An invite to the Magyar Hungarian Restaurant in Paseo de Magallanes was the perfect homecoming dinner as I was finally reunited with the husband after being away for two weeks.
Admittedly, beyond Hungarian sausages (which I love by the way), I barely have a clue about anything else Hungarian. My first impression upon the first few minutes we were inside Magyar Hungarian Restaurant was the polite servers and that their words seem to come naturally and not just for show. That for me is something that counts a lot. Especially after my recent experience in another restaurant where no one offered an ounce of apology after someone barged in the washroom I was in because of their broken door lock! And I was in the most compromising stance then. It was such embarrassing thing, to say the least. The quality of service, if at all, has the ability to make or break an establishment in the eyes of its customers.
Moving on… the Hungarian cuisine goes beyond the sausages which they are very well known for, in this side of the world, at least. Apparently, 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.
Magyar Iced Tea refillable, P65
Vanessa Qua, one of the owners of Magyar Restaurant introducing some bits and pieces about the Hungarian Cuisine.
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. 😉
Bread Basket, P90
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.
Szekely (pork and sauerkraut) – left, P285
Beef Goulash Soup – right, P260
Gulyasleves (Goulash Soup)
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 offered us was made of “rich.”
Chicken Paprika, P320
One of the most common creations of Hungarian cuisine. Slowly cooked chicken in paprika cream sauce drizzled with sour cream, served with spaetzle and lecso.
In western Europe, chicken paprika (Paprikás csirke)became a prize-winning dish at the end of the 19th century, when Georges Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935), the famous French chef, put Poulet au Paprika and Gulyás Hongroise on the menu at the splendid Grand Hotel in Monte Carlo.
Stuffed Chicken, P295
Boneless chicken with chestnut stuffing served with sauerkraut and roasted potatoes.
Gundel Palacsinta (Gundel Crepe), P189
Palacsinta is the Hungarian word for crepe/pancake. This Hungarian favorite contains chocolate, oranges, raisins and walnuts.
Here are some of the beautiful people we dined with in Magyar Hungarian Restaurant…
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
