An Oasis of Flavor in the Heart of Barcelona
In the age of globalisation, where culinary boundaries are blurring, finding a restaurant that offers an authentic experience can be a challenge. Hungaryto, located in l’Eixample since 2010, stands as a beacon of Hungarian cuisine, offering diners an immersion in intense flavours and recipes with more than a thousand years of history.
The Mission of a Passionate Chef
Zsolt Beke, the chef and founder of Hungaryto, is committed to preserving his country’s rich culinary heritage. With a clear vision, Zsolt emphasizes the importance of ‘hungarikums’, which are symbols of Hungarian culture. In a conversation with La Gourmeteria, he underlines that many restaurants opt for faster and more cost-effective options, but he chooses to honor ‘old-school’ culinary traditions.
Native Ingredients for Authentic Flavors
At Hungaryto, all dishes are made with exclusively Hungarian ingredients and spices. This dedication to locality ensures that every bite is a direct trip to Hungary. Lángos, a popular fried bread, is a perfect example of this philosophy, as its authentic flavour is only achieved with flour from its homeland.
Hungarian Delicacies: A Tour of its Most Iconic Dishes
Gulyás: From Peasants to Nobles
Another iconic dish of Hungarian cuisine is gulyás, which was originally a peasant staple but has won over palates across all social classes since the 19th century. This stew, made with meat, potatoes and spices such as paprika and cumin, requires up to four hours of cooking to achieve its characteristic flavour. Since 2017, gulyás in its soup version has been recognised as a hungarikum product.
Traditional and Surprising Sweets
The diversity of Hungarian cuisine is not limited to savory dishes. There are also unique desserts, such as lavender ice cream, which is made from flowers from the fields of Tihany. This delicate flavour is a real delight for those looking for something different and memorable.
A Culinary Legacy That Transcends Borders
Hungary’s history, from nomadic horsemen to Habsburg rule, has left an imprint on its gastronomy that Zsolt Beke has managed to bring to Barcelona through Hungaryto. This restaurant doesn’t just offer food; it provides a cultural experience that invites diners to explore a country’s rich heritage through its flavours.
