Hungary’s award-winning pastry shop reopens in Budapest – photos

Málna the Pastry Shop has reopened, this time in the heart of Budapest, on Hercegprímás Street. The three-time winner of the Pastry shop of the year award now welcomes guests with a larger space and exciting new features.

Led by pastry chefs Zoltán Kolonics and Ágnes Varga, Málna has become known for blending French pastry-making techniques with the creativity of traditional Hungarian desserts. At its new location, the shop continues this philosophy – in a modern environment, but with the same attention to detail that made it a favourite among dessert lovers.

Opening on October 28, the new pastry shop features an extra floor, a more spacious and comfortable guest area, and a number of new possibilities – all while preserving the familiar warmth that regulars have always loved.

A success story born from craftsmanship

A few years ago, Málna began as a small, cosy pastry shop on Bécsi Road. From the very beginning, craftsmanship, natural ingredients, and meticulous attention to detail defined its unique character.

Guests quickly fell in love with the place’s distinctive style, and soon a loyal following emerged that eventually outgrew the old space. The decision was made to give Málna a new home in the city centre – a setting worthy of its reputation, with a more modern background and the capacity to welcome even more visitors.

Málna’s philosophy remains built around one core principle: “quality without compromise.”

“Everything matters – the look, the flavor, the texture. The goal is harmony in every detail,” says Ágnes Varga, one of Málna’s head pastry chefs.

In the new, better-equipped kitchen, everything is still made on-site from natural ingredients only – with no artificial colours or flavourings. The sugar content of the desserts has also been consciously reduced to let the flavours shine through even more clearly.

An open pastry atelier with inviting spaces

With the larger space came better facilities: more pastry chefs, modern equipment, and a refined workspace. The new shop also includes an open pastry atelier, where guests can watch as desserts and pastries come to life behind the glass.

Across from the workshop area, the interior recalls the charm of the original Málna – with its familiar raspberry-patterned wallpaper, warm tones, and fine details that bring back the cosy feel of the previous shop.

“We wanted Málna to evolve but stay true to itself. It was important for us that our regular guests find their old favorites, while new visitors also feel drawn in,” said Zoltán Kolonics pastry chef at the reopening.

Classic flavours, modern spirit

The menu still features the beloved staples of Hungarian pastry tradition – Eszterházy cake, Rákóczi-style cheesecake, and Russian cream torte. Many guests come back for these classics, which Málna continues to prepare with the same precision and care – each dessert carrying that subtle twist that defines the shop’s style.

The shop’s signature Málna dessert also reflects its philosophy: made with French fruit purées, minimal sugar, and natural colours, its soft, flowing centre evokes the taste of real fruit in every bite.

Here, tradition and innovation truly go hand in hand. A perfect example is the reimagined Somlói Galuska, transformed with walnut praline, Tokaji aszú wine, and chocolate – preserving the classic flavour while offering a lighter, more refined experience.

Málna’s desserts stand out both in taste and in spirit – just as fitting for a celebration as for a quiet afternoon. The new downtown location was designed with this in mind: the spacious interior with the new floor also serves as a community space, welcoming families, friends, and colleagues for anything from a quick coffee to a long conversation.

In the spring, a terrace will open as well, and the space will be available for private events, workshops – marking a new chapter for one of Hungary’s most celebrated pastry shops.

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