29 Jun

The Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels hosted HUNGAstRY the second consecutive year. The main aim of the event, which was co-organised by the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, was to introduce Hungarian wine regions and the essence of the Hungarian gastronomy to European decision-makers. This year the Balaton Wine Region had the opportunity to present its wines with eight different wineries.


More than 200 guests attended the event, including ambassadors, agricultural diplomats, MEPs and also senior officials from the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council.

Tibor Stelbaczky Deputy Permanent Representative highlighted in his opening speech, that the first HUNGAstRY was a great success, therefore the Hungarian Government would have liked to create a tradition with the event. He explained that Balaton is not just a region but rather a lifestyle for Hungarians.

Péter Gál Deputy State Secretary for the protection of origins, stressed that Hungarians are proud of their agricultural traditions and gastronomy. He pointed out that the purpose of the Protected Geographical Origin Program, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, was to increase the number of products declared for EU protection and to use the existing geographical indications in a better way.

Péter Tóth, the President of the Hungarian National Association of Mangalica Breeders introduced the history and characteristics of the Hungarian pig variety ’Mangalica’.

Wines were presented by sommelier Kristian Kielmayer. Ingredients for the dishes like spicy catfish stew, smoked trout, roasted Mangalica pork, beef tongue and grey beef goulash had all been delivered directly from Hungary.

Thanks to the support of the Office for the European Representation of Hungarian National Communities (HUNINEU), traditional Hungarian folk music was provided by the Liszt-Ferenc-Award winner musician, István Pál – a.k.a. Szalonna - and his band.

The second Hungarian Gastro Festival in Parc du Cinquantenaire is awaiting its visitors with concerts, fair of handcrafted products, various programs for children and the very best of Hungarian gastronomy on 8-9 July 2017.