Hamburger picture 2025 – this is how Hungarians eat hamburgers

Burger love and appreciation run deep worldwide – so much so that burgers have their own holiday. To mark International Burger Day on May 28, TV Paprika conducted a fresh survey* exploring Hungarian burger habits.

Hungarian burgers are far from minimalist – they’re bold, rich, juicy, multi-layered experiences designed to be held and devoured. Only a few opt for minimalist versions; the majority believes a true burger should be loaded with toppings, and two-thirds of Hungarians don’t mind if their face gets messy while eating. In fact, according to eight out of ten respondents, a proper burger should be eaten with hands, no knife and fork required.

Let’s see what goes into the ideal burger and what sides Hungarians prefer with it.

Beef first, skip the pickled salad

Nearly a quarter of respondents love all kinds of burgers – chicken, fish, vegetarian, even fried or grilled cheese. However, the majority made it clear: beef burgers are the real deal. While some enjoy pickled salad (csalamádé), more than half of respondents prefer their burger without it.

Maximalism beats minimalism

When it comes to burgers, Hungarians say: the more, the better. The top five essential ingredients in a Hungarian burger are cheese, fresh lettuce, bacon, tomato, and caramelised onions. Many go for double patties and extra sauce – jalapeños and onion jam are also welcome additions.

If it doesn’t drip, is it even a burger?

One thing Hungarians won’t skimp on is sauce. Most burgers come with ketchup, followed by mayonnaise or a blend of the two. Cheddar cheese sauce is also hugely popular, even outranking mustard. Other favourites include barbecue sauce, bacon jam, and pickles.

French fries: the burger’s best friend

Classic French fries are by far the most popular side dish. Next is coleslaw, followed closely by sweet potato fries and steak fries. Some are satisfied with the burger alone, while others say onion rings complete the experience.

Grill aromas and home creativity

With spring comes grilling season, and many people move burger-making outdoors to the grill – happily avoiding kitchen cleanup. More than one in five respondents prepare their own burger patty, and many even bake their own buns.

*TV Paprika’s online survey was conducted in May 2025 with 430 respondents.