There is more to Hungarian cuisine than just their famous sausages – this is what Magyar Hungarian Restaurant is all about. To give the people of Manila a taste of what authentic Hungarian cuisine is.
Hungary’s cuisine is actually more known for their rich soups and sauces. Which are considered their comfort food. And I was to figure that out soon enough as I tasted two of the tastiest soup I’ve had in years – one of which is The Szekely (pork and sauerkraut) Goulash.
Szekely (pork and sauerkraut) – left, P285
Beef Goulash Soup – right, P260
Magyar Restaurant is not just unique for being the sole Hungarian restaurant in the city but also for their artsy-craftsy scrapbook of a menu! It totally takes you to the land of Hungary itself and allows for you to soak into their food tradition. Giving you not just the menu but history behind the food! I was told that every server has their own scrapbook menu. I’m not sure if they all look the same. But I’m definitely going to check out the other scrapbook menus the next time I visit. I was too busy devouring the dishes we were served with to check out the others.
We were initially served with variety of breads which came fresh from their oven. This bread basket is the best way to try Magyar’s bread selection. It consists of two soft rolls, one cumin roll, a slice of each of their old country style bread and chili-cheese bread. Served with butter.
Goulash is known as the Hungarian specialty all over the world. The word gulyás originally meant only “herdsman,†but over time the dish became gulyáshús (goulash meat) – that is to say, a meat dish which was prepared by herdsmen. Today, gulyás refers both to the herdsmen, and to the soup.
In time, goulash has made its way from the herdsmen’s kettles to the kitchens of even the wealthy. Because of its popularity, goulash soup can be prepared in a number of different ways, and each one has its own ardent supporters. However all agree that the cook should be generous with both meat and potatoes.
Langos, P110
The name “Langos†came from the Hungarian word “lang,†which means flame. Langos is the typical fried potato bread, normally eaten as an afternoon snack. Langos is served with sour cream, garlic, butter and cheese. I should say, every single dish they served us was made of “rich.â€
Magyar Hungarian Restaurant
G/F, Unit 3 Mega Center Paseo de Magallanes, San Antonio St., Brgy. Magallanes
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel. (02) 853-1397
Website: www.magyarrestaurant.com
