Discovering Budapest Through Food, Wine, and Timeless Memories

This time, our adventure took us to Budapest, where we traveled to visit and roam around with our son Jack. Budapest, with its gorgeously lit Parliament building on the Danube River and the many bridges spanning the historical beauty of what was once divided into Buda and Pest, offers culinary specialties worthy of their reputation of comfort food. While wandering the charming streets of this historic city we discovered the rich and hearty flavors of Hungarian cuisine, including a dish that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and depth of Hungarian culinary tradition: Chicken Paprikash.

My introduction to Chicken Paprikash (chicken stew) happened in a neighborhood bistro on the Buda side of the Danube called Stand 25. Known for its Hungarian classics with a Mediterranean edge, this restaurant offered hearty, robust flavors with a refined twist. Paired with a 2018 Louis Jadot Domaine des Heritiers Corton Pougets Grand Cru, the experience was elevated to perfection.

Tender chicken pieces were bathed in a sauce rich with Hungarian sweet paprika, a spice that infuses the dish with a distinctive, smoky warmth. Each bite was a revelation, especially when paired with homemade butter dumplings —a perfect balance of comfort and spice that lingered long after the meal was over.

As we continued our culinary exploration of Budapest, it became clear that Chicken Paprikash is more than just a meal; it’s a beloved staple in Hungarian homes, often passed down through generations. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the boldness of the paprika, makes it a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. Back home, I was eager to create my own version of the dish and share it with you.

Pairing this dish is almost as straightforward as preparing it,  yet the rewards are immense. The choices are vast:

• Try a crisp, chilled Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• A light-bodied Grüner Veltliner from Austria
• Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, or a hearty Sean Minor North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon all make excellent companions to this versatile dish.

Recreating Chicken Paprikash at home is a delightful way to keep the memories of our Budapest trip alive. The experience of making and sharing this Hungarian classic has deepened my appreciation for the cuisine and allowed me to share a piece of our journey with you.

I’m reminded of the incredible power food and wine have to connect us to the places we’ve visited and the people we’ve met along the way. This trip was made even more special by the unique gift of traveling with our newly graduated son before he embarks on his journey into the working world. The inspiration from all the magic of this trip will live on forever for the three of us. And this recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a flavorful reminder of Budapest’s charm and the warmth of its culinary traditions.

Wandering through the Great Market Hall, marveling over artful butcher displays and the plethora of paprika, I felt a deep respect for the history of this market which dates back to 1897. If you love fresh goods, people-watching, shopping, and an abundance of photo opportunities, you’ll want to lose yourself here for some time.

Loved reading this blog? Dive deeper into the beauty of Budapest. 

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