Smoked paprika is used in cooking to add flavor as well as color, especially in rice, and for the same reason, it is often sprinkled on top. It is widely used as a natural coloring agent in dishes that have a deep red or brown color.

In their kitchens, Hungarians use paprika quite a bit, where homemade and restaurant dishes have at least 3-4 different types. The Spanish prefer sweet or smoked paprika, while in more eastern countries like Turkey, the preference is for hot or spicy paprika.