The Toasting Etiquette Mistake Tourists Must Avoid In Hungary

Drinking in Central and Eastern Europe isn't quite the daredevil activity it once was in the decade after the fall of Communism, but it is still worth keeping your wits about you in former Eastern Bloc countries like Czechia, Poland, and Hungary. Trendy hotspots and gastropubs may have infiltrated cities like Prague, Krakow, and Budapest to the detriment of old-school beer halls and dive bars, but old traditions die hard and some locals hate when tourists break one unspoken rule while saluting new friends. It is a faux pas that catches some tourists out because it runs contrary to common practice in many other countries: offering a toast with beer.

Situated in Central Europe and sharing borders with Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, Hungary shares some similarities with its Slavic neighbors but has its own distinct language and culture that makes it unique. You only need to glance at a restaurant menu in Budapest to spot the difference — the Hungarian tongue is Finno-Ugric with almost no common links with the lingo of its neighbors. While the nation shares some customs with countries like Czechia, such St. Nicholas delivering gifts on Mikulas in early December, other traditions can leave visitors scratching their heads. Which is where we return to toasting and a common mistake visitors should try to avoid.

Budapest is one of the most underrated big European cities and a night out in the Hungarian capital is an exciting blend of modern bars and a gritty local scene, such at the city's infamous ruin bars –- just think of a local dive but a lot grungier and more battered and you'll be close to the mark. Like many nationalities in the region, Hungarians can be a little reserved on the surface but are usually pretty friendly once the drinks start flowing.

It's easy to get chatting with people but you should remember one thing: Hungarians traditionally don't toast with beer for historical reasons.  This goes all the way back to 1848 when a revolt against the Habsburg empire was crushed by joint Austrian and Russian forces. The story goes that Austrian generals celebrated by clinking glasses while 16 prisoners were executed. After that doomed uprising, Hungarians swore off toasting in a similar manner for 150 years out of respect for their martyred heroes.

150 years passed quite a while ago now, but the taboo about toasting with beer still regularly comes up as a quirk of Hungarian culture –- indeed, that's why you're reading this article. Don't panic too much if you slip up, however. It is unlikely that breaking this tradition will provoke a hostile response from younger generations, and the worst that is likely to happen is a friendly rundown on why it was considered offensive in the past.

The general rule of thumb in Hungary is that it is okay to offer a toast with any alcoholic beverage other than beer. If you are feeling brave you can impress your new drinking buddies by using the Hungarian equivalent of cheers, which is a bit daunting at first glance: "egészségedre" (pronounced eh-geh-sheh-geh-dreh) roughly translates to "to your health." Don't worry if you butcher it because they'll appreciate the effort. Also make sure you maintain eye contact while toasting, because failing to do so invokes the superstition of seven years of bad luck and/or bad sex! 

With beer off the table for toasting, wine is a common option but chances are you'll be saluting each other with shots if you are hitting city bars. Hungarians are always eager to introduce visitors to two of their national drinks: Pálinka and Unicum. Hold onto your hat because they can pack a serious punch! Pálinka is a fiery brandy that can be as strong as 55% A.B.V. Typically it is made from plums, but it can be produced from a wide range of different fruits. Be extra vigilant if someone offers you homemade Pálinka, which can be especially potent. Then there is Unicum, a herbal liqueur famed for its unusual bomb-shaped bottle. Somewhat similar in taste to Jägermeister or Fernet but even more bitter, it something of an acquired taste but guaranteed to get the evening started with a bang.