At any picnic or party in Budapest we seem to encounter these salted stick snacks. There’s always a packet on the table when we’re out drinking with friends, and an abundance of them in the staff room at work.

Originally created in the 1950s, they were designed to be an affordable and tasty treat for everyone. In Budapest, you’ll find Nógrádi ropi in shops, bars, and even at outdoor markets, often paired with a cold beer. Like pálinka, they’re part of the fabric of social rituals that bring people together.      

Ingredients: Wheat flour, margarine, sunflower oil, sugar, salt, milk, yeast, glazing agent.