Attention, gourmets: Bear stew debuts in a Budapest restaurant!
The restaurant 21 A Magyar Vendéglő in the Buda Castle District is turning heads with a truly rare offering: bear stew, a dish found nowhere else in the country. Made with authentic Transylvanian ingredients, it’s a gastronomic rarity that draws curious food lovers.
Bear stew in the Buda Castle: A specialty at 21 A Magyar Vendéglő
If you’re tired of the usual game meats or just in the mood for something extraordinary, the seasonal bear stew at 21 might be just the thing. The dish, an authentic Transylvanian specialty, has been featured on the menu since 2024 and is growing in popularity among diners. The rare ingredients are sourced from verified suppliers, ensuring both freshness and food safety.
“We never hesitate to take bold steps — not out of luck, but because we’re confident in our skills,” says the team at 21 A Magyar Vendéglő.
The bear meat comes from the hunting grounds around Ivó, where eating it has long been a tradition. Located in the heart of the Buda Castle on Fortuna Street, 21 offers guests a blend of traditional Hungarian flavors and a warm, inviting bistro atmosphere.
What does bear meat taste like?
For those used to beef or venison, bear meat may come as a surprise. Its reddish hue, fibrous texture, and higher fat content deliver richer, bolder flavors than typical game meats. At 21, it’s braised with dry red wine, juniper, and bay leaves, creating a taste that marries wild richness with the familiar comfort of a classic Hungarian stew.
As head chef Róbert Horváth explained in an interview with Blikk, the preparation method is familiar from other game stews: it starts with seasoning using onions, garlic, and paprika, followed by a splash of high-quality dry red wine to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. The dish uses the bear’s thigh — a muscular, fibrous cut rich in fat — which undergoes a slow, three-to-four-hour cook time to achieve a tender, intensely savory stew.
It’s served with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy goose cracklings — a combination that’s both rustic and refined, perfectly complementing the bold flavor of the meat. The pairing showcases how the restaurant infuses traditional Hungarian cuisine with fresh ideas. The wine list is also worth exploring: it features only Hungarian wines, including rare selections not easily found elsewhere.
Cozy setting, exceptional Hungarian cuisine
21 A Magyar Vendéglő boasts a welcoming and minimalist interior, with warm-toned walls and furnishings that create a relaxed atmosphere. In the summer, the terrace offers a great vantage point for watching life unfold in the castle district. On top of the popular bear stew, the menu features other traditional Hungarian offerings: game meats, stews, fish dishes, and seasonal specialties — something for everyone to enjoy over a hearty lunch or dinner.
“Bold spirit, a contemporary attitude, and a touch of Hungarian flair. That’s who we are. That’s 21.”
Read more gastronomy-related news on Daily News Hungary.
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