MANILA, Philippines - Finally, there’s a restaurant that serves authentic Hungarian food in the country. A rare find, Magyar introduces Hungarian food to the Filipino palate, which goes beyond the quintessential sausages. Typically, sausages and different kinds of heavy meat come to mind whenever one thinks about Hungarian cuisine, but beyond these staple dishes, Hungary offers a more diverse array of flavorful dishes that are rich in texture and generously seasoned — a far cry from the expected sausage.
Magyar Hungarian Restaurant is backed by head chef Allen Qua, who studied Culinary Arts in Manila and New York. His sister, Vanessa Qua, handles the operations side of the business. Magyar has been open for over a year now and has been receiving great reviews from foodies and critics alike. The dishes in Magyar are well-researched and equally enjoyed by both Hungarians and Filipinos. Diners can definitely expect a menu lineup filled with authentic Hungarian dishes that also suit the Filipino palate.
A good way to start a Hungarian meal is with the traditional langos (fried potato bread with butter, sour cream, garlic and cheese), which is a favorite snack in Hungary. Magyar’s unique take on familiar flavors makes this very addicting.
Next are the soup selections, which are different from what we are used to. Hungarian soups are so meaty and filling that they could pass as viands. The Night Owl Soup contains sauerkraut, onions, Debrecan sausages, bacon, pork, sour cream and paprika. This bowl of soup is filling but its distinct taste is known as the perfect hangover cure in Hungary. Showcasing rich Hungarian traditions, this dish is served on a bogracs, a pot where the dish is cooked with a candle placed underneath it to keep the soup warm.
A well-loved Hungarian dish is goulash, which is a hearty meal that can be classified as either a soup or a stew. The beef goulash, which tastes similar to beef kaldereta, is made of tomato, pepper, carrots, potato, paprika, and other spices. The stews and soups at Magyar can be paired with the restaurant’s different types of homemade bread.
Another distinct trait of Hungarian food is that it’s on the hearty side, with a lot of choices for meat lovers. If you can’t make up your mind between chicken and pork, then Magyar’s stuffed chicken is what you’re looking for — a tender piece of chicken stuffed with chestnut, pork and bacon served with roasted potatoes and sauerkraut. Magyar also offers Peppered Tokany, beef strips and button mushrooms in a white-wine tomato sauce served with lecso and spaetzle on the side. Meanwhile, spaetzle is a type of soft egg noodle dish that goes well with beef and its accompanying sauce. Aside from these standout dishes, Magyar also offers a wide selection of sausages, vegetable dishes, burgers, pasta and pizza.
End your visit to Magyar by satisfying your sweet tooth with their various desserts. A few favorites include apple strudel (cinnamon apples baked to soft perfection inside homemade filo pastry topped with vanilla ice cream), Magyar chocolate mousse and peanut butter ganache cake (chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting topped with chocolate ganache).
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Visit Magyar Hungarian Restaurant at G/F Unit 3 Maga Center, Paseo de Magallanes, San Antonio St., Makati City. For reservations or more information, call 853-1397.