For 15 years, the Hungarian Bakers’ Association has organized its competition connected to August 20, simultaneously paying tribute to the tradition of the new bread, promoting a high-quality Hungarian bread culture, and showcasing the professional expertise of Hungarian bakers.
The St. Stephen’s Day Bread Competition is the most important professional competition in Hungary’s baking industry, in which bakers can compete in three categories: St. Stephen’s Day Bread, Innovative Bread and Layered Walking Pastry. The 2026 winners were presented at a press conference held at the Ministry of Interior.
This year’s winners:
- St. Stephen’s Day Bread category: Pilisi Pityókás Kenyér (Pilis Potato Bread) – Hel Pékség Kft.
- Innovative Bread category: Magvető kenyere (The Seed Sower’s Bread) – Sütőmix Kft.
- Layered Walking Pastry category: Citrom Virág (Lemon Blossom) – Pedró Pékség Kft.
Every year, a strict professional jury evaluates the breads based on their taste, aroma, texture, technological execution and shelf life. In recent years, particular attention has also been paid to the use of natural sourdough and Hungarian ingredients, as well as traditional baking techniques.
In folk tradition, August has long been associated with the harvest season and was therefore known as the month of the new bread, but the celebration of Saint Stephen and the new bread only became intertwined later. Today, bread is one of the most important symbols of the August 20 celebration.
The Country’s Bread Can Be Tasted at the Magyar Ízek Utcája Food Festival
In 2026, the winning bread of the St. Stephen’s Day Bread Competition will once again be available for the general public to taste for the first time on August 20 at the Magyar Ízek Utcája Food Festival. Visitors will also be able to be among the first to try Hungary’s Cake of the Year and Hungary’s Sugar-Free Cake here, while the program will also offer a wide range of other traditional delicacies.