food

A delightful taste of Naples in Budapest: New pizzeria opens on iconic Andrássy Avenue

In recent years, the MOTO brand has gained enormous popularity in Budapest. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that MOTO has opened its 4th location in the Hungarian capital. The pizzeria on the iconic Andrássy Avenue is set to deliver the same high standards as the other branches while adding a fresh, dynamic energy to the brand’s presence in Budapest.

MOTO in Budapest

MOTO Pizzerias in Budapest have swiftly become a popular choice for pizza enthusiasts in the Hungarian capital. Known for their modern, urban vibe, these pizzerias stand out with their creative take on traditional Italian recipes, blending authentic techniques with local ingredients. Their wood-fired ovens ensure each pizza has a crisp, flavourful crust, complemented by fresh toppings ranging from classic Margheritas to more inventive creations. Situated in trendy neighbourhoods, MOTO offers a casual yet stylish dining experience, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Their commitment to quality, paired with a relaxed atmosphere, has cemented their place in Budapest’s thriving culinary scene.

New pizzeria on Andrássy Avenue

Szeretlek Magyarország reports that the newest MOTO pizzeria has opened on Andrássy Avenue, marking the brand’s fourth location in Budapest, alongside their eateries on Madách Square, Rákóczi Square, and Bartók Béla Road. Situated in the Oktogon area, the pizzeria brings its signature relaxed vibe while embracing the elegance of its prestigious Andrássy address. Housed in a former nightclub, infamous for its appearance on a local blacklist, this unique venue blends elements of its colourful past with MOTO’s modern, youthful style. Expect playful features like mirrored ceilings and biker-themed decor, making the Andrássy Avenue location both distinctive and trendy.

Here’s a peep into MOTO’s Andrássy Avenue location:

What does the pizzeria offer?

The new MOTO pizzeria on Andrássy Avenue brings the same high-quality pizzas that fans of the brand have come to love, while also introducing a few exciting limited-edition options. In addition to the familiar topping combinations, two standout newcomers have been added to the menu. The Topless pizza, a playful reference to the venue’s colourful past, features an intriguing mix of mascarpone, peach, parmesan, buffalo mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and chilli honey, offering a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Another highlight is the Frutti di mare, which captures the essence of summer with mascarpone, seafood, parsley, lemon, and parmesan. Both of the above-mentioned pizzas are HUF 3490 (EUR 8.85).

Alongside these new creations, the MOTO pizzeria on Andrássy Avenue continues to serve classic favourites like the Salumi, made with tomato sauce, Parmesan, Neapolitan salami, mushrooms, mozzarella, and basil, and the signature Moto pizza, featuring tomato sauce, Parmesan, sausage, red onion, pepperoni, mozzarella, and fresh basil. As always, these pizzas can be enjoyed with MOTO’s own craft beer, mate tea, or other artisanal beverages, offering a complete dining experience.

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September 22, 2024

Food prices in Hungary will increase significantly in autumn

Shopping abroad Penny Hungary Easter retail sales

Even though Hungary struggles with the immense amount of water brought by Cyclone Boris from the Mediterranean, this summer was extremely dry and the drought reduced yields in Hungary. As a result, experts warn of a significant food price rise from October.

Food prices increase this autumn

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, flour prices increased considerably in September, just like in the case of bakery products. In August, the vegetable price increase reached 7% on average. In the case of tomato, the figure was 58% more than in 2023. The price increase was significant concerning other products like cucumber (40%), and green pepper (37%). Consequently, people buy and put fewer vegetables in their food. A woman told RTL Klub that she no longer buys cauliflower because she does not have enough money for a big one and sellers no longer halve it.

The official figure of inflation in Hungary has been decreasing in the last few months. For example, in August, the Central Statistical Office talked about a 3.7% average price rise. Of course, that is only the average and the Hungarian authorities use a special method of calculation including even rarely bought products (like property or vehicles). That may be misleading since people spend most of their monthly income on food, rent, and everyday services and the price rise in those segments is considerably higher than in the case of flats.

Shopping Hungary charity inflation multinational companies Aldi food prices — We all will have to pay more for vegetables in Hungary. Photo: illustration, Aldi/FB

According to hvg.hu, inflation in Hungary is still the fourth highest in the EU. In October, it will be at 4% again. The EU’s average is 2.4%, the eurozone’s is 2.2%. Based on the latest data, Romania’s inflation was the highest, 5.3%, followed by Belgium (4.3%), and Poland (4%).

Dairy products will cost more

György Raskó, a Hungarian agriculture economist, said consumers are to pay more for vegetables because the yield is lower due to the extremely warm and dry summer. Furthermore, people should expect price rises in the dairy sector. Milk prices will grow due to the hot summer because the amount of milk produced is 5-10-15% lower, just like its fat content.

In the European Union, butter prices are 66% higher compared to 2023. Thankfully, in Hungary, it stagnates. People should only expect a price rise in the dairy sector, including cheese, sour cream and cream.

supermarket_dairy food prices — Dairy products in a supermarket. More money, smaller shopping list. Photo: Pixabay

The hot weather decimated Hungary’s fish stock as well. However, based on RTL Klub’s information, the price rise concerning fish will be moderate in the next few weeks. A spokesman of the Milk Production Council, Ferenc Lévai, said they would very much like to keep their 2023 prices plus a couple of percent.

According to RTL Klub, food prices doubled in Hungary between 2017 and 2023. Meanwhile, in the European Union, the price rise was only 40%.

