Budapest’s best chicken paprikash – Restaurant Guide

After goulash, the golden-hued chicken paprikash is definitely the most well-known culinary creation of Hungary: the creamy classic is so famous that it even got a mention in two of the past centuries’ biggest pop-cultural phenomena: it was what Jonathan Harker dined on in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and what Benjamin Sisko cooked for his son in Star Trek! Now it’s your turn to taste the beloved dish, at one of the eleven venues we’ve gathered together.

Barack & Szilva Restaurant

Our first stop on our chicken paprikash adventure, Barack & Szilva (no, there’s no connection to the former US president, the name simply translates to Peach & Plum) is situated on the edge of the Party District, on the ground floor of an indented building. The husband-and-wife-run bistro offers flavourful Hungarian classics, alongside a smart selection of French, Italian and Jewish dishes, mirroring the diverse and colourful composition of the neighbourhood. Whether you decide to consume your hearty chicken paprikash inside the cosy restaurant, or outside in the shade of their summer terrace, the staff of Barack & Szilva will make sure that all your senses are satisfied – your sense of sound included!

1072 Budapest, Klauzál utca 13.

Magyar QTR

If you’re looking for a truly authentic gastronomic experience during your stay in Budapest, Magyar QTR restaurant should definitely be on your list! Located right next to the gently flowing Danube, this prestigious place presents the flavours of the simple Hungarian cooking in a luxurious manner. With more than 70 different kinds of local artisan wine brands, a huge selection of the famous, traditionally made fruit spirits (known as pálinka) and a series of brilliant dishes, including one of the city’s best chicken paprikash, Magyar QTR will sweep you off your feet! Visit the riverside venue and enjoy the great atmosphere completed by a gorgeous panorama of the beautiful Gellért Hill, while stuffing your belly full with meticulously prepared dishes and sipping on the best Hungarian potions.

1056 Budapest, Belgrád rakpart 18.

Két Szerecsen Bistro

Situated on Nagymező utca, also known as the Pest Broadway, Két Szerecsen Bistro blends trendy simplicity with classy sophistication, and North African ornaments with Spanish flavours. This ageless café/restaurant boasts an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of Parisian bistros, a wonderful array of Mediterranean dishes, and a neatly assorted collection of traditional Hungarian meals, accompanied by an extensive wine list and heavenly pick-me-ups. Besides being one of downtown Budapest’s best breakfast eateries, Két Szerecsen is also a great place to have a nice and filling lunch or a romantic dinner date.

Their chicken paprikash, garnished with parsley dumplings and cucumber salad with sour cream, is packed with nostalgic aromas – just like the restaurant itself!

1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 14.

Ramazuri

Opened last year, Ramazuri Bistronomy is one for the gastro-tourists. Situated in the historic setting of the Buda Castle, this culinary newcomer offers guests a toned-down contemporary ambience inside, and a friendly summer terrace outside, both perfect places to munch on Ramazuri’s inventive and dazzling fine dining bistro dishes. The tight-lipped menu draws inspiration from the latest kitchen technologies, the hottest trends in gastronomy, the most exquisite international flavours, and the most beloved Hungarian classics, ranging from chicken paprikash to Hungarian sponge cake.

In case you’d rather get fed up with something other than the venerable buildings of the famous neighbourhood, Buda Castle’s Ramazuri will make sure that your wish will be granted!

1014 Budapest, Úri utca 30.

Terv Presszó

Nested in downtown Budapest, located just a stone’s throw away from St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the must-visit gastronomic spots of the Hungarian capital has been around for quite a while now. The history of this much acclaimed, friendly place draws back to the gloomy days of mid-century Hungary: it was first opened in 1954, then soon became one of the favourite hangouts of local artists and writers.

Nowadays, the charming joint keeps dazzling its guests with authentic Hungarian dishes and memorable flavours you simply can’t miss out on. Visit Terv Presszó to taste the marvelous chicken paprikash served with homemade dumplings, and enjoy each and every bite while admiring the retro feeling that envelopes every square inch of the venue!

1051 Budapest, Nádor utca 19.

Pörc & Prézli

Found within a two-minute distance from the Opera House, overlooking the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica, Pörc & Prézli is a modern Hungarian trattoria, where the focus is on all things meat, greaves, and breadcrumbs. Led by Chef István Kristóf, Pörc & Prézli’s kitchen pays special attention to the ingredients used, obtaining them from small producers. Instead of reinventing every other classic Hungarian dish, they simply make sure to procure the finest available ingredients on the market, and prepare the meals following age-old, well-established recipes.