I really like this book. All of the CULINARIA books are huge. They're probably not the most handy to have sitting on your counter while you're trying to cook up something from the pages, but still, they're pretty darn cool. This book has really nice, quality photos with insight about what the picture is showing you. The history packed into these books is crazy. It covers everything related to cuisine in Hungary. And I do mean everything. If you not only have an interest in the food of this country, but also a curiosity about the history behind the food,... GET IT. If you're only interested in some interesting historical tid-bits about Hungary and it's culture, but not really interested in the recipe aspect,... GET IT. It covers both and isn't boring.

I am coming from the southern Slovakia, which is a region inhibited by Hungarians and recently I do live in Hungary. This book covers everything, what you should know about the Hungarian cusine. As Hungarian I knew plenty about some of the food items described in the book (just because I eat them :) )but i did not know where they come from, how are they made. This book covers it all. Does not shield you from the truth ! We eat meat with meat (and a bit of cabage), lot of sweets and plenty of fat. And we like it with beer, wine and palinka. and if possible then all of them at once! Finally one book which does not try to make pink glasses over your eyes. We are fat, but happy :)))). I love the photos. They are soo real. I love the fact that they are made in the villages. Old granny making strudle or selling pickles. People working with garlic and paprika, cooking halaszle (fish soup). My favorite is a well built man eating sousage with mustard from a street stand with his hands.. I love that... I think I will have that for lunch with some pickles... jo etvagyat (enjoy your meal)

This is the best Hungarian cookbook available by far. Excellent photos and accurate, easy-to-follow recipes. I've purchased several copies over the last few years and have had to give them up to friends who were equally impressed. Also, it's a great guide to anyone who is about to go to Hunagry and would like to get a feeling of the various regional traditions and culinary specialties.