When we moved to Budapest six an a half years ago, we found ourselves trying to figure out Hungarian menus (many were not available in English at the time).  Our struggle to make sense of the ingredients or even ’styles’ of cooking left us often times disappointed when our dishes would arrive to be the complete opposite of what we were expecting. I truly wish that Carolyn Bánfalvi’s book The Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to Hungary existed when we arrived here!

Carolyn is an American expat living in Budapest with her Hungarian husband and two young children. How she found the time to put this wonderful book together baffles me. The book is extensive; a real encyclopedia of Hungarian cooking and dining. It is obvious that Carolyn invested a lot of time and effort into her book.

Carolyn’s love of Hungarian culture and cuisine is evident the minute you start reading. The first chapter is dedicated to Hungarian food and traditions.  In this chapter, Carolyn breaks down Hungarian food from past to present, each item is described and offers translations. She also explains main courses and preparation styles you are most likely to see on Hungarian menu (that is, Brassoi, Bakonyi, Csülök pékné, etc.). These items are usually referred to as Brassoi style or Bakony style on a menu with no further description, it is nice to finally know what these styles really are!

Author Carolyn Bánfalvi

Chapters two and three break down Hungarian wine and Pálinkas. If you though you knew all there was to these popular drinks… think again. Carolyn enlightens us on Hungary’s wine regions, offers a wine and pálinka translator as well a little Hungarian history. These chapters are followed by Hungarian restaurant basics and etiquette (and depending where in the world you are from, its a good idea to read up on etiquette). The restaurant reviews are extensive and split up into several chapters. However, some reviewed restaurants have already closed down or moved. Carolyn provides updates to these reviews on her website (see them here).

The book also includes listings of markets, specialty shops, culinary sightseeing day trips, and culinary festival calendar! Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for new and old expats alike! It is a interesting read filled with useful tidbits and personal experiences. You can pick up a copy at the following shops; Libri stores, Alexandra stores, and Bestsellers.

- – - – - – - -

For more information visit Carolyn’s website.

To get a glimpse into The Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to Hungary, click here to view the table of contents.

Carolyn will be a guest speaker at the next North American Women’s Association meeting on February 19th.  The meeting is free for members and 1200 HUF for guests.  NAWA meetings are held at the Franciscan House in the second district (Szilfa u. 4).

Related posts:

1. Goose, wine and all that’s fine: St. Martin’s Day in Hungary St. Martin was a fourth century Hungarian-born saint best known...
2. Taste Hungary Wine Workshop – Hungarian Sparklers: Mar 25 TASTE HUNGARY is proud to present the first class in...
3. Grocery Shopping: Finding your Food Feet in Hungary Expat Echo’s brief guide to the grocery shopping scene in...
4. NAWA is Hungry for Hungary: Feb 19 The North American Women’s Association presents a fun-filled, interactive discovery...
5. Hungarian Wine: Tours and Tasting Budapest opportunities for the expat to learn more about the...