Read also:

Rising food prices in Hungary spark concern, many shop abroad for groceries – read more HERE
Government efforts fall short as Hungary faces sharp rise in food prices

September 22, 2024

Rising food prices in Hungary spark concern, many shop abroad for groceries

shop, old lady, romania, cheaper cost of groceries

Hungarians are facing a sharp increase in food prices due to government price freezes. As costs double compared to six years ago, some are shopping in Slovakia for cheaper goods, though not all items offer significant savings.

Index reports, that according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, a noticeable increase in the price of basic food items occurred between June and July. Flour prices rose by 38.1%, sugar by 13.9%, and cooking oil by 9%. These increases were the result of price freezes and compulsory measures introduced by the Hungarian government. The Hungarian Competition Authority also investigated the price hikes, as reported by RTL Híradó, overall, experts say that food prices increased by approximately 2.7%.

Compared to 2017, prices in Hungary have risen more sharply than elsewhere in the European Union, according to Péter Szász, an analyst at Portfolio. He explained, “now that the government has fully removed these restrictive measures this summer, the prices of products previously under price freezes have typically surged.”

groceries shopping home delivery food prices — Illustration: Pixabay

By 2023, food prices in Hungary had doubled compared to six years earlier, and the increases were already accelerating before the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, the average rise in the European Union was around 40%. Szász pointed out that the energy crisis, war, supply chain issues, and weather conditions have impacted the entire European market. However, Hungary has experienced especially high food inflation, with prices exceeding a base increase of 40%.

Two years ago, György Matolcsy, the governor of Hungary’s central bank, stated that price freezes contribute to inflation. He argued that they make substitute products more expensive, such as fat being used instead of oil. Matolcsy said, “price caps cause a loss of 3-4%, meaning an inflation surplus, so all price caps should be removed immediately.”

Is it worth shopping abroad due to rising food prices?

Kaufland, food prices — Photo: Wikimedia Commons /GD137NB

A few months ago, the Slovakian Kaufland began attracting Hungarian shoppers with a special offer magazine in Hungarian, featuring prices in forints, as we previously reported. Telex compared prices between Tesco in Győr and Kaufland in Nagymegyer.

They write, for example, that white flour costs more than double in Hungary compared to Slovakia, and a 350-gram jar of jam with 75% fruit content is one-third of the price in Slovakia. Due to high excise duties, spirits are traditionally cheaper in neighbouring countries, with a litre of Jägermeister costing nearly half of its price in Hungary. Other notable price differences include laundry detergent, where the price gap ranges from 35% to 21%, translating to savings of HUF 1000-2500 (EUR 2.5-6.3). Even a short trip across the border could save significant money, with a bottle of olive oil alone saving HUF 1500 (EUR 3.8).

However, Telex also noted certain items are not worth buying abroad despite the rising food prices in Hungary, such as flour, potatoes, sugar, dairy products, pork legs, and chocolate.

In summary, the portal suggests that while bulk weekend shopping in Slovakia might not lead to significant overall savings, certain products offer enough of a price difference to make it worthwhile, especially if purchased in large quantities.

Read also:

Temporary relief: inflation in Hungary eased in August – Read here
Hungarians go shopping abroad because Hungary became too expensive – Read here

Featured image: depositphotos.com

September 18, 2024

Luxury hotel Kimpton BEM Budapest celebrates Grand Opening! – PHOTOS

The luxurious Kimpton BEM Budapest recently celebrated its grand opening with a series of exceptional events, including speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live musical performances, and an unforgettable party.

Kimpton BEM Budapest

As we have reported HERE, a highly anticipated luxury hotel, Kimpton BEM Budapest, has opened in Budapest’s 2nd district, occupying the former site of the Radetzky Barracks. The five-star hotel, which is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle branch, features 127 rooms, including presidential suites with private rooftop gardens. The striking interior, designed by renowned Dutch architect Marcel Wanders, combine bold shapes with traditional Hungarian motifs, such as tulips and the Wonder Stag. This project marked Wanders’ final creation before the closure of his architectural firm. The hotel blends classical and modern elements, offering guests an elegant stay near some of Budapest’s most renowned attractions.

New luxury hotel opened in Budapest downtown — Photo: FB/BEM Kimpton Hotel

Grand Opening

Kimpton BEM Budapest shared some delightful moments from its fabulous grand opening. The first day of celebrations included speeches, a formal ribbon-cutting, live music, champagne, and delectable refreshments provided by AGOS. The highlight of the second day was an unforgettable party, with entertainment by Parisian DJ Dimitri. Adding to the evening’s sophistication, there was a strict white dress code, representing the elegance of Kimpton BEM Budapest, which provided a playful contrast to the hotel’s vibrant and bold interior, designed by Marcel Wanders. Below, you can view a selection of photos from the grand opening:

Vibrant, yet tasteful

As described on the Kimpton BEM Budapest website, the hotel, located on the Buda bank of the Danube, brings a fresh and stylish atmosphere to one of Budapest’s most welcoming neighbourhoods. Just steps away from the historic Castle District, the hotel offers guests a journey through Budapest’s regal past, with nearby attractions including the city’s famous Turkish baths. Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century Grade II listed mansion, the hotel’s distinctive interiors, crafted by Marcel Wanders, blend local charm and history with a contemporary twist. Each room offers unique views of the city’s evolving skyline, creating a luxurious retreat that links Budapest’s rich heritage with its vibrant present.

What does the hotel offer?

