Hi, I’m András Őri – or just Andrew, if that’s easier. I was born in Pécs, a city in southern Hungary, but these days I live in Budapest with my wife and two kids. By day I’m a web developer at a non-profit, by night I’m a writer, photographer, and – most of all – a professional critic of books, movies, politics, and pretty much everything else.
After years of blogging in Hungarian, I started Beyond Paprika to show visitors a side of Hungary that goes beyond paprika, goulash, and horse shows. This country is full of hidden gems – rivers, hills, small towns, festivals – and I want to share them with you in a personal way.
If you’d like to read the full story of how I got here, you can check out About Me – and if you’re ever in Hungary, maybe even join me for a beer.

Latest Posts

Forget the sun-drenched Puszta for a moment. After nearly two decades, Hungary finally remembered how to do winter properly. From the fairytale-like streets of snow-covered Budapest to the frozen vastness of Lake Balaton, here is why our country wears the cold so well—and why a 'real' winter is becoming a rare, precious treat in the heart of Europe.
András • Deciphering Hungary
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photo: Papajcsik Péter / Index

If you’ve been following Hungarian news lately, you’ve likely bumped into a strange obsession: everyone is talking about how many days are left until April 12th. Don’t worry, nobody has lost their mind; it’s just that the entire country’s nerves are frayed to the breaking point, and we collectively just want to get this over with.
András • Deciphering Hungary
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If you’re visiting Budapest and want to see more than just the city, it’s worth spending a day in the nearby hills.Hungary doesn’t have very high or technically difficult mountains – all you need is a good pair of shoes, a map, and a light backpack with some snacks. To be fair, these are things […]
András • Hiking in Hungary
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