food

From foreign hands to Hungarian hearts: Famous Boci chocolate returns home!

After three decades, the iconic confectionery and chocolate brands Boci, alongside the more recent additions Melba and Parisian Cubes, are set to return to Hungarian ownership as Cerbona finalises its acquisition from Nestlé.

According to G7, these beloved brands, which have been under the ownership of the Swiss-based company since the privatisation period following the regime change, were originally acquired alongside the renowned Szerencs Confectionery Company. Among Szerencs Confectionery’s flagship products, Boci chocolate remains treasured as one of its earliest and most cherished creations.

The journey of Boci chocolate

The story of the Boci chocolate bar traces back to 1927 when it first appeared in stores under the name Szerencs. However, its packaging featured a cow, which led customers to affectionately call it “Boci” (Cow in Hungarian), a name, which was later officially adopted by the manufacturer.

Before the Second World War, Szerencsi became the largest confectionery in the country. However, in 1944, the factory faced disruptions as German soldiers invaded the area. Nonetheless, the director then successfully prevented the removal of machinery. Despite this effort, the factory’s cocoa bean supply was interrupted, limiting production to nougat, wafers and sugary confectionery. The factory was later nationalised in 1948, continuing as the Szerencs Confectionery Company.

The resurgence of Boci awaited the mid-1950s, amidst efforts to elevate chocolate quality and variety. By 1955, Boci reappeared, priced at 80 pfennigs (Hungarian currency), swiftly gaining popularity even as bread prices stood at three forints per kilo. This revival marked a return to consumer favour, underscored by its affordability compared to other goods of the times; for instance, peanut chocolate cost 3.6 forints during that period.

In the 1960s, the Boci chocolate bar saw a price reduction to 50 pfennigs alongside quality enhancements. However, by the 70s, concerns arose regarding the diminishing quality of Hungarian chocolate, with journalists questioning what had changed in the production process that led to this decline.

In the late 1980s, efforts were undertaken to renovate the chocolate factory, upgrade machinery, expand the warehouse network and enhance technology to enhance milk chocolate quality and product diversity. Despite these endeavours, some quality complaints persisted, with manufacturers attributing them to storage issues by retailers and distributors, as highlighted by instances such as manually extending chocolate box expiry dates, which raised concerns regarding product integrity and consumer trust.

In 1991, Nestlé acquired the Szerencs Chocolate Factory through privatisation, injecting significant investment, approximately HUF two billion, to elevate its quality. This investment was coupled with robust marketing efforts.

Despite rumors of its decline, the factory manager affirmed Boci’s enduring presence in 1995, citing quality enhancements and effective advertising. The following year, Nestlé expanded the brand with new products. However, in 2004, Nestlé relocated Boci production to the Czech Republic, repurposing the Szerencs factory for Nescafé and Nesquik items.

This move caused notable reactions, echoing similar shifts in the industry, such as Kraft Foods’ relocation to Bratislava, resulting in factory closures in Hungary.

In recent times, a trend has emerged in Hungary where brands, originally Hungarian but later acquired by foreign entities post-regime change, are returning to domestic ownership in the sector. Notable examples include Nestlé relinquishing the “Szerencsi” trademark on its confections in 2018 in favour of the Szerencsi Bonbon Corporation. Additionally, in 2021, Nestlé transferred the Szerencsi cocoa trademark and the iconic red cat with a bow to the city, enabling Szerencsi Bonbon to use them under a free license.

Read also:

Expert: Quality of food in Hungarian shops often worse than in Western Europe – HERE
Surge in disposable and dangerous E-Cigarette called Poco Bar use among youth in Hungary – HERE

April 6, 2024

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

Russian discount chain Mere ventures into Hungary with intentions to beat German supermarket chains Aldi, Lidl and other rivals. Their strategy is ambitious yet straightforward: promising to undercut prices by 20-30%.

According to telex.hu, the success story of the Russian Mere began in Siberia, with aspirations not only to conquer Hungary but also Europe. Previously, they expanded into Romania and Great Britain. However, their ambitious plans were temporarily halted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Nonetheless, it appears they’ve only paused temporarily. According to a leaked letter, they aspire to start operations in Hungary, a matter we have detailed in THIS article.

Telex reported that the Mere network is owned by Torgservis, with its first store established in 2009 in Krasnoyarsk, known for its WWI POW camp, where Hungarian soldiers were held captive. The company is under the ownership of brothers Sergei and Andrei Schneider, descendants of a German lineage. They don’t give interviews, instead silently constructing their supermarket empire.

mere russian discount chain hungary — The Russian MERE discount chain. Photo: mere.ws

Russian discount chain vows to be very affordable

The Russian discount chain, known as ‘Svetofor’ in Russia, boasts approximately 3,000 stores, mainly situated in small Siberian towns. Moreover, they have outlets in Kazakhstan, Belarus and China. Additionally, they’ve entered markets in Lithuania, Romania, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Britain. In Russia, their 2023 revenue totalled EUR 2 billion.

Their market strategy is straightforward: pledging prices 20-30% lower than competitors such as Aldi and Lidl. But how?

According to the manager of their Spanish subsidiary, they refrain from expenditures that would inflate costs. Consequently, there is minimal decoration or shelving, adopting a ‘Spartan’ approach. Furthermore, the absence of a warehouse means suppliers unload products directly into the shops. Naturally, employee numbers are kept to a minimum.

The Russian MERE discount chain. Photo: mere.ws

Consequently, Mere stores resemble warehouses rather than contemporary Western outlets. HERE are some additional photos.

Mere (or Svetofor in Russia) is very popular in the poorer regions. When they opened their first shop in Leipzig in 2019, the crowd was massive, and some people didn’t even have the chance to enter. Since customers emptied the local store, they had to close for days to restock their nonexistent shelves. A customer remarked that Mere is akin to Aldi in its early days.