Kimpton BEM Budapest provides a luxurious haven, featuring Mediterranean cuisine fused with Hungarian flavours, along with an extensive selection of drinks at its AGOS restaurant, Bar Huso, and Fennen. Catering to both travellers and locals, the hotel’s modern rooms, inspired by Budapest’s rich history, ensure ultimate comfort with plush bedding, luxury bathroom amenities, and walk-in showers. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube from private balconies or relax in suites featuring freestanding baths. The 120-square-metre Cosmos Observatory Suite offers an elevated experience, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining area, kitchenette, and an 82-square-metre private outdoor space – perfect for intimate gatherings or stargazing.

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September 14, 2024

Budapest Nyugati station’s revamped McDonald’s unveils exclusive new program

The Nyugati Square restaurant in Budapest, Hungary, one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world, is now offering a special program on Friday and Saturday nights, with the launch of the Nyugati Lounge, which will complete the “Meki®” experience with special light painting and live DJ music.

Custom-designed light painting

If you enter the McDonald’s unit in Nyugati Square after 22:00 on a Friday or Saturday night, you will be treated to a unique light painting that brings the stucco ceiling of the historic building to life.

Nyugati Station is the departure and arrival point for countless journeys in Hungary every day. And now, thanks to the light painting, the Nyugati restaurant will become one too. The unique solution transforms the restaurant into a giant vehicle from which travellers can explore new worlds through an imaginary glass roof, whether at the bottom of the sea, among the stars or in a rainforest. Initially, there will be a total of four themes, which will change daily.

A special musical experience

The McDonald’s restaurant on Nyugati Square has long been a favourite place to get in the spirit of the party and unwind after it. To further enhance this, from now on Friday and Saturday evenings, guests can enjoy their favourite meals in this unique architectural setting, accompanied by DJs playing pleasant lounge music.

Every two weeks, a singer or instrumentalist collaborating with the DJ will join them at the DJ booth, making the music experience even more complete with live music.

The exceptional new attraction was unveiled on 6 September as the finale of the restaurant’s Grand Opening Festival and will be on display from 22:00 to 04:00 on Friday and Saturday nights from now until the end of the year.

The new music and visual programme of the revamped restaurant will provide an unforgettable experience in the heart of Budapest, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a cosy venue for pre- and post-party gatherings. The venue welcomes everyone to discover a new dimension of McDonald’s.

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September 8, 2024

Historic Lidl announcement concerning Hungary

German-owned discount chain Lidl Magyarország laid the cornerstone for a HUF 50bn logistics base in Kiskunfélegyháza (SE Hungary) on Wednesday.

The facility will create more than 400 jobs, regional development minister Tibor Navracsics said at the ceremony.

Chairman of the board Zita Szlavikovics said the 83,00sqm base will be Lidl Magyarország’s fifth warehouse complex and will serve 60-65 stores.

Lidl Magyarország employs close to 10,000 workers.

The complex will have capacity to store close to 50,000 pallets.

Lidl Hungary — Photo: facebook.com/LidlMagyarorszag

Market Epito is general contractor for the construction, scheduled to be completed by October 2026.

Lidl has 209 stores and four logistics bases in Hungary.

Read also:

Ambitious plans: Russian discount chain determined to beat Aldi, Lidl in Hungary

September 4, 2024

Just like grandma used to do: Autumnal sweet treats the Hungarian way – RECIPE

szilvás gombóc plum dumpling Hungarian sweet treat

There is an odd sense of nostalgia in eating the meals your grandma used to make, they are a reminder of crisp autumn afternoons. As you returned from school, the aroma of her cooking filled the house with the comforting scent of spices. Nostalgic meals take us back to simpler times like that. Here we have collected some sweet treats that every Hungarian grandmother spoiled their beloved grandchildren with. Hopefully, you will find equally as much joy in making and trying these dishes as we did after a long school day.

A sweet treat on an autumn afternoon

Currently, some are enjoying the last days of summer and shading under palm trees. Meanwhile, others are thrilled about stepping into the next season, and cannot wait for this heat to leave. Autumn has a magical sphere, it is usually associated with the passing of something and nostalgia. What would be a better idea than making nostalgic meals on a gloomy autumn afternoon?

Hungarians all have a set of sweet treats that their grandmothers used to make growing up. Each bite of these beloved dishes stands as a reminder of the warmth and love our grandmothers infused into these meals. The rustling leaves outside and the soft, fading light of autumn add to the bittersweet feeling.

Hungarian plum dumplings (szilvás gombóc)

Claiming a dish as a national food of a particular nation is a slippery slope. Throughout history, nations met and shared culinary experiences. Thus other nations also have a take on the Hungarian plum dumplings. In Hungary, every family has its own set of traditions. Some may eat plum dumplings as a main course after a hearty soup (such as goulash), while others eat this sweet treat as a dessert. Here is a recipe from Nosalty:

Ingredients:

1 kg potatoes
salt
50 g + 1 tbsp butter
350 g fine flour
10 plums (10-15 depending on the size)
13 teaspoons brown sugar
cinnamon
100 g breadcrumbs

Preparation:

Wash the potatoes and boil them in salted water. Peel, mash and leave to cool. Add the salt, 50 g of butter and the flour and knead into a dough. On a floured surface, stretch to a thickness of 0.5-1 cm and cut into squares. Place halved plums in the middle of the squares, sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon, fold and form into dumplings.

Cook the dumplings in boiling salted water, while you heat the butter in a pan and fry the breadcrumbs with a little sugar until golden brown. Drain the cooked dumplings, roll them in the toasted breadcrumbs and sprinkle with icing sugar.

Bonfire stack (máglyarakás)

Making a bonfire stack as a sweet treat could be a great idea even if you are not a pro in the kitchen. We can promise that this recipe does not take more than an hour to make.

