Where to Eat in Budapest

Beyond the panoramic beauty of a city with two independent personalities, Budapest has developed into one of the food capitals of the world, renowned since the late 19th century. Amidst challenging political times, and right until WWII, food became a common love for the more privileged and became deeply ingrained in Hungarian culture. Well-known for a culinary style that is more conservative than extravagant, the world took notice and Hungarian cuisine has developed a presence internationally. Check out these favourites of authentic Hungarian food if you consider yourself a real gourmand:

1. Kürtőskalács (Transylvanian Chimney Cakes)

Kürtőskalács are a special Hungarian pastry that can be found at local markets and are a favourite at festivals and weddings. Made for sharing, they are hollow, helix-shaped pastries made from a sweet yeast dough wrapped around a cylinder and smothered in sugar. It is then baked over hot coals and glazed with butter creating a golden-brown caramelized crust with an airy centre. Visiting Molnar's Kürtőskalács Bakery will give you a sweet variety of additional toppings than a traditional baker. Experiment with your pick of 8 popular flavours of cinammon, poppy-seed, walnut, vanilla, chocolate, coconut, cocoa, or almond for a sweet snack at any time of day.

Where to eat: Váci utca 31, Budapest, 1052 Pest, District 5

2. Hungarian Dobos Torta

The namesake of famous confectioner József C. Dobos, dobos torta is a sponge cake with five to seven layers of chocolate buttercream topped with caramel and rounded sides with hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, or almonds. This European favourite created in 1887 is so famous that the city held a city-wide celebration for its 75th anniversary. Visit the storied Ruszwurm Confectionary and enter time capsule to a romantic world of Buda at a confectionary that even pre-dates the dobos torta

itself. If you have a penchant for sweets, dobos torta won't be the only treat you will want to indulge in as Ruszwurm boasts a wide mastery of Hungarian desserts.

Where to eat: Ruszwurm Confectionary, Szentháromság utca 7, 1014 Budapest, Hungary

3. Chicken Paprikash

Balance sweet with savory with the local favourite, chicken paprikash for a filling lunch. It features roast chicken in a creamy red pepper sauce, a healthy dose of paprika, and is accompanied by buttered homemade egg noodle dumpling called galuska. This hearty dish can fill you up and keep you warm if it happens to be chilly out.

Where to eat: Pest-Buda Bistro, Fortuna utca 3, Budapest, Hungary

4. Lángos

Another Hungarian specialty, Lángos is a deep fried flat bread topped with a savory combination of toppings. It is best made crisp, but also soft and crumbly adorned with toppings like garlic butter, cheese, sour cream, or ham. Depending on the restaurant, you may be able to negotiate other savory combinations of toppings including mushroom, eggplant, or quark cheese. Considered a favourite snack food well after dark, check out Retró Büfé which locals consider a greasy oasis as they never go easy with the toppings for a tasty and authentic experience (and don't be put off by the appearance!). If you're a thrill-seeker, you can try their most creative variation of lángos called “atomtámadás” (nuclear attack) with three kinds of hot peppers, ham, cheese, sausage, and red onion. However, we are not sure we can reasonably condone the name.

Where to eat: Retró Büfé, Podmaniczky Ter, Budapest, Hungary

5. Gulyás

It is no surprise that this to-do list has to be rounded out by the famous Hungarian gulyás (known otherwise as goulash). It is a rich, and savory soup (not stew) made of beef, potatoes, and paprika. The best that Budapest has to offer come with homemade pinched pasta (called csipetke) and has to be #1 on your list if it's your only night in town. Be sure to slather your accompanying thick slices of crusty white bread in this tasty soup while rounding out your experience with a glass of local red wine. Although it is a staple of many venues, we recommend we recommend Búsuló Juhász after you have enjoyed the breathtaking view of nearby Gellért Hill. It is a classy restaurant that has perfected traditional Hungarian cooking with modern gastronomy where you can continue to enjoy your view of the city.

Where to eat: Búsuló Juhász, 1118 Budapest, Gellért hegy, Kelenhegyi út 58