Mere shifts its focus to Eastern Europe

In 2021, they aimed to expand into Western Europe, yet encountered obstacles; the Russian invasion of Ukraine thwarted their plans. In Great Britain, they established only one store in Preston, Lancashire, before withdrawing post-Putin’s attack. The conflict compelled Mere to exit Western Europe. Subsequently, following the war’s outbreak, they opened only two stores in Belgium, operating under the name My Price.

Expansion encountered difficulties for other reasons as well. Suppliers were displeased with unloading products in stores and receiving payment only upon sale, along with the obligation to retrieve unsold items.

In 2023, they announced they would like to focus on Eastern Europe. They opened stores in the Baltic states, Poland and Romania, so it makes sense to come to Hungary. They plan to open 200 shops and reach EUR 700 million in traffic. First, they want to make their stand in Budapest and the suburbs.

In 2023, they announced their intention to focus on Eastern Europe, opening stores in the Baltic states, Poland and Romania, rendering their arrival in Hungary expected. They aim to establish 200 outlets and achieve EUR 700 million in revenue. Initially, they seek to establish a foothold in Budapest and its environs.

In Hungary, nine food supermarket chains already exist, with industry players frequently asserting market saturation. Mere would become the 10th competitor.

However, the question arises: how does Mere’s market conquest align with the Hungarian government’s objective to safeguard the Hungarian food retail market for domestic companies?

Read also:

Mfor: Orbán cabinet will squeeze foreign supermarket chains, Spar remains a target – Read more HERE
Expert: Quality of food in Hungarian shops often worse than in Western Europe – Details in THIS article

Featured image: Russian discount store Mere in Serbia, depositphotos.com

April 3, 2024

Expert: Quality of food in Hungarian shops often worse than in Western Europe

According to an expert, the quality of food sold in Hungarian shops is often worse than those sold in Western Europe. The best way for businesses to cut prices is to produce lower-quality products or reduce package sizes: which is what’s happening in Hungary.

Average price level of food and beverages in Hungary lower than EU average

cba shopping food hungary — A CBA store in Hungary. Photo: MTI/Balogh Zoltán

Zombor Berezvai, an assistant professor at Corvinus University of Budapest, told Agrárszektor that “we are not doing well in international comparison,” adding that the Hungarian food industry is generally less efficient and productive than its regional competitors. However, he also added that in general, it is misleading to say that food is more expensive here than elsewhere.

This is supported by Eurostat data, which clearly shows that the average price level of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Hungary is still significantly below the EU average, namely 90% of it. The article recalls that the Hungarian National Bank (Magyar Nemzeti Bank, MNB) has repeatedly pointed out that the efficiency of the Hungarian food industry lags behind the productivity of major European countries, which undoubtedly makes products produced in Hungary more expensive.

Everything is more expensive in Hungary than elsewhere – or is it?

Vegetable prices in a Hungrian Spar — Photo: Daily News Hungary – Vivien Rima ©

Moreover, the Hungarian food industry faces a higher interest rate environment if it wants to invest or develop, Agrárszektor explains. This is exacerbated by high VAT levels and the volatility of the forint against the euro and the dollar. In many cases, companies react to the latter by expecting a higher exchange rate because they do not want to lose profit due to unpredictable exchange rate movements.

Indeed, this does not only affect imported products but also domestic products, which adjust their prices to competing imports, due to competitor-oriented pricing. These would justify products costing more at home than abroad. However, even if firms produce more expensive products, and even if VAT is higher in Hungary and the exchange rate is less favourable, if they reflect this in their prices, it will significantly reduce demand.

Lower-quality products, smaller packaging

“This is where demand-driven pricing, consumers’ purchasing power and willingness to pay enter the picture,” the expert said. According to him, this may be why prices for many products do not end up being higher in the country. However, the only way for companies to reduce prices is to produce lower-quality products or reduce package sizes.

“I think the former is the reason why the quality of many products in Central and Eastern Europe – and therefore in Hungary – is lower than in Western Europe, and why the size of packages is often smaller and smaller. That’s just how things add up,” concluded Zombor Berezvai.

Read also:

April 3, 2024

Surprising news: Russian discount chain is coming to Hungary – PHOTOS

The new Russian discount chain MERE has announced in a letter that they will soon start operations in Hungary. In three years, they want to open 200 stores and achieve a turnover of EUR 700 million in the country.

The Russian retail chain MERE (known in Russia as Svetofor) was founded in 2009 and has since been present in at least 20 countries, including several European countries like Romania and Serbia, among others, Index reports.

New Russian discount chain

Haszon.hu reported that they recently received an e-mail dated February in which the representatives of the chain wrote:

“We are pleased to announce that the European MERE supermarket network will now also be available in Hungary.”

According to haszon.hu, the letter was sent to potential business partners and outlined that 20 stores would be opened in Budapest and the agglomeration “in the coming year”. In the next three years, they plan to open 200 stores in the country, with an annual turnover of EUR 700 million.

MERE’s offers

The portal wrote that MERE, like Aldi or Lidl, is a so-called hard discount chain. This means that it offers its products at extremely reduced prices. As they wrote, their shops are “rather spartan”, because they offer their products to customers in boxes and on pallets.

In their email, they promise to offer prices 20% lower than the market average thanks to direct cooperation with manufacturers, strict cost control and minimal trade mark-ups.

MERE’s products

As they wrote, they are mainly expecting customers who are family people with average to below-average incomes, who plan their purchases and visit the store 1-2 times a week. The range of products available in the store will consist of around 1,500 items: food, beverages, industrial goods and household chemicals, including private-label products.

