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At a time when many of Adelaide’s European community clubs are facing an uncertain future, one Norwood institution has completely rebuilt itself to serve its older members while welcoming the next generation.
Now back at 82 Osmond Terrace after a two-and-a-half year redevelopment, the Hungarian Club of SA has returned with a completely rebuilt home, including a café, modern function hall and what it says is Adelaide’s only venue serving genuine Hungarian cuisine.
The reopening comes in a milestone year for the organisation, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in August. Hungarian Club of SA President Katalin Toth said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing an ageing building. She wants the Hungarian community to feel at home, while also opening the space to anyone looking for a sense of community and connection.
“We want this to become a community hub in the Norwood area.”
The redevelopment came about after club members approved an arrangement granting a developer air rights for 23 apartments above the site in exchange for a brand-new space on the ground floor. The result is a fresh new home with a modern hall, audiovisual facilities and more room for the club to grow, while still holding onto the food, music and cultural traditions it has long been known for.
And one of the biggest additions is the café, open throughout the week and on Friday nights.
“We’ve employed a Hungarian chef, so it’s really the only place in Adelaide where you can get genuine Hungarian food.”
“There used to be at least six Hungarian restaurants in Adelaide when I was a kid, and they’ve all disappeared as those people aged out … It’s important from a cultural standpoint to have those different cuisines.”
Among the traditions now returning, are the club’s monthly Goulash Nights, which were put on hold during the redevelopment. The evenings feature Hungarian dishes such as goulash, lamb stew and chicken paprikash, alongside music and a full-service bar.
“They were famous for a long time, even in the old venue … It’s a great party night. Lots of people book tables for 20 and come along.”
The club’s long-running seniors lunches are also making a comeback, with the $20 meals open to anyone and generally including a hearty soup, main course and sometimes cake or another sweet treat.
But the new Hungarian Club is not simply recreating what came before.
Games Tuesdays are among the new initiatives being introduced, inviting people to arrive alone or with friends for a round of Mahjong, Rummikub, Bridge or other games over coffee and cake. For Katalin, creating opportunities for people to meet face-to-face has become increasingly important, particularly for older members of the community who may otherwise find themselves socially isolated.
The club is also planning a Hungarian cultural weekend in November, with activities expected to include children’s events, music, poetry and traditional Hungarian dancing. A Christmas fair will follow, bringing together Hungarian products, gifts and other cultural offerings.
It is all part of a broader effort to ensure the traditions built by generations of Hungarian migrants in South Australia are not gradually lost.
“Otherwise these small European communities are going to die off,” Katalin said.
After 60 years, the Hungarian Club is welcoming its next chapter with a new building, a returning food culture and a much wider invitation to Adelaide. Whether it is a bowl of goulash, a game of Mahjong or simply a coffee with someone new, the message from the rebuilt club is simple and you don’t need to be Hungarian to pull up a chair.
Hungarian Club of South Australia
Where: 82 Osmond Terrace, Norwood
Find out more on their website.
