Hungary: A Country Full of Surprises

I started my trip to Hungary as I start most of my journeys: I looked on Ryanair for the cheapest flights available to anywhere in Europe. When I found a great deal to Budapest, I knew it was time to go.

Budapest, and Hungary in general, is a place that captivated and surprised me in many pleasant ways. I feel that it’s largely an unknown and misunderstood place, and I wanted to immerse myself to see what made it tick.

I made my way through the streets and alleys of Budapest to try and get a feel for its identity. There was a mix of architecture: relics from the soviet rule, neoclassical, romanesque, gothic, renaissance, and the list goes on. It was truly a feast for the eyes.

Another thing that struck me was the food—oh how delicious it was.

Now, I must admit, a majority of Hungarian food is largely for winter, with combinations of hot and spicy stews and meat being the most typical dishes. However, even in the dead of the summer heat (pushing over 100°F, 38°C!!!), I was thoroughly enjoying these heavy meals.

The biggest surprise for me was the use of hot chilis in their meals. Because of spending so much time in Spain (Spanish food is rarely spicy), I always crave something to make my mouth burn. When the waitress brought me out this jar of Hungarian Chili Paste, I couldn’t have been happier.

Aside from the food, the people are also a highlight of the country. They are friendly, talkative, and seem to be proud of being Hungarian (generally speaking). In Budapest, you can find many who speak English and will quickly offer you a chat and their recommendations for the city.

However, when you get away from Budapest, English is much less likely to be found. Hungarian is the official language of the land and is the first language of over 98% of its residents. It’s an interesting language, and not quite like any other I’ve ever heard; it actually has Ural origins, which was another surprise. It’s definitely not a language you can just pick up.

Aside from exploring the city, with my Hungarian friend I had the opportunity to visit a small town three hours train ride from Budapest: Békéscsaba. Life was much different there and no tourists were in sight. There was a much slower pace where time seemed to stand still. Most of the area was flat farmland and green trees with a small but charming city center.

In rural Hungary, I also had the experience of touring a pálinka distillery. Pálinka, a strong (ranges between 35-70% ABV) but flavorful fruity spirit, can be wildly found in Hungary and is treated with a great sense of pride. Our tour guide at the distillery was happy to answer our questions and tell us the many legendary stories that involve the potent liquor.

The liquor’s flavor comes in a wide variety, with the most common being pear, apricot, and plum. However, there are also many unconventional types such as elderflower and quince.

The distillery treated its product with exceptional pride and care. This could be tasted in the pálinka itself, which was extraordinary. Our sampling seemed to never end, and by its conclusion, I think I had about eight or nine glasses of this stuff.

By the end of this tour, it was safe to say I was feeling it; I think I could almost understand Hungarian.

Hungary: A country full of surprises around every corner; a place that has many identities. It’s a place that I urge you to get lost in. From the people to the food, it will leave you wanting more. Whether it’s admiring the architecture, enjoying its many spas, or sipping a bit too much pálinka, you’re sure to find whatever it is you’re looking for.