As haszon.hu mentions, the Russian discount chain has been trying to expand for years. However, their attempts were halted by the war. In 2022, for example, they planned to open their first stores in Slovakia, but the invasion put paid to that plan.

mere russian discount chain hungary6 — The Russian MERE discount chain. Photo: mere.ws

Read also:

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April 1, 2024

From Budapest to Bucharest: Munch’s journey to combat food waste and expand into Romania

Hungarian food-saving app munch to aims to conquer Europe

A Hungarian food rescue startup called Munch is expanding its operations into Romania starting in March, intensifying its efforts to ease food waste in the region. While already established in Bucharest, the startup aims to broaden its reach to additional cities across Romania this year.

In the summer of 2020, four young students in Budapest developed an app to combat food waste in Hungary’s catering industry, aiming to introduce eco-friendly practices. The startup company has grown significantly globally ever since.

In 2022, the company merged with Nesnezeno, a Czech-founded company, and now has over 3,500 partners across Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to tackle food waste. Starting in March this year, their food rescue service will expand to Romania, according to Piacesprofit.hu.

About Munch

As stated on their website, Munch is driven by a mission to revolutionise our approach to food waste and foster a sustainable future. Their vision aims to maximise the value of every food item produced and consumed and they are actively seeking passionate and innovative individuals to join their expanding team.

Munch provides a straightforward yet effective solution to address the issue of food waste with approximately one-third of food produced going uneaten. By offering a platform for restaurants and shops to sell unsold yet quality food at discounted prices, Munch contributes to making food production more sustainable across environmental, social and economic dimensions.

Munch’s next destination: Romania

bucharest hotel continental — Grand Hotel Continental, Bucharest, Romania. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Mihai Petre

European Union statistics indicate that approximately 2.2 million tonnes of food are discarded annually in Romania with around 30% of this waste originating from the catering sector.

Munch presents a solution to mitigate this issue offering a means to eliminate food waste. The startup’s expansion in Romania marks a pivotal moment for the company, representing a valuable opportunity to reduce food waste in the region substantially and actively contribute to enhancing sustainability efforts.

In its quest for successful expansion, Munch has strategically assembled a local team boasting extensive local expertise, led by Alexandru Turcanu, who previously served as the Head of Strategic Sales at the Dutch-based multinational Just Eat Takeaway. While the food rescue service presently operates solely in Bucharest, ongoing opportunities are available for restaurants to join forces with the rapidly expanding company.

Moreover, the company has numerous open positions, both domestically and internationally, reflecting its dynamic growth trajectory.

How can you use Munch yourself?

There are two options for using Munch; either through a web browser by visiting their website or by downloading the app onto your smartphone (the app is simply called Munch). Upon registration, you gain access to browse the discounted products, similar to other ordering apps. Alongside purchasing food items, the platform also allows its users to make donations directly within the app or through the web browser.

Read also:

Mouth-watering: This is the tastiest Hungarian food according to foreigners – HERE
Top 10 worst Hungarian dishes according to foreigners – HERE

March 26, 2024

Discover Lake Balaton’s Easter extravaganza with 50+ amazing events

An increasing array of Easter-related activities awaits visitors at Lake Balaton this year, with over fifty events planned throughout the festive period. Guests can expect to encounter a myriad of creative and delightful solutions throughout these gatherings.

During Easter, hotels experience a significant five to six-fold increase in traffic compared to an average spring weekend. Hungarians primarily opt for accommodations in apartments, guest houses and four-star hotels, with Lake Balaton offering a diverse range of relaxing and engaging activities for guests, according to Turizmus.com.

Tamás Fekete, Vice-President of the Balaton Tourism Association, has highlighted Siófok as an excellent example where tourists are welcomed with unique attractions, such as a 15-metre-long sandwich. Beyond cultural festivals and religious observances, the Easter period sees a surge in sporting events prompting a healthy lifestyle, integral parts of the Open Balaton campaign showcasing the region’s dynamic offerings for visitors seeking both leisure and active pursuits.

What’s the deal with the 15-metre-long sandwich at Lake Balaton?

One of the most anticipated events during Easter is the egg and rabbit race, featuring a 15-metre sandwich which serves as the centrepiece of the South part of Lake Balaton’s largest sporting event, drawing thousands of children and parents.

Scheduled from March 29th to April 1st, the Siófok Festival promises a vibrant array of activities, including a rabbit derby, magic shows, egg tree decorating, dance school performances, folk games and numerous exhibitors. The festival’s highlight is the Sunday running race, a tradition since 2016, organised by Éva Molnár, president of the Balatuning Association.

This family-oriented race offers a shorter distance for children, who can participate using scooters, roller skates or bicycles. As a unique finale, the race culminates in the creation of the world’s largest Easter egg sandwich at the Main Square, composed of 80 cm loaves of bread extending ten beer benches to form a spectacular 15-meter-long sandwich.

Following the race, festivities continue with an egg-eating and peeling competition, along with the crowning of an egg king, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the celebration.

Other activities at Lake Balaton

The Open Balaton campaign offers a fun activity during Easter called the bike egg hunt, where participants can chase the Easter Bunny around Lake Balaton on bicycles. To join, you have to visit BalatonBike 365 stations in Keszthely, Balatonföldvár or Ferenc to rent bikes of any size. The Hunt starts from Balatonfüred, and participants need to take a photo of five Easter egg signs along the route to win some Easter presents.

There are also five more exciting Easter events around Lake Balaton, including the Bunny Ears Festival in Gyenesdiás which will take place on the 29th of March, the Ham and Loaf Festival in Csopak from the 29th of March to April 1st, Easter at Korzo in Zalakaros from March 29th to 1st of April, the Easter Cavalcade in Balatonalmádi on 30th of March and the Easter Egg-Rollin Competition in Balatonalaki on 31 March.

Additionally, there are five more exciting Easter events around Lake Balaton, including the Bunny Ears Festival in Gyenesdiás, scheduled for 29th March, the Ham and Loaf Festival in Csopak from 29 March to 1st April, Easter at Korzo in Zalakaros from 29th March to 1st April, the Easter Cavalcade in Balatonalmádi on 30th March and the Easter Egg-Rolling Competition in Balatonalaki on 31st March.

