Dieting in Hungary is not recommended.

The country's cuisine is a rich blend of Europe, Middle-eastern and Asian food. The French lend their influence with goose liver pate, while the seven-layer Dobos cake can rival Austria's famed Sachertorte for sickly sweet extravagance.

Food here is abundant and affordable - a nightmare for weight-watchers, a dream for true foodies.

Goulash
Goulash - is it a soup? Is it a stew?

Hungary's national dish (pronounced "gooyash," by the way) is a cross between the two, a steaming bowl of slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions and loads of Hungary's trademark paprika to give it a good kick.

It's hard to find a restaurant that doesn't serve it - from the humblest café to the grandest establishments.
Where to try it: In the sleek, modern surroundings of Budapest Bisztro (Vecsey utca 3, +36 1 783 0788).

Read - Guide to Hungary's signature dishes

Previously:
Paprika: the spice of Hungarian life
Destination Hungary