Spice level warning — Kürtőskalács is not what I expected

I underestimated Kürtőskalács. The creamy and savoury description didn't prepare me for the reality. sweet paprika brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

paprika only entered Hungarian cooking in the 17th century but now defines the cuisine. The a traditional market stall setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. Tokaji wine cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.