Read also:

Budapest in green: St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Hungary – Photos, videos – HERE
Wild God Tour: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds are coming to Hungary this year – HERE

March 24, 2024

Unique dessert bar welcomes tourists in the heart of Budapest – PHOTOS

édesmindegy dessert bar restaurant budapest

More than a simple patisserie, Édesmindegy is a dessert bar that combines excellent food, tasty drinks, a unique character, and a family atmosphere in one of the most lively areas of the inner city of Budapest.

Édesmindegy is a dessert bar with a history

Édesmindegy, turizmus.com writes, is not just a restaurant. It is a community space for those in the Újlipótváros area of Budapest: a friendly and welcoming place where people can come together and enjoy a brunch or drinks in the centre of the city.

Édesmindegy, the bar’s website proudly declares, is a

“place with an exciting and unique atmosphere, where you can taste the most interesting desserts in the company of pleasant drinks and nice music.”

Located on Pozsonyi Street in the XIII^th district, the place has a charming Portuguese-style design: hand-painted tiles, wooden tables carved from an old water mill, and black granite countertops greet you with a rustic yet chic atmosphere as you step into the building.

édesmindegy dessert bar storefront — The storefront of the dessert bar invites you inside. Photo: Édesmindegy / Facebook

The bar is the creation of Marika Keleti, owner of the Keleti Lifestyle-centre, who, as an oncologist, aspired to open an establishment where people can enjoy meals made from premium ingredients that are not only tasty but healthy and light, as well. The patisserie first opened in 2013, and its team has worked together like a family ever since. They even remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the only restaurant to do so in the street.

Keleti oversees the staff as well as the creative process of dreaming up new items for the menu. The bakers at Édesmindegy aim to surprise guests with new and tasty foodstuffs every time they visit: twice a year, they rework their menu to provide novelty and seasonal goods to their customers.

édesmindegy dessert bar cakes — A selection of the sweet desserts available at the bar. Photo: Édesmindegy / Facebook

Their state-of-the-art and tasty plate desserts are made from scratch, based on the unique recipes of the kitchen, but you can find savoury dishes on their menu, as well: “variations of handmade steamed dumplings, and a selection of homemade and hearty breakfasts, brunches and daily menus” await you at the restaurant.

édesmindegy dessert bar savoury menu — Besides sweets, Édesmindegy offers savoury breakfasts, brunches, and daily menus, too. Photo: Édesmindegy / Facebook

Édesmindegy awarded a prestigious title

Last year, the patisserie won the 2023 Business of the Year award in the district for its excellent range of products, as well as the outstanding hospitality of its staff. At the same time, they say that while it is a great honour to receive such an award, the acclaim they are most appreciative of is the satisfaction of their customers who keep coming back to try their newest creations. Indeed, the owner and the crew are highly committed to creating a friendly, familial atmosphere for those who sit down for a meal or drinks at Édesmindegy.

édesmindegy dessert bar cheesecake — The Black Mamba. Photo: Édesmindegy / Facebook

Do not miss out on Édesmindegy if you are in Budapest – try a slice of their special Black Mamba peanut butter cheesecake along with a nice cup of tea or coffee, or pop in for a delectable breakfast this summer.

For more ideas, check out our other restaurant guides:

March 24, 2024

Mfor: Orbán cabinet will squeeze foreign supermarket chains, Spar remains a target

Targeted audits and tax increases are expected in Hungary to bleed out foreign supermarket chains like Spar. Yesterday, János Lázár, Hungary’s construction minister, sent an open threat to the Austrian chain and other foreign companies, saying those foreign chains that do not respect Hungarians should leave the country. It seems the Orbán government will help some of them do so.

Orbán cabinet wants to reduce the foreign companies’ market share

According to mfor.hu, the Orbán cabinet aims to reduce the market share of foreign companies in the food retail sector. Nándor Mester, the editor in chief of mfor.hu, told ATV that targeted tax audits and tax increases await the foreign supermarket chains in the Hungarian food retail sector. Furthermore, he expects significant fines from the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH).

Mr Mester added that interfering in the market processes with regulation is a common practice in the European Union. However, the extent of that regulation is not all the same. And it should not be used as a tool to help Hungarian companies acquire a higher rate of the market.

Mr Lázár made it clear before that helping the Hungarian food retail companies advance in the sector is one of the goals of the Orbán cabinet. However, mfor.hu’s editor-in-chief believes the government should increase their competitiveness with preferential loans instead of political and economic means.

Foreign companies are more effective

It happened before that the government gave some money to Hungarian companies in the construction sector, and that resulted in the decrease of the market share of the foreign raw material suppliers. But in the food retail sector, competition is brutal. Multinational companies buy immense amounts of products (for a lower price), extend their activity to Europe, have a strong logistics background and organise processes more effectively. As a result, they can keep their prices low.

Gábor Csongár, a tax expert, said the Hungarian government may increase extra taxes. However, both agreed that Spar would not leave Hungary since they would not let their investments perish. Instead, they will fight even in Brussels.

spar store hungary food — Photo credit: Daily News Hungary

Minister: “We can swim against Spar*”

Lázár said yesterday that he did not want to squeeze out the Austrian company and the multinationals in general, of the country. He just wants to force them to “respect the people, the consumers, the government and the country where they make huge extra profits.”

“We can swim against Spar*. The company will pay the price for what it has done in the past few days,” Lázár said in his heated speech. (*In Hungarian, he said “a Sparral szemben”, which is a word play on “az árral szemben”, which means “against the current” – ed.)

Hungarian minister János Lázár — Photo: FB/János Lázár

We wrote HERE that Orbán’s oligarchs wanted to buy shares in the Spar, but its Austrian owners rejected the idea. The head of the company said then that they would not leave Hungary. Spar is the second-biggest food retail firm in Hungary. They modified the operation of their Hungarian subsidiary to protect it from “Orbán’s hands”.

