Hungarian Culture and food in Arizona? (Phoenix, Tucson: university, restaurants, prices)

[pamelaboop]

My spouse is Hungarian and was wondering if anyone is aware of any culture events, or deli's (or anyplace) with the Hungarian meats/foods in Arizona?

I would be interested in Tucson or surrounding areas in Arizona? Actually anywhere in the state of Arizona would be interesting to know!

[wisconsin woman]

Hey let me know if you find anything of Hungarian here too, I have Hungarian in me (along with 3 other cultures).

[Aunt Julie]

The short answer is NO.
The only Cultures in Arizona are West Coast White, Mexican, Southwest Indian. Mexican is most prevalent, if you like Mexican food (Sonora style) you will like it if you like Tex-Mex it will be more difficult to find how ever DFW is only an hour's flight away. If you want other cultures there is always a trip to San Diego or LA where you might (?) find something. Arizona is not a hot spot for Hungarians or lots of other cultures.

[exit2lef]

Pete's Budapest Cafe was a full-fledged Hungarian restaurant in Scottsdale, but I believe it's out of business now. There are a few other places serving the food of other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, however. In Phoenix, there are a few places that serve Bosnian, Polish, Russian, and Bulgarian food. They tend to come and go, so call ahead before making a long drive anywhere.

One possibility in Tucson is to contact the Russian and Slavic Studies department at University of Arizona. (Yes, I know Hungary is not a Slavic country, but it's the closest option I could find in Tucson.)

Russian and Slavic Studies Home

[Steel87]

The short answer is NO.
The only Cultures in Arizona are West Coast White, Mexican, Southwest Indian. Mexican is most prevalent, if you like Mexican food (Sonora style) you will like it if you like Tex-Mex it will be more difficult to find how ever DFW is only an hour's flight away. If you want other cultures there is always a trip to San Diego or LA where you might (?) find something. Arizona is not a hot spot for Hungarians or lots of other cultures.

This is far from true. Over the past decade, Phoenix's culinary tastes have drastically improved (Scottsdale is consistently rated in the top 10 for culinary enthusiasts and travels, and yes, maybe even better than DFW as the past decade Scottsdale Chefs have won several James Beard award over their DFW counterparts!) There is a wide range of ethnic foods available, several plazas with just Korean food, Chinese food, Thai food, family-owned Italian restaurants, etc.

As for Hungarian food in particular, I am not sure (not something I've personally dabbled in.) I would suggest you find some local magazines as they often have restaurant features and lists of different cultural eateries. Many of these Eastern European cuisines are in Scottsdale. Scottsdale also has some great French, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Greek, Spanish (a lot of great Tapas restaurants), fusion restaurants. Most of these can easily be found through the web (Zagat for instance). Food & Wine Magazine often features Phoenix metro restaurants. I know Pete's Budapest Cafe was featured in Gourmet Magazine back in 2003 or so, I am not sure if its still open.

Most family-owned Asian restaurants (Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Korean, Chinese) you will find are in Tempe/Mesa/Chandler

[karenvez]

I'm not sure about the Tucson area, but I can give you some info. incase you venture into the Phoenix Metro area! I'm Hungarian, American born but both of my parents immigrated to the U.S. from Hungary. Pete's restaurant may still be open in Scottsdale (old town Scottsdale), but personally I think my mom's Hungarian food is 110% better! He is a professional piano player, so he can play some sentimental Hungarian music though! It was nice to go to when I craved something I didn't want to take the time to make (Paprikas Csirke). He had two open, one south and one north Scottsdale, but the one up north Scottsdale closed down.

There is a Hungarian deli in Phoenix near 19th Ave and Northern where you can get the Csabia Kolbasz or Gyulai Kolbasz. There is also a Hungarian Reformation church, but I never attended.

I hope this gives you some help. Jokivansagok!

[pamelaboop]

Originally Posted by karenvez

I'm not sure about the Tucson area, but I can give you some info. incase you venture into the Phoenix Metro area! I'm Hungarian, American born but both of my parents immigrated to the U.S. from Hungary. Pete's restaurant may still be open in Scottsdale (old town Scottsdale), but personally I think my mom's Hungarian food is 110% better! He is a professional piano player, so he can play some sentimental Hungarian music though! It was nice to go to when I craved something I didn't want to take the time to make (Paprikas Csirke). He had two open, one south and one north Scottsdale, but the one up north Scottsdale closed down.

There is a Hungarian deli in Phoenix near 19th Ave and Northern where you can get the Csabia Kolbasz or Gyulai Kolbasz. There is also a Hungarian Reformation church, but I never attended.

I hope this gives you some help. Jokivansagok!

Do you know what the deli is called? We are so happy to hear they have the kolbasz! It is so expensive to order online for those meats.

[karenvez]

Here's the info:
(Sorry...I mentioned it was on Northern, but it's actually one mile from there on Dunlap)

Hungarian Deli By Eva
1957 W Dunlap Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 674-8179


They have reasonable prices, better than Otto's. They sell wines, paprika, and other Hungarian items. They are very friendly! It was nice to go in there and get that Magyar feel! :-)

There are other delis in Phoenix which I'm sure have kolbasz, but they're general European delis including Polish, German, etc. Eva's Hungarian Deli is just that....Hungarian!

[Calibelle]

Woo hoo! I love this thread! My hubby is Hungarian born, and we are close to finishing his visa, and moving to AZ ourselves! He will be thrilled about the kolbasz!!! Thanx for the info!! Great news for us!!!

[Buffygirl]

I am hungarian, both my parents were born in Hungary and their parents migrated to Canada when my parents were very small. I am used to having all the foods of every culture as Toronto is super cultural. I then moved to Tennessee and have been very sad. There is no culture. I miss the food. Heck even the chinese food is weird here. I had noticed that Arizona had much more culture than Tennessee. So I got excited. I looked online at Ottos but could never bring myself to order because of the prices. I am not moving to Arizona for about a year and half so it is going to be a long wait to get what I want. I am not looking for the meals so much cause I can make those myself (mmm cabbage rolls) but the smoked bacon (with the hard top) and the piros arany for flavoring. I have some in the fridge that my mom sends me from Canada but it doesn't last too long. I miss beigli terribly, especially makos and mostly the csabai. How I miss that with fresh french or italian bread and fresh tomatoes. YUM. I just cannot wait to get to Arizona.