Legendary Kádár Canteen in Budapest reopens with almost the same menu it closed with 5 years ago!
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Budapest’s iconic eatery, the Kádár, is finally reopening on Klauzál Square. Károly Gerendai, founder-owner of the Costes Group, and his team have been working for years to bring back the exact same experience that made generations fall in love with the place since its opening in 1957: honest Hungarian cuisine, communal tables, and the inimitable atmosphere of Kádár.
From a cholent debate to reopening
Although Gerendai was never a regular guest, he had a personal connection to the restaurant: “In my circle of friends, there was always a debate about whether the cholent at Fülemüle or at Kádár was better. I usually voted for Fülemüle, so many tried to convince me to taste Kádár’s version. That’s how I came here more often and saw what a devoted fan base it had. Over the past two years, I’ve spoken with countless former regulars, and they made it clear that Kádár was more than just a popular eatery—it was part of their identity.”
Not a nostalgic restaurant, but Kádár itself
The goal was never to create a new place with Kádár’s name, but to revive the original restaurant. “The first and most important point was that we genuinely wanted to reopen Kádár. Not just a restaurant on Klauzál Square called Kádár, but the real Kádár.”
For that reason, every decision was made with minimal change in mind. While the kitchen and technical systems had to be completely rebuilt, the restrooms modernised, and even the neighbouring apartment purchased to provide enough space, the original design was preserved wherever possible.
Reconstructing the menu from memories
Many of the old recipes were incomplete, so they relied on the memories of long-time guests. “In the old recipes, it might say ‘one spoon of sugar,’ but not whether it meant a coffee spoon, a teaspoon, or a tablespoon—which makes a big difference. Some ingredients are no longer available, and old stoves worked differently, too. So, we turned to the memories of former guests to recreate the flavours as authentically as possible.”
The starting menu will be nearly identical to what Kádár once bid farewell with. Over time, the menu will expand, gradually bringing back the classic daily specials. Takeaway service will return soon, and home delivery may also become available later.
Communal tables, old traditions
One of Kádár’s unique features has always been its communal tables—a tradition that continues today. “You’ll be able to reserve tables in advance, but if two people are sitting at a four-person table, don’t be surprised if others join them. That’s part of the Kádár experience. We’re probably not the best spot for discreet business lunches or marriage proposals,” Gerendai said.