Jobbik leader asks Integrity Authority review on Spar allegations

Opposition Jobbik-Conservatives are turning to the Integrity Authority with a request that it examine whether a criminal act was committed in connection with allegations concerning Austrian supermarket chain Spar.

Spar’s head told media outlets that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had tried to convince Spar to sell a minority stake to one of his relatives, Márton Gyöngyösi, the party’s leader, told a press conference on Friday, adding that when the Hungarian government introduced a special tax on various foreign subsidiaries, it was a form of “blackmail” aimed at getting the companies to sell business stakes to friends or family members of the prime minister or other government members.

Gyöngyösi suggested that this was the reason why Spar had submitted a complaint to the European Commission and the EU budget committee. He also suggested that this could be the reason why an EU country report said last year that the government regularly harassed foreign investors in Hungary.

Read also:

Major international food chain to take legal action against Hungarian Government – Read more HERE
Government rejects SPAR’s ‘false claims’ regarding measures to bring down inflation

March 23, 2024

Sensational: Hungarian team qualifies for Bocuse d’Or World Final 2025!

Hungary won the special prize for the best platter and qualified for the 2025 Bocuse d’Or World Final to be held in Lyon.

On 19-20 March, the European Bocuse d’Or finals were held in Trondheim, Norway. The top nine places qualified for the final in Lyon early next year. The Hungarian team won in one of the themes.

On the one hand, their 6th place secured their spot in the final of the world’s most prestigious cooking competition, which will take place in January 2025, and on the other hand, they were awarded the special prize for the best platter,

Dining Guide reports.

The Hungarian Bocuse d’Or team:

The Hungarian team was headed by Roland Kelemen, Deputy Chef of Hunguest Sóstó. His commis was Noel Fodor from Siófok, who joined the team from his family restaurant. The coach was László Szabó from Hungast, and the team president (and tasting jury) was Bence Dalnoki, sous chef of the two Michelin-starred Stand Restaurant, according to Dining Guide.

The performance of the current team is especially remarkable as its members did not come from the top places in Budapest. Thus, they competed at the top of Europe without any top-end experience, and even won one of the special prizes.

The platter had to be made from two main ingredients, Lofoten skrei, a cod native to Norway, and Frøya scallops. This required two vegetable rounds and a third, in which the cod had to be included. In the plate theme, which was won by the British team, two ingredients were made compulsory: one was reindeer and the other was aquavit, a distilled spirit.

Congratulations to the Hungarian team!

Read also:

March 21, 2024

Burger from a truck? McDonald’s takes unprecedented step in Budapest

Budapest hosts one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world. It is now closed due to renovation work. Thus, the company has found a way to serve its customers while we wait for the breathtaking restaurant to welcome us again.

McDonald’s truck in Budapest

A McDonald’s truck has opened near the always-crowded Nyugati railway station in Budapest, the fast food chain said in a statement on Wednesday.

The announcement revealed that the new outlet is needed to serve those craving cheeseburgers and Big Macs while the Nyugati Square restaurant is closed for renovation. The McDonald’s in Nyugati Square opened 34 years ago, in 1990, and is considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world. It is one of the last stages of the Hungarian restaurant chain’s renovation programme and is expected to be completed in six months at a cost of more than HUF 1.5 billion, Világgazdaság writes.

The doors are expected to open in the autumn.

Most beautiful restaurant closed for renovation

McDonald's 4 — Source: https://www.facebook.com/mcdonaldshungary

However, the renovation may come as a surprise to many passers-by, and the company does not want “customers coming to eat burgers to be left hungry”. So they’ve announced a selection of small and large sandwiches, coffee and desserts in a truck and at a McDonald’s stand next to the restaurant.

The McDonald’s truck is subject to the same strict quality assurance rules and offers the same freshness and quality as any other domestic McDonald’s restaurant. The food is prepared according to uniform recipes, using controlled ingredients and only ingredients grown and processed by suppliers that meet McDonald’s strict standards, the company promised.

A photo of the McDonald’s truck is available HERE.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

March 20, 2024

Mouth-watering: This is the tastiest Hungarian food according to foreigners

The gastronomic portal TasteAtlas is dedicated to introducing local, truly authentic dishes from different cultures to a receptive audience. Most recently, they focused on the best Hungarian foods and dishes.

TasteAtlas defines itself as an encyclopaedia of flavours, dishes, local ingredients and authentic restaurants, Vince.hu writes. Their database contains more than 10,000 dishes and drinks, all of which are mapped according to their location. Registered members can also rate each item according to how much they like a particular dish, place, etc. The editorial team then publishes a list from time to time along a theme of their choice.

As for the tastiest Hungarian food, we can say in advance that it wasn’t the goulash soup, the Hortobágy pancake, or the chimney cake that came out on top.

The tastiest Hungarian food

The worst and best Hungarian foods were published recently:

the winner was the Csaba sausage (csabai kolbász), which received an average of 4.5 out of a maximum of 5 points from the voters.

sausage festival Békéscsaba — https://www.facebook.com/kolbaszfesztival

The following is written in the description of the Csaba sausage:

“Csabai kolbász or Csabai vastagkolbász is a cylindrical sausage made with pork from pigs that have been fattened to a minimum weight of 135 kg. What makes this sausage unique is the manual boning method during production, where all of the sinews are removed, thus ensuring the best quality of the meat.

The pork meat and fat are minced, then combined with paprika, garlic, caraway, and salt and filled into casings, after which the sausage is smoked, cured, and dried. It slices easily and has a hot, smoky and spicy flavor (due to the paprika and the smoke treatment).”

