Habits from Hungary

Hungarian habits are a blend of tradition and modern influences. Here are some interesting details...

• When you greet, you shake hands. On official occasions, when you greet elderly you bow and give a kiss on both cheeks.
• Paprika is the most prominent ingredient in many dishes, for example in goulash, paprika chicken or the pancake filled with meat and sauce. And I remember the mother of one of my good friends, who brought her whole trunk back from Hungary full with paprika. A paprika from Hungary is the one you look for, one paprika isn’t the other.
• Toast on health before you start eating.
• Hospitality and socializing with friends and family is a habit. Gatherings with food, red wine or coffee are favorite. It is rude to refuse an offer of food or drinks.
• Hungarians are famous for the bath culture and saunas. Taking a thermal baths is a social activity and a good way to relax.
• Most Hungarians are superstitious and have beliefs it is bad luck to walk under a ladder on Friday the 13^th.