Lifestyle

Anything you need for living the Good Life: best spots, insider tips, gastronomy and culture.

lifestyle

The III. Balkan Rally kicked off on Saturday, racers are now in Belgrade

The III. Balkan Rally, the largest classic car and motorcycle race in the region, set off with 52 cars, 34 motorcycles, and nearly 160 participants from 14 different countries. Organized for the third time by GoBeyond Travel Agency, the race takes drivers on a breathtaking journey across four countries in
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Legendary lineup and musical discovery - the 2024 edition of Budapest Ritmo

April awaits with the next dose of global beats and local talent: Budapest Ritmo lineup boasts Salif Keita, Gérald Toto, Gaye Su Akyol, resident faves Duckshell and a rare live cinema treat by Vincent Moon. Organized by Hangvető as part of Bartók Spring International Arts Week, Ritmo promises a 3-day
From Wood to Plate: The Art of Ukrainian Pasta

From Wood to Plate: The Art of Ukrainian Pasta

Trupasta is a story of passion and coincidence, of culinary creativity intertwined with a love of pasta. The journey celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of Ukrainian woodworkers was sparked by the unexpected purchase of a simple ravioli cutter. The colorful pasta, boards, rolling pins, and ravioli molds in the Trupasta
On the same latitude as Burgundy: a sparkling wine champion from Transylvania

On the same latitude as Burgundy: a sparkling wine champion from Transylvania

Carassia: a rising star of Transylvanian sparkling wine, from Szilágyság, a recently rediscovered wine region. Four devoted friends and a Hungarian investor was needed for the success. If you think about sparkling wine, the first region coming to your mind is probably not Transylvania. Nevertheless, this region – previously part of
You're also in it: the Sziget aftermovie has arrived

You're also in it: the Sziget aftermovie has arrived

This year has been a significant milestone in the history of Sziget. Thanks to the developments in 2023, including the evolving convenience services, the unique program offerings and visuals, the Island of Freedom continues to be an unmissable experience according to the feedback received. We can relive it again with
VYF’s latest collection arrives: a fusion of contemporary Hungarian design and Renoir’s art

VYF’s latest collection arrives: a fusion of contemporary Hungarian design and Renoir’s art

VYF is the first Hungarian silk scarf brand, which has been dazzling fans of the genre for almost 10 years. Their latest collection, Ordinary Paradises, was presented at an exclusive evening at the Museum of Fine Arts Budapest. The signature accessories for Autumn 2023 capture the evergreen themes of Renoir’

Twisted #6—Food Superstitions

There are many holidays with different traditions involving the preference or prohibition of certain kinds of food. New Year’s Eve is one of them; certain ingredients are considered lucky to eat, while others are seen as bringers of bad luck. In our new Twisted episode, we’ll be presenting

There are many holidays with different traditions involving the preference or prohibition of certain kinds of food. New Year’s Eve is one of them; certain ingredients are considered lucky to eat, while others are seen as bringers of bad luck. In our new Twisted episode, we’ll be presenting some of these.


As we close out the year and prepare to welcome the new one, traditionally it is considered a good idea to eat foods that bring abundance, wealth, and good fortune to the house. This is not just a Hungarian tradition, but it exists all over the world. There’s something comforting in feeling that we are contributing to our future with small acts like these. Whether one believes in the transcendent or not, superstitions permeate everyday life in one way or another, and our symbols are often edible. There’s nothing wrong, let alone shameful, about following the customs, as they often create lovable moments that unite us.

One of the obligatory dishes on the table is anything round: lentils, peas, beans. These tiny grains of legumes are reminiscent of coins, so the more you have, the better. In Hungary, the New Year’s lentil stew is on almost every family’s menu, in both the classic and fusion varieties, such as the Indian slowly cooked versions (e.g. dhal makhani). Small fruits or those with abundant seeds are also popular. In Hungary, raisins occupy the space for this symbol, the same as pomegranate seeds in the South, which also symbolize fertility. Various grains, rice, and millet are also considered to bring good luck.

Pork is a traditional and popular New Year’s meal in many cultures. Pigs are considered to dig up good luck for the coming year, but their fat and lard also symbolizes abundance. In Hungary, it may be served as a simple sausage or meat jelly (kocsonya), while in Western Europe it’s often prepared as a crispy roast, or its figure used as decoration: think of little ceramic piggies or marzipan figures, which may have talisman-like qualities. In the US, pork is consumed with cabbage, as cabbage leaves resemble a bundle of dollar notes, suggesting the promise of wealth.

Not only do we wish for wealth in the upcoming year, but also for longevity in general, which is often symbolized by the long, hand-pulled noodles. For the Japanese, it’s soba noodles, while for us it’s strudel—it stretches, it twirls, and the longer it extends, the longer our earthly existence will, it is believed.

There are divisive ingredients, as well. Hungarians don’t eat fish on New Year’s because luck might swim away with it, but the Swedes and Danes, for example, prepare it for the end of the year celebrations as well, as its many scales promise abundance. Poultry is also problematic on several counts, as chicken might scratch good fortune away and turkey can bring about bickering (as turkeys are considered to be ‘angry’ in Hungary—the Transl.), so it’s best to stay away from poultry at this time of year! Instead, if you want to stay in a festive mood, go for one of the beloved New Year’s dessert recipes. A New Year’s Linzer biscuit looks like a pair of coins, but you can also make donuts filled with all sorts of goodies to make sure 2023 will also be filled with plenty of good.

Photos: László Sebestyén

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TASTE | Szabina Tomán

She says she often gets a strange look when ordering chicken stew in a restaurant. Szabina Tomán is a successful businesswoman, known by many from the business show Cápák között (Among Sharks), and there is a fair number of people who would put her name in gold thanks to the
TASTE |  Szabina Tomán
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One and a half million forints raised for the time capsule photo book

One and a half million forints raised for the time capsule photo book

One-third of the total amount has already been raised through a community fundraising campaign for a photo book on Hungarian society, but support is still needed to preserve an independent photographic record of our society today. Nine outstanding photographers from the renowned Pictorial Collective photographic association have traveled thousands of
BALKAN:MOST a due celebration of Balkan music

BALKAN:MOST a due celebration of Balkan music

Sunshine, uneven rhythms and happy crowds filled Veszprém streets at the largest celebration of current Balkan sounds: BALKAN:MOST. 3 stages in the historic downtown hosted 30 bands for 3 days, giving an extensive sample of the region’s riches, for 7000 visitors. The main world music event of Veszprém-Balaton
Following the thread of your destiny—Terra Poetica

Following the thread of your destiny—Terra Poetica

Canteen #8—Pickles

Canteen #8—Pickles

Cozy home in nature’s embrace | Casa De Mi Luna

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History condensed on a plate—OPIUM

History condensed on a plate—OPIUM