Ingredients:

8 rolls (kifli)
4 medium apples (peeled)
0.6 l milk
4 eggs
150 g sugar
4 tbsp plum jam (plus two for the egg whites)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
5 dkg butter
1 vanilla pod (scraped out)

Preparation:

Dice the buns and drizzle with the milk. Separate the eggs, and beat the yolks with the sugar and vanilla, leaving the whites aside. Pour the yolks over the buns, mixing them thoroughly. Peel and core the apples, cut them into thin slices and fry them in butter in a pan for a few minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon and two tablespoons of sugar.

Grease a medium baking dish and line it with half of the milk and egg rolls, then the apples that have been steamed beforehand and the other half of the rolls. Spread with 3 tablespoons of jam. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, then remove, brush with the pre-whipped egg whites mixed with jam and return to the oven for a few minutes, bake until browned.

Cabbage strudel

Strudel is always a good sweet treat. The options for the filling are almost endless. While the cabbage filling for a strudel may be controversial, you have to try it at least once. Here is a speedy recipe to make this cosy autumnal sweet treat if you already have the strudel dough:

Ingredients:

1 medium cabbage
2 large onions
2 cloves garlic
4 tbsp sugar
black pepper
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 package of strudel dough/puff pastry

Preparation:

Grate the cabbage, and salt thoroughly and leave to rest for 20 minutes. Fry the chopped onion and the grated garlic in oil, add the sugar and caramelise. Once cooked, stir in the squeezed cabbage and simmer under the lid for half an hour until tender. Meanwhile, add pepper and a little apple cider vinegar. Divide the defrosted puff pastry into 4 parts, roll one out to a nice thin layer, pour 1/4 of the filling over the edge and roll up. When all 4 strudels are ready, brush with egg yolk and bake until golden brown.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

September 1, 2024

Orbán cabinet acknowledges that food prices skyrocketed in Hungary – investigation begins

food store spar inflation price hungary (2)

The authorities have launched an investigation into retail chains that have made parallel and big price increases for basic food produce, the national economy ministry said on Wednesday.

The price increases fly in the face of government-mandated food price caps and promotions on certain products which have been subject to an online price monitoring system from June 1, 2023, the ministry said in a statement.

Big retail chains upped retail prices for fine flour, 2.8 percent UHT milk and sugar, among others, the statement said, with instances of a doubling of the price of certain flours. Some milk brands increased by an average of about 45 percent, while the price of granulated sugar went up by more than 25 percent on average, it added.

food store spar price inflation in hungary investigation — Photo: Daily News Hungary

Whereas as these measures have been largely effective in pushing down inflation, competition office (GVH), has so far scrutinised 3,000 retailers and imposed fines amounting to 650 million forints.

The ministry said it is committed to protecting Hungarian families and has asked to competition office and the ministry’s own consumer protection department to take further joint action against unfair businesses.

Read also:

Sad news: food prices in Hungary exceed EU average – details in THIS article
Government efforts fall short as Hungary faces sharp rise in food prices – read more HERE

August 28, 2024

Hungarian forint’s low value uncovered: Big Mac Index highlights price disparities

According to the latest Big Mac Index from The Economist, Switzerland and Norway remain the most expensive countries in the world. In these two European nations, a Big Mac costs EUR 6.71 and 6.26, respectively. In contrast, Hungary ranks at the bottom of the list, with an average price of just EUR 2.65 for the same sandwich.

The Big Mac Index

The Big Mac Index was introduced by The Economist in 1986 as a quirky way to measure purchasing power parity across countries. Since then, it has become a widely recognised global economic indicator, Pénzcentrum writes. The index compares the price of Big Macs in different countries to the price in the United States, offering insights into economic conditions and serving as a practical tool for gauging consumer purchasing power worldwide.

In the United States, a Big Mac typically costs around EUR 5.15, though prices vary by region. Of the 78 countries included in the index, only five—Switzerland, Norway, Uruguay, Sweden, and Canada—have local average prices higher than those in the U.S.

Switzerland tops the list with a price of EUR 6.71, which is about 30.3% higher than the U.S. average.

This substantial difference is driven by factors like higher labour costs, different purchasing power, and taxes. Following Switzerland are Norway, Uruguay, Sweden, and Canada, each with varying degrees of price differences.

On the other hand, countries like Lebanon, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates have slightly lower Big Mac prices compared to the U.S. In Lebanon, for instance, a Big Mac costs EUR 5.08. In several European countries, such as Andorra, Austria, and Belgium, Big Mac prices are about 7.47% lower than in the U.S.

At the bottom of the list, the ten countries with the lowest Big Mac Index include Turkey, Hungary, Taiwan, Malaysia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Romania, and Venezuela. In Venezuela, a Big Mac costs just EUR 1.76, reflecting the country’s ongoing hyperinflation and currency devaluation. These significant price disparities highlight the varying economic conditions across the globe.

Undervalued and overvalued currencies

The index also reveals the extent to which national currencies are either undervalued or overvalued relative to the U.S. dollar. The Uruguayan peso, for instance, is overvalued by 51.8%, while Taiwan’s dollar is undervalued by 59.3%. Overvaluation means that, based on the per capita GDP differences, a Big Mac should cost less in a particular country than in the U.S., but it ends up being more expensive. Undervaluation is the opposite.

According to The Economist’s latest rankings, other significantly overvalued currencies include the Argentine peso (47%), the Swiss franc (45.6%), the Norwegian krone (22.5%), and the Costa Rican colón (20.6%). In the eurozone, the euro is overvalued by 19.7% compared to the U.S. dollar, while the British pound is overvalued by 14%.