Top 10 tastiest Hungarian dishes

The top 10 best Hungarian dishes turned out to be the following, according to TasteAtlas:

2. Szeged salami (szegedi szalámi)

3. Meat soup (húsleves)

Carnival donut — Fánk. Image: www.facebook.com/farsangifankfesztival/

4. Budapest winter salami (budapesti téliszalámi)

5. Donut (fánk)

6. Bread roll (kifli)

7. Hungarian savoury French toast (bundáskenyér)

8. Gyula sausage (gyulai kolbász)

9. Rákóczi cottage cheese cake (Rákóczi túrós)

10. Hungarian cremeschnitte (krémes)

Read more about these mouth-watering dishes HERE.

Read also:

March 20, 2024

Popular international food chain flees Hungary due to PM Orbán and his oligarchs?

The CEO of SPAR Austria, Hans Reisch, told an Austrian news outlet that PM Orbán wanted one of his relatives to invest in the company. That is how the Hungarian government wants to take ownership of the second-biggest food chain in the Hungarian market, Mr Reisch added. As a result, they started to take out capital from Hungary.

Orbán family wants to invest in the second-biggest food retail firm in Hungary

According to economx.hu, a Hungarian business-focused news outlet, SPAR modified its operation to protect itself from PM Orbán and his oligarchs. They decided to take some of their capital to Switzerland from Hungary.

The Salzburg-centred company gave some of the management rights of their North Italian, Slovenian, Croatian and Hungarian subsidiaries to their Swiss subsidiary. In a Friday article in Lebensmittel Zeitung, an Austrian food news outlet, Hans Reisch said the Orbán cabinet harasses their company with extra taxes and price caps. Therefore, they submitted a complaint to the European Commission and modified the operation of their Hungarian subsidiary to protect it from “Orbán’s hands”.

Mr Reisch said Orbán asked them to let one of his relatives into the Hungarian branch as an investor. The long-term plan – the Austrian CEO added – is to take ownership of SPAR Hungary. He added it is not a unique problem. Last year, the European Commission highlighted in a report that Hungarian oligarchs obtained lots of foreign companies. Furthermore, the number of foreign market players complaining about the Hungarian authorities’ infringements and intimidation is growing continuously.

Here are SPAR’s extraordinary measures

Mr Reisch said they divided the Hungarian company into two parts to avoid a possible loss. They took property- and building management, retail and logistics rights from their Hungarian subsidiary and gave them to their Swiss company. Furthermore, the supermarket business is attached to their Austrian company, with which they can save EUR 10 million per year.

food store spar inflation price hungary (2) — Photo: Daily News Hungary

Foreign companies like Lidl, Spar, Tesco, and Auchan dominate the Hungarian food retail sector. The Hungarian government raised its excess profit tax on retail companies from 4.1% to 4.5%. As a result, the income of the Hungarian subsidiaries fell considerably.

SPAR complained to the European Commission

As we wrote in THIS article, the Austrian chain filed a complaint against the Hungarian government at the European Commission, saying Orbán’s tax policy violates EU laws, specifically regarding the free movement of goods. Austrian economy minister Martin Kocher and foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg supported the move.

According to economx.hu, the loss of Spar in 2023 was EUR 47.8 million. In 2022, it was only EUR 32.8 million.

European Commission EU funds Hungary Ursula von der Leyen — Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: facebook.com/EuropeanCommission

SPAR confirmed to Magyar Nemzet, a government-close media outlet, that all the foreign retail chains active in Hungary have already complained because of the excess profit tax in Brussels.

SPAR is the fifth biggest employer in Hungary with 14,000 employees. It operates two logistics centres, two meat-producing plants, an additional plant, and 368 shops. Another 273 places are part of their franchise network. SPAR’s earnings before interest and taxes were EUR 120 million in 2023.

Will Spar leave Hungary?

Mr Reisch said they would not like to give up their Hungarian subsidiary “because their situation is very comfortable” here. Their wealth reaches EUR 180 million in Hungary, and they invested EUR 2 billion here. Therefore, they would fight instead.

The Hungarian government wrote a laconic answer concerning the issue to telex.hu. They said the European Union found their retail excess profit tax lawful. “Those are the facts. Every other statement is ungrounded”, the Orbán cabinet added.

UPDATE

Government rejects SPAR’s ‘false claims’ regarding measures to bring down inflation, details HERE

Read also:

Major international food chain to take legal action against Hungarian Government – Read more HERE
Pricing paradox: Hungarian food costs less abroad – HERE is why

March 18, 2024

Will food delivery couriers disappear from Hungary due to drone delivery?

Hungarians people budapest society foodora street food delivery

Foodora started drone food delivery in Sweden in cooperation with Tele2 and Aerit. This is the first time a company has initiated such a service on the globe. Will that result in sending away all the delivery riders in Hungary because machines will take their place?

According to infostart.hu, the service will be available in Sweden every day, and they will expand the number of partner businesses in the next few months. The service will launch near Stockholm in the Värmdö region, where islands dominate. Foodora aims to provide home delivery even in places which are hard to access.

Drone delivery in Sweden

The logistics director of the Swedish Foodora, Daniel Gustafsson Raba, said accessibility is a question of democracy for them. Péter Garay, the operative director of the Hungarian Foodora, added true innovations were born from need.

Garay added that there are no places in Hungary which are extremely difficult to access. Therefore, their delivery partners will always be indispensable. Technology will always be a helping hand, he highlighted. Garay said it would be great if they automated delivery in large campuses or office buildings. But they will always need people to deliver the products to those campuses and office buildings.

Read also:

Brutal rise in food delivery costs in Hungary – Read more HERE
Good news on food home delivery in Budapest! – Details in THIS article

March 17, 2024

Major international food chain to take legal action against Hungarian Government

The supermarket chain SPAR intends to file a complaint with the European Union concerning a special tax imposed by the Hungarian Government. The company contends that the Hungarian government’s tax policy violates EU laws, specifically regarding the free movement of goods.

