The excitement of Hungarian Carnival filled the air earlier this month, as guests gathered for an afternoon of hands-on culinary fun at Chef’s Dinner Table in New York City. Hosted by the Tulipán Foundation and led by renowned chef and cookbook author Sarah Copeland, this exclusive workshop offered children and adults alike the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the time-honored tradition of making Farsangi Fánk—or Hungarian Carnival doughnuts.
From the moment guests stepped into the inviting space, the sound of festive live music and the warm hum of conversation set the stage for a truly memorable experience. Sarah Copeland—whose deep connection to Hungarian cuisine made her the ideal guide—led guests in crafting these light, airy treats from scratch. With each batch that was made, anticipation grew—until at last, trays of golden doughnuts, which guests filled with homemade raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, were ready to be enjoyed.
No Hungarian celebration is complete without a taste of tradition, and our festive snack trays delivered just that. Overflowing with meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments, these light bites complemented the donuts perfectly—offering guests a taste of Hungary’s rich culinary heritage. A curated Hungarian wine tasting led by the Palinkerie team added another layer of indulgence, pairing the flavors of Farsang with exceptional selections that highlighted Hungary’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions.
Laughter echoed through the room as the afternoon culminated in the highly-anticipated doughnut-eating contest. With hands behind their backs, participants leaned in, determined to devour their doughnuts without assistance—resulting in plenty of lighthearted competition and unforgettable moments.
Seeing families and friends come together to embrace Hungarian traditions was what we had hoped for, and this is exactly the kind of immersive experience we look forward to hosting at our future headquarters. Set in a beautifully restored 1890s townhouse on the Upper East Side, our new home at 1065 Madison Avenue will become a vibrant hub where Hungarian cuisine, artistry, and innovation come to life. When our doors open in early 2026, visitors will be invited to experience exclusive events such as this in a modern space, grounded in tradition.
This event was more than just a cooking class—it was a celebration of culture, community, and the shared joy of Hungarian Carnival. We hope you left with full hearts and full bellies, and we can’t wait to see you at our egg-decorating workshop at Chef’s Dinner Table on April 17!