In stark contrast, the Hungarian forint is undervalued by a significant 20.3%, as indicated by the Big Mac Index.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

August 25, 2024

Limited-edition menu inspired by Aragonian-Neapolitan Queen Beatrice introduced in Budapest luxury hotel restaurant

Kempinski Hotel Budapest limited-edition menu

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is introducing a new limited-edition aperitivo menu at Blue Fox The Bar in collaboration with luxury expert Balázs Pécsi. This special menu will be available from 21 August to 30 September 2024.

The cocktails and accompanying snacks are designed to evoke the grandeur of one of Hungary’s golden eras, the magnificent reign of King Matthias. The menu is inspired by the king’s second wife, Queen Beatrice, who played a key role in spreading the Renaissance in Hungary, as well as Mr. Pécsi’s recently released book, Stílusgourmand (Style Gourmand), which offers etiquette and style advice.

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‘Style Gourmand explores and chronicles elegant fashion, epicurean dishes, tasteful interiors, chic travel and traditional etiquette, offering readers access to a more sophisticated lifestyle’, says Mr. Pécsi. ‘While my book is not strictly about luxury, it is a prominent theme, which is why we focused on extraordinary, premium quality ingredients and luxurious attributes in this menu. This made it easy to connect the book’s intended message with the cultural heritage of the hotel’s namesake.’

In Italy, aperitivo refers to a long drink accompanied by bite-sized nibbles, typically enjoyed at the end of the working day. Drawing on this late afternoon ritual, the team at Blue Fox The Bar has developed the Style Gourmand Aperitivo, featuring two cocktails – Queen of Hungary and Princess of Naples – along with a non-alcoholic beverage, Princess of Aragon. Creative Beverage Director Balázs Molnár and Executive Chef Ádám Lévay have crafted three Italian-inspired finger foods to complement the drinks: saffron-seasoned arancini topped with edible gold leaves, savoury profiterole filled with lemon mascarpone cream and sturgeon caviar and goat cheese-stuffed olives dusted with dried olive powder or sun-dried tomato flakes.

‘It was the flavours of Italy, where Beatrice of Aragon was born, that inspired us to create these three cocktails’, says Balázs Molnár. ‘Queen of Hungary is an aperitif-style spritz cocktail made with premium Hungarian vermouth, rich in apple and lavender notes, combined with olive bitters and Mediterranean tonic and served in an elegant glass over a flower frozen in an ice cube. Princess of Naples blends various Italian aperitif liqueurs, such as Amaro Santoni (rhubarb), Italicus (bergamot) and Muyu Chinotto Nero (chinotto), with a touch of gin, served neat and finished with a golden spray on top. Princess of Aragon is a refreshing mocktail made with a blend of freshly ground coffee, sugar and sour cherries, cooked together with non-alcoholic chinotto and citric acid. These drinks are a perfect choice before or after dinner.’

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is named after King Matthias Corvinus. Originally called Hunyadi, his last name, Corvinus, originates from the raven depicted on the family’s coat of arms, or Corvus in Latin. Mátyás owned the world’s second-largest library, after the Vatican’s, with approximately 50,000 hand-written and decorated books housed in Buda’s Bibliotheca Corviniana. His second wife, Beatrice of Aragon, also contributed books to the library as part of her dowry. Their marriage had significant political implications, sealing a treaty between two of the era’s most important states, the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Hungary. Moreover, Beatrice’s arrival as Hungary’s new, luxurious and art-loving ‘first lady’ brought numerous artists, artisans, scholars and scientists, introducing Renaissance art and architecture, fashions, interiors, gastronomy and humanistic thought to Hungary.

Read also:

On the hunt for the best café in Budapest: 3 unique coffee shops in the heart of the city – PHOTOS and details HERE
Amazing achievement: Hungarian pizzeria among Europe’s top 50 best pizzerias

August 22, 2024

Heads up! Store closures in Hungary on 20 August: Major retailers Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and where to shop

aldi store shopping 1 may 20 august 23 october

This year, 20 August falls on a Tuesday, and as it’s a national holiday in Hungary, most shops will be closed. Here’s a summary of the opening hours for major chains like Aldi, Auchan, CBA, Lidl, Spar, and Tesco, as well as pharmacies, gas stations, and smaller stores for both Monday and Tuesday.

Since 20 August is a holiday, and the preceding Monday is a compensatory day off (already made up for earlier in August), the long weekend brings adjustments to store hours across the country.

aldi store shopping 1 may — Aldi. Photo: depositphotos.com

Most large retail chains will remain closed on 20 August, Pénzcentrum reports. However, exceptions include smaller convenience stores located at gas stations and those operating 24/7, as well as some smaller chain stores. Here’s a breakdown of the opening hours for key chains:

Aldi: Stores will be closed on Tuesday, 20 August, and will reopen on Wednesday, 21 August, with their usual hours.
Auchan: Similarly, Auchan stores will close on Tuesday and resume regular operations on Wednesday.
CBA: CBA stores will follow the same pattern, being closed on Tuesday and returning to normal hours on Wednesday.
Lidl: Lidl stores will not open on Tuesday, 20 August, but will operate as usual starting Wednesday.
Penny: Penny stores will close on Tuesday and reopen as per their standard schedule on Wednesday.
Spar and INTERSPAR: All Spar and INTERSPAR stores will also be closed on 20 August but will be back to regular hours on 21 August. However, Spar Express locations at OMV gas stations will remain open during the holiday.
Metro: Metro stores will observe the holiday by closing on 20 August, reopening on 21 August with their normal hours.
Tesco: Tesco stores will be closed on Tuesday, except for those located within Shell gas stations, which will stay open. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, 21 August.