Introduced in 2022 by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán‘s government, the tax is criticised by SPAR for its discriminatory nature and adverse impact on its operations, prompting a call for EU intervention to address the legal situation, as reported by Portfolio.

SPAR has criticised the Hungarian government’s special tax and the imposition of a price cap on certain food products. This price cap has led to shops selling products at prices lower than the acquisition cost, resulting in financial hardships. Despite a significant decrease in inflation, some of the measures are here to stay.

SPAR’s complaint to the European Union argues that these actions violate EU law, resulting in an increased cost of EUR 90 million and a loss of nearly EUR 50 million for the company in the previous year.

SPAR versus the Hungarian Government

In an interview with Gabriella Heiszler, President and CEO of SPAR Magyarország Kiskereskedelmi Ltd, conducted with Pénzcentrum, the CEO discussed the challenges encountered by retailers like Spar in Hungary. She highlighted that the sector’s profitability has been declining, with the dairy sector particularly experiencing a drop in profits for retailers, while producers and processors have maintained theirs.

As the second-largest retailer in Hungary, SPAR has faced criticism from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for allegedly contributing to higher food prices. However, the CEO and other sources argue that the blame lies with factors such as rising raw material costs, inefficiencies in the food industry and the depreciation of the forint, which has increased the cost of imported products.

The Hungarian Government’s legislation

The Hungarian government has introduced a new system requiring retailers to offer discounts on certain products like fish, poultry, eggs and coffee compared to previous prices. SPAR criticises this move, stating that it disrupts the market balance and unfairly favours smaller retailers. Despite the company’s complaints, the government has not responded, and the European Commission has also declined to comment.

The need for a joint action

During her interview with Pénzcentrum, Gabriella Heiszler also highlighted the necessity for joint action within the entire commercial sector to reform the current rules. She underscored the challenges faced across industries, particularly concerning labour issues.

The CEO further emphasised the tightness of the Hungarian labour market and the importance for businesses to remain appealing to workers, especially regarding flexible working hours and weekend shifts. Following her comments on the Hungarian labour market, she discussed the significance of collaboration within the commercial sector to effectively address these challenges.

Heiszler pointed out that Hungary has stringent food safety regulations, citing examples such as restrictions on selling pre-cooked meat products with vegetables due to storage constraints. She highlighted the evolving consumer demand for such products and suggested that regulations should be reassessed to align with modern food storage capabilities and commercial requirements.

UPDATE

Popular international food chain flees Hungary due to PM Orbán and his oligarchs? – read details HERE

Read also:

Filipino guest workers’ salaries in Hungary revealed – HERE
Government official: Orbán, Trump adhere to same values, interests – HERE

March 15, 2024

Top 10 worst Hungarian dishes according to foreigners

While most Hungarians are proud of their local cuisine, some delicacies just do not make sense to foreigners. Here we have compiled a list of the quirkiest Hungarian dishes that might leave you scratching your head.

Főzelék

According to ncl, foreigners do not fancy Hungarian’s so-called főzelék. Főzelék is a type of Hungarian dish that can be described as a thick vegetable stew or soup. It is typically made with various vegetables such as green beans, peas, carrots, spinach, potatoes or lentils. The vegetables are usually cooked until tender and then thickened with a roux or a mixture of flour and sour cream. It is a popular comfort food in Hungary and can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside meat or bread. The dislike towards this meal might be down to its consistency; too thick to be a soup but it is not really like a stew either.

Stefánia szelet (meatloaf stuffed with egg)

Next up, we have Stefánia szelet – a beloved Hungarian dish consisting of a seasoned ground meat mixture, typically beef or pork, formed into a loaf shape. A hard-boiled egg is placed in the centre of the meat mixture, and then the meatloaf is baked until cooked through. When sliced, each serving reveals a cross-section with the egg in the centre. Töltött fasírt is often served as a hearty main dish in Hungarian cuisine and is enjoyed with various sides such as mashed potatoes, salad or the above-mentioned főzelék. We can see why stuffing meat with eggs might sound odd to foreigners… But trust us, it is worth trying out this filling Hungarian dish!

Borleves (Christmas wine soup)

Borleves, also fondly known as Christmas wine soup, divides opinion even among Hungarians. This traditional soup is served during the holiday season, particularly around Christmas. It is a sweet and aromatic soup made with white wine, mixed with water, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and sometimes lemon zest or juice. Some families like to add small cooked pasta (tarhonya) to this soup, while others prefer to flavour this dish with dried fruits such as raisins or prunes.

borleves wine soup Hungarian dishes — Source: Youtube / Nosalty

Poppy-seed pasta

The Hungarian poppy-seed pasta, as the name suggests, is a pasta tossed with ground poppy seeds and sweetened with sugar or even honey. Poppy-seed pasta is a beloved traditional Hungarian dish, especially popular during holidays like Christmas and Easter, but it can be enjoyed year-round as a comforting and indulgent meal. There are so many things foreigners might find weird about this delicious meal. However, most people find it pretty odd to add sweet toppings to your pasta.

Vadas (Hunter’s stew)

The Hungarian Hunter’s stew is a traditional stew that features meat cooked in a rich, flavourful sauce made with root vegetables, onions and a variety of spices. The sauce for this delicacy might sound weird, as it is basically a blended meat soup. Vadas is typically served hot and accompanied by sides such as dumplings (nokedli), potatoes or bread. While some find it strange, we suggest you try this meal that is a staple in heartwarming Hungarian dishes.

Further odd Hungarian dishes

Lekváros bukta (sweet jam-filled bun) is essentially a jam-filled dough. Some foreigners dislike the doughy texture and the overly sweet jam filling. However, the jam content is up to personal preferences.

