The best souvenirs are those that are specific to the place you visited and, ideally, made by local people. You’ll not only be buying something special but you’ll also be supporting the local economy. If you’re traveling to Hungary and are hoping to bring back a memorable gift, here is a list of ideas for [...]
Exactly seven weeks before Easter, the streets of Mohács come alive with the annual Busójárás Carnival. The pre-Lent festival features locals wearing sheepskin costumes while parading and dancing in the streets. Busójárás lasts six days, starting on Thursday and ending the day before Ash Wednesday. The carnival ends with a symbolic ritual called ‘The Burial [...]
From imperial palaces, trotting white horses, lush gardens to chandelier-lit coffeehouses and fine wines, Vienna doesn’t disappoint when it comes to romance. So, if you’re looking to do something special to spark a little love in your life, here are just a few of the best things on offer in this historical city. Admire “The [...]
In 1913, the 7th Congress of the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance (IWSA) met in Budapest. The aim of the convention was to raise public awareness of women’s issues in Hungary. In particular, the alliance wanted to work with city council to establish a women’s aid office as well as day care centers. Here’s a look [...]
A larger-than size bronze statue of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was unveiled today at the Graphisoft Park in Budapest. The statue was commissioned by Graphisoft Founder and Chairman of the Board Gabor Bojar. The relationship between Graphisoft and Apple can be traced to the 1980’s, when Jobs came across the first version of Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD [...]
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Commonly most of the regions’ festivities begin with the period of Advent which is four weeks prior to Christmas and the feast of Saint Nicholas on the 6th of December. Although the celebration of the season is shared, each country has developed their [...]
Honey cake is one of the most popular traditional desserts in Croatia. It consists of thin layers of biscuit made with honey and vanilla flavored cream filling. This version contains both vanilla and cocoa which gives it just the right amount of sweetness. It makes a great accompaniment with tea or coffee. For the biscuit [...]
Originating as a staple for herdsman’s traveling across the great plains of Hungary many centuries ago, goulash is one of Hungary’s most famous dishes. A hearty soup of beef, vegetables, and paprika, goulash gets its flavor from being cooked slowly over a long period of time. Making goulash is fairly simple but to make a [...]
Often referred to as “Hungary’s red gold”, paprika has become synonymous with Hungarian food due to its ability to add excellent flavor and color to various traditional dishes. There are several versions of paprika ranging from édes (sweet) to eros (hot) as well as everything in between. Below is a list of the types of paprika [...]
There are a lot of legends about wine. Of the more strange and usual is the parallel with bull’s blood. Bull’s blood also known locally as “Egri Bikavér” is a potent, dry red wine that is from the Eger wine region in northern Hungary. It is reputed to have earned its name from the 16th-century [...]
Launched in September, “The Tokaji Journal“, is a new digital wine magazine that focuses exclusively on the wines of Tokaj, both dry and sweet. The magazine’s aim is to provide the latest news, trends, and information about these unique wines to an English-speaking audience worldwide. Editor Gergely Somogyi shares with us his inspiration for launching the magazine. [...]
Hungary has a vast array of alcoholic beverages including quality wines and beers, as well as liqueurs and brandies that are made exclusively in the country. Here are a few suggestions of various drinks to try. Egészségedre! (Cheers!) Palinka Produced in both Hungary and Transylvania, this traditional brandy is made from various kinds of fruit such [...]
One of Austria’s greatest painters would have celebrated his 150th birthday in 2012: Gustav Klimt (1862–1918). A leading figure of the Sezessionstil movement, Klimt was one of the most innovative and controversial artists of the early twentieth century. To honor his life and work, the city of Vienna will be hosting a series of special [...]
If you’re spending time in Budapest, chances are you’ll be taking public transportation at some point. As one of Europe’s oldest transportation systems, the Budapesti Közlekedési Vállalat (BKV) has many fascinating and unique elements about it. Here’s a photo gallery with a bit of history and background information.
A new project by Israeli-Hungarian food writer Ofer Vardi offers up his Grandma’s cuisine, but not in a traditional cookbook format. “Going Paprikash” is a new app for iphone and ipad users that features 120 Kosher Hungarian recipes. The app includes photos, personal stories, a streamlined search engine, shopping lists, a timer for cooking and baking, and [...]
You spent months planning a trip to Budapest. Now it’s raining. Don’t fret. Contrary to what most people may think, a rainy day doesn’t mean a bad day. Here are some things to keep you entertained when the weather isn’t cooperating. 1. Sit and relax at one of the many traditional coffeehouses in Budapest. Some [...]
Situated on the Southern Great Plain along the banks of the Tisza River, is where Hungarians prepare a very special dish and believe or not – it’s not goulash! In the city of Szeged, made only from freshwater varieties and traditionally cooked in a narrow-bottomed kettle hung on a tripod over an open fire is [...]
This past weekend, Rubin Art, held a special event in Toronto to celebrate Herend’s 160 anniversary of its Victoria collection. Founded in 1826 in a small town in western Hungary, Herend is a leading producer of luxury hand painted and gilded porcelain. It’s most well-known collection is the Victoria pattern named after Queen Victoria who purchased the original set in 1851 at the [...]
Romanian cuisine is known for its emphasis on soups. In particular, sour soups like ciorba de perisoare also known as Romanian meat ball soup. This recipe is by food blogger Ellie I. from Home Cooking in Montana. Ingredients Soup stock: 1 whole chicken 2 carrots 1 onion 2 celery ribs 1/2 parsnip 1 garlic clove [...]
Hungaricum refers to something that is characteristically and typically Hungarian which can include speciality foods, drinks, traditional clothing, animals, customs, and even fine works of art. Much of these things can be attributed to Hungary’s rich and diverse cultural history. Here are some of the most well-known Hungaricums. Paprika Paprika is the national spice of Hungary and used [...]
The world’s largest miniature airport is now open to the public in Hamburg, Germany. On display at Miniatur Wunderland, the model features 40 planes and 90 vehicles that move about autonomously. The $4.8 million project is a reproduction based on Fuhlsbüttel International Airport, which opened in 1911. Check out the video below to see this [...]
People often pass this city in favor of Croatia’s sunny coastlines but Zagreb is well worth a visit too. Since becoming the official capital of Croatia in 1991, this city is now evolving into its own with an appealing medley of old and new elements. Here are some of the city’s best highlights. Cathedral of [...]