For pharmacies, most will be closed on 20 August, so it’s important for those in need of medication to plan ahead. Emergency pharmacies will still operate, and their locations can be found through the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition’s search tool.

As for gas stations, convenience stores at gas stations will remain open. In Budapest, 24-hour shops like Roni and Manna will also continue operating. The opening hours for privately owned small stores will vary based on the owner’s decision, so customers should check with individual stores.

Overall, with many stores closing for the holiday, planning ahead is essential for those needing to shop or purchase medications.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

August 20, 2024

Meal with an amazing view: Fancy a Hungarian lángos at the foot of an Icelandic glacier?

An inspired and ambitious Hungarian man, Dániel Balogh, opened a special Hungarian buffet in Iceland with his partner. They serve Goulash soup and lángos, the latter has a myriad of topping options, including both savoury and sweet choices. The charming eatery is still a family-run business, offering both traditional and new flavours. While many Hungarians visit Lángos Factory, Icelanders also enjoy indulging in the deep-fried dough delicacy!

A dream come true

You must crave a delicious snack after a long hike near an Icelandic glacier. Who would have thought that you could eat a traditional Hungarian lángos in such a setting? HVG reports that Dániel Balogh and his partner opened a special Hungarian buffet in Iceland. Dániel first visited the island inspired by a Colombian colleague from his riverboat job, and started working as a chef in the astonishing country. However, his ambition was always to start his own business, which he achieved three months ago with the launch of Lángos Factory alongside his partner, Sara Ósk Rúnarsdóttir.

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Lángos Factory’s opening

Dániel ordered a trailer from Romania last year, had it equipped with furniture and kitchen utensils in Hungary within a week, and shipped it from Amsterdam to Iceland. However, he faced unexpected challenges beyond logistics, such as adapting his lángos recipe to local ingredients, eventually finding that Icelandic lactose-free cheese worked best in place of trappista cheese.

Dániel and his partner introduced a unique offering to Iceland’s street food scene, where fish and chips, pizza, and hot dogs dominate. His Hungarian lángos (deep-fried dough with cold toppings) often confuses first-time diners, some of whom mistake it for pizza. Despite this, Dániel finds that Icelanders’ love for deep-fried food has helped them embrace his cuisine.

Hungarian customers are regular

The Hungarian food trailer in Iceland, run by Dániel and Sara, attracts not only locals but also a steady stream of Hungarian customers, with around 2-3 visiting daily. With approximately 1,500 Hungarians living in Iceland, word has spread through Facebook groups, drawing people to this unique dining spot. The eatery operates daily, except during extreme weather, and despite only having summer experience so far, they hope to attract more visitors during winter.

A yummy experience

Their menu, featuring quality ingredients at affordable prices, has received positive feedback so far. A classic cheese and sour cream dish costs 2,100 Icelandic króna (EUR 13.9). However, the options go way beyond the classy cheese and sour cream lángos. For instance, the menu includes traditional, vegan, and langoustine options. Do you have a sweet tooth? No worries, there is a myriad of sweet topping options as well: marshmallows, Nutella, and banana slices. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Dániel and his girlfriend run the business themselves, driving 40 minutes each day to the charming eatery. They find this daily trip a peaceful time to collect their thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.

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August 18, 2024

Hungary’s Cake: The full list of confectioneries offering the nation’s cake this national holiday

The Hungarian Confectioners’ Association has published the list of confectioneries across the country that will be selling the winning cakes from the “Hungary’s Cake” and “Hungary’s Sugar-Free Cake” competitions.

More than 500 locations to offer Hungary’s Cake

From 19 August 2024, visitors will be able to purchase these cakes at the Magyar Ízek Utcája (Street of Hungarian Flavours) event at the Várkert Bazaar in Budapest (1013 Budapest, 2-6 Ybl Miklós Square). Additionally, over 500 confectioneries nationwide, listed by the association, will be serving these special cakes, Lelépő writes.

The association noted that the list of participating locations may expand until 18 August. They advised that the cakes are guaranteed to be available on 19 and 20 August, but after these dates, customers should check directly with the confectioneries to confirm availability. The full list of places selling Hungary’s Cake can be accessed by clicking HERE, and the list for Hungary’s Sugar-Free Cake is also available HERE.

The title of Hungary’s Cake for 2024 goes to Mákvirág, created by confectioner Alfréd Kovács from Vác. Meanwhile, the sugar-free category was won by Zöld málna (Green Raspberry), a creation by Szeged-based confectioners Ádám Novák and László Csonka.

hungary's sugar-free cake zöld málna — Hungary’s Sugar-free Cake in 2024, Zöld málna. Photo: Magyar Cukrász Ipartestület

This year marks the 18th time the Hungarian Confectioners’ Association has organised the Hungary’s Cake competition, in honour of Hungary’s national holiday on 20 August, celebrating Saint Stephen, the founder of the state, and Hungary’s symbolic birthday.

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August 18, 2024

On the hunt for the best café in Budapest: 3 unique coffee shops in the heart of the city – PHOTOS

VAJ café in Budapest brunch breakfast coffee

Let the journey for hunting down the best café in Budapest continue! My friend and I had the idea a few months ago of going out for coffee at least once a week and enjoying our favourite drinks outside. Our not-so-secret quest was to hunt down the best café in Budapest. We have visited three very different and unique coffee places, all located in the heart of the city, in the last months, so here is our takeaway *pun intended*.

