TasteAtlas, known as 'an encyclopedia of flavours, traditional dishes, and authentic restaurants', knows a thing or two about food. They've just unveiled their top grubs for 2024/2025, based on 367,847 valid ratings across 11,258 dishes in their database. Hungarian meat soup – or húsleves as it's called locally – snatched the 77th spot, earning praise for its hearty, comforting flavours.
What's Hungarian meat soup?
'Traditionally prepared with beef or chicken, this hearty Hungarian soup is a staple restaurant dish as well as a common home-cooked meal. Besides meat, it usually incorporates noodles, root vegetables, and a variety of spices. It is always served hot, either as a nutritious appetizer or a light main course.' - explains the site.
That's right – you'll find the recipe for this dish in every Hungarian home. It's a Sunday lunch staple, always served as a starter. It's also well-known that no one makes it better than Hungarian grandmothers.
Where can you try Hungarian meat soup in Budapest?
Húsleves is on the menu at all classic Hungarian restaurants, so you won't have trouble sampling it. Head to Buda Castle to savour a golden farm chicken soup at Pest-Buda Bistro, Fekete Holló Restaurant, or 21 Restaurant. Explore the menu of Menza, a modern bistro near World Heritage site Andrássy Avenue. For more authentic vibes, visit Kéhli Restaurant or Náncsi néni Vendéglője, both in Buda. Or sign up for an Airbnb experience, and taste this staple dish in a 70s-styled Hungarian home.
The very best food in the world
And while Hungarians can be super proud of their famous soup, let's take a look at the absolute winners. Crowned the best of the best was Colombian lechona – roasted pig stuffed with onions, peas, fresh herbs, and various spices. Coming in second is pizza Napoletana – a global favourite we’re all too familiar with in Budapest. And grabbing the bronze is Brazilian picanha, a beef cut. The list can serve as a brilliant inspiration for foodies, check it out here.
(Cover photo: Feket Holló Restaurant, Gábor Szabó - We Love Budapest)
