Hungry for Hungary

Is the way to a person’s heart through their stomach?

Of course not — it’s through Jesus! But food is still a wonderful way to share culture, build relationships, and connect with others.

Alongside our regular ministry and fundraising updates, we hope to occasionally share a glimpse into the country where we’ll be serving.

With that in mind, we’d love to give you a small taste of Hungary.

The Menu

Gulyás (Goulash) is a beef stew made with tomatoes, peppers, and paprika. It’s a hearty, warm meal—perfect for cold weather. Zach enjoyed gulyás during his trip to Budapest in November 2024.

Soup, however, is served year-round in Hungary, even in the summer.

At Summer English Camp, we are usually served a light broth soup followed by a heavier paprikás or gulyás. Even though it can feel a little odd to eat two soups in 90-degree weather—it’s the Hungarian way!

Paprikás is a creamy paprika sauce, typically served with nokedli (small egg-noodle dumplings). It is also a familiar favorite at our summer camp in Vác.  

Lángos is fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

This delicious (and massive) snack is commonly found at markets, fairs, and beaches—especially around Lake Balaton.

One day during English camp, we spend the afternoon at the pool, and the concession line quickly fills with kids eager for lángos.

Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) is sweet dough spiraled around a wooden rod, baked, and coated in cinnamon sugar or nuts. During Christmastime, markets bake them over coals in the town squares.

Dödölle is made from potato dumplings that are fried and served with onions. It is a filling and inexpensive meal in the rustic parts of Hungary.

Gyümölcsleves (Fruit Soup): Cold soup??? It may sound unusual, but it’s delicious.

This chilled, sweet-tart soup is often made with sour cherries or other fruits like berries, plums, or apples, simmered with spices and finished with sour cream or heavy cream.

We shared about Hungary in children’s church and brought some for the kids to try—there wasn’t a drop left!

Here is the recipe from one of our Hungarian friends.

Kakaós Csiga literally translates to “cocoa snail.” Wait… snail? Yes—but don’t worry, no snails are harmed in this Hungarian breakfast.

The fun name originates from the chocolate-swirled pastry resembling the spiral of a snail’s shell.

Interestingly, Hungary has large snails— nearly two inches wide—that appear all over the ground after a rain, so you really have to watch your step.

If you’d like to try making your own kakaós csiga, here’s the recipe.

Around the Table and Around the World

My (Emily's) heart for missions was shaped by the intentional investment of my church and family.

We read stories from Voice of the Martyrs and other missionaries, helping us learn about different cultures and the people who were still unreached and searching for a relationship with God.

My babysitter—who later became a missionary in Togo—once brought in large jugs of mucky water to show us the daily reality for people there. It helped us understand not only the need for physical water, but the deeper need for the living water found in Christ (John 4:10; 7:37–39).

Because these people took the time to nurture that care in us, it shaped the way I see missions today. Kids often learn what matters by watching what the adults around them care about.

It’s a hope of mine that you share missionary updates and cultures around the table with your family too— growing your kids' heart for the nations.

Trying one of the recipes together could be a fun way to start those conversations about Hungary and the people God loves around the world. If you do, we’d love to see a picture or hear how it turned out!