VAJ

VAJ is definitely among the trendiest places among young people to grab a coffee or have a delicious breakfast. The word ‘vaj’ is Hungarian for butter, thus this coffee promises homemade pastries made with lots of quality butter. In addition, they also offer a great variety of sourdough bread, richly filled sandwiches, seasonal desserts, speciality coffees and tea. At the moment, they are operating at three locations in Budapest; all of them are very easy to reach and are open every day. We visited their café on József Boulevard in the 8th district.

We both ordered a toast and a cappuccino, both were amazing, to say the least. However, there are many pigeons around, so they can be a little bit annoying for some people. Overall, we were completely satisfied with VAJ and we will come back to this café in Budapest from time to time.

Csendes Létterem

Csendes Létterem is more of a ruin bar than a fancy café in Budapest, but in the evening, you can surely get your dose of caffeine here. The run-down and colourful interior represents Csendes well: simple and unique. The prices are very friendly, thus you do not have to pay an arm and a leg for a coffee. Csendes is located in the 5th district, in Ferenczy István Street. Therefore, it is close to Astoria. Due to its convenient location and favourable prices, Csendes is a beloved meeting point for many uni students.

Csendes ruin bar and café in Budapest — Photo: Daily News Hungary / Fanni Forgács

During the summer, you can even sit outside by the local park:

Cat Café Budapest

Cat Café Budapest, aka the PURRfect place to be. This charming café in Budapest is located just a stone’s throw from St. Stephen’s Basilica. At the moment, there are 15 cats in this café, ranging from majestic Maine Coons to loveable rescue cats. Usually, there is a long queue in front of the café, but you can enter after someone leaves. Right after entering, the staff explains a set of rules. For instance, you cannot feed the cats, take photos with the flash on, or disturb them while resting. However, when they are up, you can play with them and pet them. Cat Café offers a selection of coffees and also lemonades to cool off in this unbearable heat.

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August 14, 2024

Amazing achievement: Hungarian pizzeria among Europe’s top 50 best pizzerias

Belli di Mamma Budapest pizza Hungarian pizzeria

A Hungarian pizzeria was featured once again among Europe’s top 50 best pizzerias. Previously, Belli di Mamma was placed 26th, while this year it secured 35th place on the ranking.

50 Top Pizza ranking

Player.hu reports that a Hungarian pizzeria was featured on the 50 Top Pizza list. Ever since 2017, the list has been made annually, based on the rankings of an anonymous evaluator. At first glance, it may be odd that there are no Italian pizzerias featured in this ranking. However, it is because there is a separate ranking for the best Italian pizzas.

The first three places were taken by the following eateries:

Napoli on the Road (London, England)
Sartoria Panatieri (Barcelona, Spain)
Via Toledo Enopizzeria (Vienna, Austria)

Hungarian pizzeria among the best

Similarly to last year, a Hungarian pizzeria was featured again on the prestigious list. Previously, Belli di Mamma was placed 26th, while this year it secured 35th place on the ranking. There were no other Hungarian eateries featured, thus we can only assume that Belli di Mamma has the best pizza in Hungary! You can try their amazing pizzas in the 7th district, under 45 Akácfa Street. Usually, they are open until midnight. In addition, you can also order via Wolt and enjoy your meal from the comfort of your home.

Belli di Mamma Budapest pizza — Source: Facebook / Belli di Mamma

The website of Belli di Mamma says:

The concept of the Belli di mamma restaurant was born in Milan. In line with the Italian recipes and traditions of quality, innovative, but classic at the same time. An exciting challenge for us is how to revisit the idea of Italian pizzeria, make it fresh and youthful. We try to treat our guests like a mother does with her children, her “Belli di mamma”.

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August 12, 2024

Indulging in Hungary? Get ready for Europe’s 2nd most expensive ice cream

ice cream hungary second most expensive in europe

In 2023, the European Union churned out more than 3 billion litres of ice cream, slightly down from the previous year, according to Eurostat. The data shows that after Austria, Hungary has the second most expensive gelato in Europe.

In 2023, the EU produced 3.2 billion litres of ice cream, a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to the previous year, according to Eurostat data. Germany led the way as the EU’s top ice cream producer, churning out 612 million litres, followed by France with 568 million litres and Italy with 527 million litres. However, Eurostat noted that data from ten countries, including Hungary, were not fully available, which may slightly distort the rankings, 444.hu reports.

Cheapest ice cream offered by Germany…

Germany not only produced the most gelato but also offered the cheapest, with an average price of EUR 1.80 per litre. Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Sweden followed closely, with prices ranging from EUR 1.90 to EUR 2.10 per litre.

…most expensive offered by Austria and Hungary

On the other end of the spectrum, Austria recorded the highest gelato prices in Europe, averaging EUR 7.70 per litre. Hungary came in second, with a surprisingly high average of EUR 4.80 per litre, while Greece was third at EUR 3.70 per litre.

In terms of trade, EU countries exported 261 million kilograms of ice cream outside the union, valued at EUR 1.04 billion, while importing 56 million kilograms worth EUR 217 million. The price per unit for exports was about 3% higher than for imports. Compared to 2022, gelato exports increased by 5%, while imports dropped by 8%.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

August 10, 2024

Ice cream in Budapest can be astonishingly pricey

As summer reaches its peak, ice cream lovers in Budapest encounter a wide range of prices for their favourite treat. The cost difference between the most expensive and cheapest scoops can be substantial. From artisanal creations in the city centre to budget-friendly options on the outskirts, Budapest’s ice cream scene is diverse, with prices and quality varying greatly.

Index has compiled a list of the price range for a scoop of ice cream in Budapest during the peak summer season. According to their findings, the price difference between the most expensive and cheapest options is HUF 1,800 (EUR 4.56). However, they note that comparing prices can be tricky since some places sell it by the scoop while others sell it by weight.

