You might be wondering : “What is Mangalica?”  Well, it is a famous Hungarian hairy pig popular for its top quality and low cholesterol meat.

Mangalica pigs were on the brink of extinction when the Hungarian government stepped in to help protect and breed the animal.  Its meat had almost disappeared from supermarket shelves but in the past few years, they have made a reappearance in full force.  It is now a staple on Budapest menus and is also exported to numerous countries (including Spain where they use it to make Serrano ham).

The Mangalica will be celebrated during the third annual Mangalica Festival, held at the Vajdahunyad castle (in City Park – Varosliget) from February 5th – 7th.

To discover this Hungarian national treasure, venture through the stalls behind the castle to sample some Mangalica delicacies such as goulashes, stews better known as pörkölt, and also zsiros kenyer (which literally means lard on bread – a slice of bread smothered in lard covered with thin slices of onions and a sprinkle of paprika) which Hungarians really appreciate come breakfast time!

For dessert, indulge on kürtös kalacs (nothing to do with mangalica, but absolutely sinfully delicious!).

Now go pig out!

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