Hungary’s beautiful capital is brimming with art museums, parks, and theaters. Despite an appreciation for the finer things, it has not diminished the love of good old-fashioned comfort food. From savory soups to decadent pastries, here are the top ten foods and drinks you’ll want to try.
Goulash at Múzeum Café and Restaurant
This famous dish is renowned worldwide, but you must try it at its source in Budapest. Múzeum Café offers a wonderful bowl of goulash in a beautiful setting. The restaurant dates back to 1885 and maintains a classic, sophisticated feel. It is the restaurant of choice for many writers and politicians.
Pálinka at Megyeri Csárda Tavern
Just as Goulash is Hungary’s signature dish, Pálinka is the drink in Budapest. It is a fruit brandy typically made from stone fruits such as plum, pear, or cherry. The drink is highly potent, ranging between 37% and 86% alcohol. While it is available at most restaurants and bars, why not try this traditional drink at a place that celebrates Hungary’s history? Megyeri Csárda Tavern is decorated in traditional Hungarian fashion and entertains diners with live music and folk dancing. If their large selection of Palinka is not to your liking, they also have a great selection of wine.
Lángos at Lángos Land
Every culture seems to have its own rendition of deep-fried dough. Hungary’s version of this classic is slathered with garlic butter, sour cream, and cheese. Lángos are a classic street food and can be found at many stands around marketplaces. However, one of the most popular spots is Lángos Land. They have their dough recipe down to perfection and offer choices for toppings in addition to the traditional cheese and sour cream.
Unicum at the Boutiq Bar
Unicum is another one of Hungary’s unique liquors. It is made from over 40 herbs and has an initial citrus and herbal flavor followed a bitter aftertaste. Unicum is most commonly used as a digestif. The Boutiq Bar is the ideal place to try this formidable drink. If it is not to your liking, they have a large selection of creative and delicious cocktails.
Chicken Paprikash at Rosenstein Restaurant
This dish features tender chicken covered in a creamy paprika sauce. Chicken Paprikash is typically accompanied by Nokedli, freshly made dumpling-esque noodles. Rosenstein Restaurant offers some of the finest Jewish-Hungarian dishes. Make sure to try their Chicken Paprikash, but don’t stop there. Don’t miss their classic Matzo Ball Soup.
Fisherman’s Soup at Horgásztanya Vendéglő
Hungary has the market cornered on tasty soups. Halászlé, or fisherman’s soup, is no exception. As the name suggests, fresh fish is what sets this soup apart. At Horgásztanya Vendéglő you can order from a number of varieties and enjoy an authentic bowl of this satisfying classic.
Somlói Galuska at Gundel
Hungary’s most beloved cake is a unique concoction of custard and three different types of sponge either layered or scooped into balls and topped with chocolate and whipped cream. At Gundel, you can try it for yourself at the place where it originated. If looking for a whole meal, the restaurant is an excellent choice for traditional Hungarian cuisine and exquisite wine.
Kürtőskalács at Molnar’s Kürtőskalács
These dainty cylinder shaped pastries are coated in cinnamon or other toppings and made perfectly crispy over hot coals. Although they originated in neighboring Romania, they are very popular and can be found throughout Budapest. At Molnar’s you will get perfectly golden, piping hot Kürtőskalács.
Dobos Torte at Ruszwurm Confectionery
Another must-try Hungarian dessert is the Dobos Torte. Thin layers of sponge cake are alternated with chocolate buttercream frosting and decorated with caramel decorations. Try it at the nearly 200-year-old Ruszwurm Confectionery. The cafe has worked hard to maintain their 19th-century appeal while still producing some of the best baked goods in Budapest. In addition to the Dobos Torte, try their signature Ruszwurm-Creme Cake.
Wine at Mazel Tov Budapest
With over 20 regions of wine, Hungary is the ideal place for the wine connoisseur. Make sure to try Hungary’s most famous wines, Tokaji and Egri Bikavér. Sample these wines at one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars. Ruin bars are typically located in abandoned buildings and are decorated with eclectic mismatched furniture. Mazel Tov Budapest is an upscale take on the ruin bar. Located in an abandoned building and equipped with a DJ, it maintains a modern vibe. But unlike some of the other ruin bars, it has high-quality food and an impressive selection of wine and cocktails.
Pastries at the Opulent Café Gerbeaud
Founded in 1858 during the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Café Gerbeaud is a tribute to the elegant Viennese style of the late 19th century. Marbled floors, rich wood panels, gilded plasters and ornate chandeliers showcase the splendor of an era long gone. While this is an experience in and of itself, the pastries, confections, desserts and delicate breads are second to none.
These delicious food and drink options will transport you to past generations of Hungarian mamas bustling in the kitchen preparing a meal for their loved ones. If you need to work off a few calories before your next slice of cake, don’t forget to take a walk along the famous Danube River!
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