South Central Hungary, Hungary
Hungarian cuisine developed over centuries, with Ottoman, Austrian, and Slavic influences. This blend resulted in an unique and flavorful cooking style. Pécs has slight regional variations, like a greater emphasis on freshwater fish and some Balkan influences.
ingredients include paprika (sweet and hot), onions, garlic, sour cream (tejföl), pork, beef, chicken, root vegetables, and lard.
Say "Jó étvágyat!" (Bon appétit!) before eating.
Check for service charge. If not included, 10-15% tip is customary. Inform the server total (with tip) when paying by card.
Say "Egészségedre!" when toasting. Avoid clinking beer glasses. Meals are usually enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
A hearty beef soup with potatoes, carrots, and paprika. A national dish.
Find it in almost any traditional Hungarian restaurant.
Spicy freshwater fish soup (carp or catfish) with red paprika.
Excellent versions in Pécs restaurants or riverside eateries.
Chicken in creamy paprika sauce with dumplings. Stuffed cabbage with meat and rice, tomato-paprika sauce.
Available at many traditional restaurants.
Famous Hungarian layer cake with chocolate buttercream and a caramel top.
Sponge cake dessert with vanilla cream, walnuts, chocolate sauce. Flaky pastry with apple, cherry, cottage cheese, or poppy seeds.
Pécs has establishments for refined dining, with contemporary Hungarian or international cuisine (e.g., Susogó Étterem).
Plenty in the city center, offering traditional Hungarian and international cuisine (e.g., Eleven Étterem).
For economical meals, find small local eateries ("kifőzde"), buffets, or street food stalls (Lángos, sausages).
Increasingly available in modern cafes and some mid-range restaurants. Dedicated vegan restaurants are less common.
Look for vegetable-based stews or side dishes.
Halal and kosher choices are limited; specialized restaurants are rare. Awareness of allergies like gluten is growing.
Consider carrying a Translation card for clear communication.
Limited formal options, but informal demonstrations possible.
Explore Villány wine region for tours and tastings.
Pécs Wine Festival (autumn), Sétatér Festival (June) have food stalls.
Some restaurants offer live music; look for "csárda" for rustic dining.
A delicious deep-fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese.
A flavorful and hearty beef soup, a true comfort food.
The Vásárcsarnok is not just for groceries; it has stalls selling prepared foods, snacks, and local delicacies. It is a fantastic place to experience local life and taste fresh, affordable food.
Find roasted chestnuts, mulled wine (forralt bor), and various types of kolbász (sausage) at the Pécs Christmas market.
Savor fresh grapes and local wines from the nearby Villány region.
Check local event calendars for specific dates and culinary offerings.
World-renowned spice, available in various types. A perfect culinary souvenir.
Look for it at the Pécs Market or specialty food shops. Buy on Amazon
Bottles of traditional Hungarian spirits make unique gifts.
Available in liquor stores and some supermarkets.
Pécs has fine dining, mid-range restaurants, budget eateries, and various international cuisine options.
Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Allergy awareness improves, but a translation card for specific needs is always good.
Pécs benefits from the nearby Villány wine region, which yields excellent red wines for pairing.
