There is no probably other country int he world where they use as much sweet paprika powder as Hungarians do. However, it has not always been like this. In the early Middle Ages, Hungarian cuisine was well-known for its wide variety of dishes. The royal cooks used an astonishing range of spices and herbs including ginger, thyme, sage, anise and even saffron.

Folk ovens may come in different shapes of square, round or barrel, and they may accommodate 3 to 8 loaves of bread. The hearth opens into the kitchen and the bank around the edge allows space for cooked items to cool. A small corner nook may also serve as a sleeping place for children and elderly people.