Brits Abroad: 10 Things You Will Find in a Traditional Hungarian Home

During my time as a Brit observing life in Hungary, it has come to my attention that there are certain things that you will inevitably find in any traditional Hungarian household

So without further ado, and in no particular order, here is a list of my top 10.

1. Paprika

It’s a cliché I know, but paprika is a staple ingredient in almost every dish in Hungary.

It is not a national culinary myth like the French only eat snails, frogs legs and garlic (is that a myth?) or that Austrians like nothing more than downing big jugs of frothy beer or that Australians always love a ripper barbie around the bush telly.

Actually where am I going with all this? It doesn’t matter…all you need to know is that paprika is everywhere!

2. Family photos

Yes, I know we all have photos of our loved ones on display in our homes (or more likely on a media device nowadays) but not going back to the last century and beyond we haven’t.

Hungarians appear to have vast families spanning the globe and what’s more, they honour and remember those who are no longer with us regardless of how long ago their demise.

This can be witnessed each November on Halottak Napja (All Saints Day) when cemeteries are visited regardless of the distance and graves faithfully adorned with candles and flowers.

3. Fame in the blood

Hungary is a relatively small country with a large proportion of talented sport stars and geniuses in relation to its population.

If you don’t believe me; look up the stats.

And this is why almost every Hungarian you meet will be able to tell you story about a relative (or indeed themselves) being at some point a national champion or someone of importance in some area or another.

So, in accordance with point 2 above, don’t be surprised when the pewter frame you pick up holds a cherished black and white pic of Great Uncle Pista who was related to all that is good and great in Hungarian nobility past.

You have been warned!

4. WC ‘shelf’

Quite frankly I don’t know how else to describe the ‘shelf’ in some Hungarian loos, but anyone who has been in an old style Hungarian WC will know what I am talking about.

These concoctions seem to be invented for one reason only, to mock you as you go about your ‘business’. As if to say, we know what you did in the toilet…look…you have left it on the shelf.

I suppose that at least there is no splash back for heavier loads, but even so…I am not a
forensic scientist or Gillian McKeith so have no need for further inspection.

5. Washing machine in the bathroom.

This threw me a little at first, but now I cannot think of a more logical place for a washing machine. I mean, really…why would you have your dirty clothes in a food preparation area?

You dirty, filthy, Brits you!

And after any unfortunate mishaps involving the WC ‘shelf’ you will be grateful of somewhere near to throw your clothes (and yourself) into.

6. Larder full of meats, jams, and pickles

And I mean FULL.

From kolbász sausage to mangalica ham, there is nothing quite like the meats you will find hanging in a Hungarian larder.

Of course you won’t be able to get to touch the sides of this small room because of the huge quantity of pickled things and ocean of jam jars between you and the walls.

The typical Hungarian larder is like Dr Who’s TARDIS…looks small from the outside but inside you really are on an intergalactic epicurean taste adventure.

7. Home Made Pálinka

If you are in a Hungarian house and are not offered a shot of pálinka…then you are not in a Hungarian house.

There is nothing more that can be said on this subject.

8. Erős Pista

This little red jar looks fairly inconspicuous when first placed on the table next to your 'bableves', but don’t be fooled.

This jar of paprika delight, which is meant to be stirred into your soup to give it an extra bit of spice (as if it needed it), is literally the taste of Hungary and no true Hungarian household would ever be without it.

9. Tejföl

This is basically sour cream, similar to the crème fraiche you get in the UK…but not, and is used in many Hungarian dishes.

Hungarians will pour it over anything they get their hands on from stuffed cabbage to delicious desserts.

That’s why you can literally buy it by the bucket load at the supermarket. I challenge anyone to open a Hungarian fridge and not find a pot…it’s just not possible.

10. Great hospitality

This is one thing that you will find in every Hungarian home.

Once you are welcomed into a Hungarian household, the host will provide you with the shirt off their backs if need be (or take yours off your own while spinning you around to a folk dance).

They are the true good Samaritans who love nothing more than feeding you to your full point …and beyond.

And one thing is for certain; you will never ever have an empty glass.

Egészségedre! (That's to your good health in Hungarian)

Have you visited Hungary? Can you think of anything else to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.

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