Ambassador of Hungary István Szabó inaugurated a three-day Hun Gastro Food Festival featuring four executive chefs - Zoltán Barabás, the 2017 Gastronomer of the Year and vice president of the Hungarian Gastronomic National Association, Gerg Balázs, head cook of Stefánia Palace - Honvéd Cultural Centre, Mária Rózsa – the head pastry chef at Stefánia Palota - Honvéd Cultural Centre and Attila Tímár, a practical instructor at the Tímár Pension in Gyomaendrd.

Ambassador Szabó said: “The Hungarian Embassy has a concept – each year we would like to present you with a different aspect of Hungary, whether it is culture, art, music or as this time gastronomy. Gastronomy is closely connected to and shaped by history.

“We are a small nation of 10 million in the middle of Europe. We arrived in this place more than 1,200 years ago, and we were a tribal, nomadic people who got there on horseback. So we had the Magyar cuisine but in that journey to the middle of Europe we were influenced by many other people and regions.”

He added: “The Ottoman Turks brought paprika and coffee to Hungary – both very important parts. The Italian Renaissance and Austrian Hapsburg influence was also significant. We are delighted to present our cuisine, our spices, our dishes to the Pakistani audience. My favourite Pakistani dish is chicken tikka as I like simple food. Your food and spices are very similar to Hungarian cuisine. What I miss is a little more salad, more imaginative garnishes. The basics I like.”

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2018