This book would not have come into existence had it not been inspired by the interest of our foreign visitors, which caused us to realize the need of dealing more widely with this subject matter.

The Hungarian kitchen, the Hungarian folklore plays a very important role in the conquest that foreign tourist traffic has achieved in Hungary, especially during the past few years.

That natural reserve with which all our foreign visitors regard our "strange" flavours, soon thaws into a definite liking for our dishes, and now they even desire the savour which is lacking in the western-style kitchen. These flavours and savours we serve in rich varieties.

With this little book we wish to serve one purpose: to bring Hungary nearer to your hearts in giving you a glimpse into Hungarian life and in making you acquainted with our country. If this can be accomplished we are certain that you will become our friends. And we Hungarians have a great need of your friendship so in order to achieve our goal we resort to the old Hungarian proverb: the way to the heart is through the stomach! We too have chosen this way, and in this manner our book intends to reach your hearts.

Now we turn to our readers with one request - have confidence in us, rather our recipes. We realize that foreigners are a little afraid of the highly seasoned Hungarian dishes which they are not accustomed to, but this very fact has led us to compile the cookery book with utmost care in the selection of the recipes, so that we can recommend them to you with a clear conscience, not only from the standpoint of deliciousness but also from that of dietetics.

Please accept this little book with as much love as we welcome you to our poor, mutilated land Hungary.

We wish you a good appetite and most pleasant entertainment.

The authors.