermented pickles!

If you really want to be a pro, make the noodle at home. For 100% homemade potato noodle, try this electric pasta maker or this manual version.

Reimagined retro dishes

Interestingly, there are retro dishes that remain popular even when reimagined, appearing on the menus of the trendiest restaurants.

Hungarian-style pork roast

Hungarian-style pork roast is among the old favorites. Mór Jókai even mentioned this dish in his 1892 work A hét nemes. It has had a place on the menus of classic checkered-tablecloth restaurants for 30–40 years, just as it does today in modern kitchens using reimagined recipes and contemporary techniques.

Pancake

Pancakes are one of Hungary’s most beloved desserts. Nowadays, it’s not just the Gundel-style version that’s considered special: pancakes are made with a variety of fillings and in different forms. In restaurants and snack bars, a professional pancake maker is a quick and practical solution for making large quantities, while at home a good-quality frying pan with a handle works perfectly.