What is clear is that prices in Budapest vary widely, and they do not always reflect quality. The list includes both central and more remote locations. One ice cream shop owner attributed the price increases to rising commodity prices, especially for cocoa, and said that cocoa prices might rise even more in the future.

Eating ice cream around the capital

ice cream summer budapest — Photo: www.facebook.com/GelartoRosa

One of the most famous ice cream parlours in Budapest, Gelarto Rosa, is located on the corner of Szent István tér, a short walk from the Basilica. Here, the icy treat is sold by weight: a 75-gram two-flavoured serving costs HUF 1,600 (EUR 4), a 100-gram three-flavoured one is HUF 1,900 (EUR 4.8), and a 125-gram four-flavoured one is HUF 2,200 (EUR 5.5). The manager explained that their pistachio ice cream is made from Sicilian pistachios, the hazelnuts are from Italy, the vanilla from Madagascar, and the mango from India.

Punto Gelato, with four outlets in Budapest, follows Rosa in price, with a scoop costing HUF 850 (EUR 2.15). Ducksy, located on Zrínyi Street, sells a scoop for HUF 690 (EUR 1.77). The prices at these shops reflect their proximity to the city centre and the Basilica, popular stops for tourists in Hungary.

Ruszwurm, a traditional Hungarian confectionery located in Buda Castle, offers a scoop for HUF 700 (EUR 1.8), with the bonus of a beautiful panorama. At the Szamos Café and Chocolate Museum near Parliament on Kossuth Lajos Square, it costs HUF 650 (EUR 1.65).

Further from the city centre, ice cream prices range from EUR 1 to 1.5. Daubner Confectionery on Szépvölgyi Street is well-known and loved, offering good quality ice cream for HUF 400 (EUR 1), relatively unaffected by inflation. Erdős és fiai Confectionery near Etele Square sells a scoop for 500 forints, using natural ingredients.

Erdős és fiai Cukrászda, ice cream — Photo: FB / Erdős és fiai Cukrászda

Fazekas Cukrászda Cake and Dessert Shop, located at the end of Csömöri Road just outside the city, is notable despite its distance. Ice cream maker Ádám Fazekas won the 2019 European championship and the 2021 world championship with their salted pistachio with tonka bean raspberry ice cream. This year, as we previously reported, he was named the world’s best. Here, ice cream costs around HUF 500 (EUR 1.27) per scoop.

.This list shows that the beloved frozen dessert tends to be more expensive in the city centre and tourist areas, but quality ice cream made with natural ingredients can often be found at lower prices outside the city centre.

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August 7, 2024

5 must-try Hungarian dishes for tourists: A mouth-watering culinary journey

chimney cake kürtőskalács festival Hungarian dish

Trying the local cuisine is always an unmissable and crucial part of our journeys wherever we travel. Eating traditional dishes equals a deeper insight into a given culture. While there is pretty much an endless list of traditional Hungarian dishes, some may make your skin crawl just by thinking about them. Here we have collected some Hungarian delicacies that are *relatively* safe choices and foreigners tend to like them!

Goulash

Goulash is one of the most iconic traditional Hungarian dishes. This hearty soup combines tender beef chunks with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions, all simmered in a savoury broth seasoned with paprika. The rich, smoky flavour of the paprika gives the dish its distinctive red colour and warmth. Goulash is typically served with fresh bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. This soup is the perfect comfort food on a chilly winter evening. If you do not believe us, just watch IShowSpeed’s reaction to Goulash, who did a backflip after just one taste!

Stew

If you enjoy meaty delicacies, you cannot go wrong with a good old Hungarian stew, or pörkölt, as we call it. Pörkölt is similar to Gulyás but typically thicker and more robust. It’s made with slow-cooked meats such as beef, pork, or chicken, and flavoured with onions, bell peppers, and paprika. The dish is served with nokedli, a type of Hungarian dumpling similar to German spätzle, which soaks up the rich, flavourful sauce.

Lángosh

Lángosh is a popular street food that you’ll find in markets and food stalls across Hungary, especially near beaches. This deep-fried dough is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often topped with a variety of ingredients. The classic version is simply brushed with garlic, but it can also be covered with sour cream, cheese, or whatever you like. Lángosh is a comforting snack that provides a perfect blend of savoury and indulgent flavours. You cannot miss out on this Hungarian dish if you are visiting Lake Balaton!

Chimney cake

Craving something sweet? Chimney cake, or kürtőskalács, is a traditional Hungarian pastry that’s both visually pleasing and delicious. The dough is wrapped around a cylindrical spit, rolled in sugar, and then baked over an open flame. As it cooks, the sugar caramelises, creating a crispy outer layer. The cake can be coated with a variety of toppings, such as cinnamon, nuts, or cocoa powder. In some places, you can even find chimney cake coated with Nutella or filled with ice cream. Yummy! Luckily, this Hungarian dish is sold pretty much everywhere and anywhere. While you can easily find it in the city centre of Budapest, you should pay attention to the price.

dessert, food, chimney cake — Photo: facebook.com/originalchimneys

Dobos cake

Continuing the list with yet another sweet treat, the unpaired Dobos cake. No list of tasty Hungarian dishes would be complete without this fabulous dessert. Dobos cake, a multi-layered sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream, is a beloved Hungarian classic. The cake is topped with a layer of caramel glaze, adding a delightful crunch. This Hungarian dish, named after its creator József C. Dobos (a renowned pastry chef from Budapest) is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and a love for rich, decadent flavours.

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August 6, 2024