Kókuszkocka is a chocolatey coconut cube that is also known as lamington. This delicacy originates from Australia, but it is widely popular in Hungary as well. Some may not like the texture of desiccated coconut or find it too dry or gritty. Although, if it is prepared in the right way, it will not be dry at all!

kókuszkocka lamington — Source: Youtube / Szilvi Szécsi

Tripe stew might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Tripe, the main ingredient in this stew, is the edible lining of the stomach of various animals, typically cattle. For many cultures, it might not be too appealing to eat stomach lining. Not to mention the chewy or rubbery texture and the strong flavour.

food pacal tripe stew — Tripe stew. Source: pixabay.com

Potato soup is yet again one of the comfort foods of Hungarians. It is quite a mystery why someone would find this delicious meal icky. But we are not here to argue with anyone. 🙂

Pancake cake is also one of the Hungarian dishes that foreigners find weird. While pancakes are usually a big hit in every country, the pancake cake seems a bit too much for foreigners. This traditional Hungarian dish often features thin layers of pancakes stacked with creamy fillings in between. Some may find the texture or presentation of this dessert unconventional compared to more familiar cake varieties.

Read also:

March 7, 2024

SIRHA Budapest 2024: Join the dazzling culinary extravaganza – PHOTOS + VIDEO

Sirha Budapest, Central and Eastern Europe’s premier international food show and HoReCa trade fair, once again welcomes professionals and gastro enthusiasts from around the globe to the HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre. With the first day dedicated to industry insiders and professionals, the exhibition sets the stage for an immersive experience spanning three days of gastronomic exploration and innovation.

Gastro Odyssey like no other

As we reported earlier, Sirha Budapest 2024 epitomises innovation, creativity and collaboration within the culinary industry. From gelato competitions to cultural showcases, the exhibition provides a platform for professionals and enthusiasts alike to engage, learn and celebrate the art of gastronomy.

The exhibition boasts a colourful range of culinary delights, from traditional to avant-garde, including vegan, organic, dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and halal options as well as soft and alcoholic beverages. Notably, attendees can even sample unconventional treats like chocolate made from grasshoppers, featuring 5% bug content.

Another standout attraction is the Valhrona chocolate booth, where visitors can learn the art of chocolate appreciation by first savouring its aroma, akin to enjoying a fine glass of wine, before indulging in its decadent flavour.

In addition to culinary delights, Sirha Budapest offers a vast display of kitchen appliances, professional catering equipment and other trade-related products. This aspect of the exhibition caters to industry professionals seeking the latest innovations and solutions for their businesses.

Exhibition highlight: Indonesian Pavilion

Nestled within the bustling halls of Sirha Budapest 2024, at Stand A Hall/B1, lies the Indonesian Pavilion, a vibrant showcase of culture and cuisine, which invites you to embark on a sensory journey through the flavours and traditions of the far-flung tropical country. At the heart of the pavilion are displays of high-quality Indonesian products, ranging from coconut sugar and various sauces to artisanal Arabica coffee and home decor craftwork. Visitors have the opportunity to savour infused waters flavoured with tropical fruits such as dragon fruit and pineapple, dried fruit chips made from lesser-known delicacies like jackfruit and aromatic chocolate drinks.

The opening ceremony, marked by traditional dance performances, sets the stage for a captivating cultural experience this year. In addition to product tastings, representatives from the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and Indonesian companies are on hand to provide insights into their offerings and facilitate business opportunities with Eastern European countries.

Sirha Budapest 2024 programmes

In addition to the cultural showcase, Sirha Budapest 2024 offers a myriad of programmes and activities to engage attendees. The Gelato Festival World Masters – Hungary Challenge invites ice cream aficionados to witness the quest for the finest gelato craftsmanship. Thematic presentations by leading ice cream companies offer insights into the latest trends and innovations in ice cream making. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can expect a feast for the senses, with live demonstrations, culinary competitions and tasting sessions highlighting the best of Hungarian and international cuisine. From the playful Gelato Adventure 2024 to the nation’s beloved Hungary’s Cake competition, the event celebrates the artistry and innovation of culinary professionals.

Beyond the culinary delights, Sirha Budapest embodies a commitment to sustainability and industry collaboration. Public catering initiatives underscore the importance of sustainable practices, while forums and networking events facilitate knowledge exchange and international collaboration.

For theatre enthusiasts, explore the colourful programmes at Vígszínház, now available with English subtitles.

March 6, 2024

Pricing paradox: Hungarian food costs less abroad – here is why

market újpest hungary price vegetable fruit food

A curious trend has emerged in the food industry: in many cases, Hungarian-produced food can be bought for a lower price in other European countries, like Germany. While travelling abroad, many Hungarians have likely encountered the eye-catching revelation that Hungarian products such as salami, pasta or snacks are notably more affordable compared to their prices back home.

An article by Portfolio.hu delves into the trajectory of a hypothetical meat product manufactured in Hungary priced at HUF 5,000 (EUR 12,6) in a quest to unravel the reasons for the price difference. The product which is presumed to be of superior quality and exportable enjoys demand both domestically and internationally. What does this hypothetical product tell us about the price difference?

Efficiency and wages

It is widely acknowledged in professional circles that the Hungarian food industry’s efficiency trails behind that of larger European producers which results in elevated operational costs within the country. Furthermore, the domestic food industry, which is in need of modernisation, contends with a higher interest rate when seeking investment opportunities for growth and development.

While this favours foreign corporations, it only partially explains why domestically produced goods can be cheaper abroad than at home. However, it is also evident that the less efficient Hungarian food industry struggles to mitigate economic impacts without resorting to price increases.

Competition strength also plays a role because a smaller domestic market with fewer players tends to inflate prices domestically, unlike the larger more efficient European market. Moreover, it is likely that higher domestic inflation provides room for raising prices, especially as competitors adjust accordingly and in an inflationary context, workers tend to demand higher wages. However, wage levels alone do not provide sufficient explanation for this trend.

While wages in Hungary remain lower than in most European countries, granting an advantage to domestic manufacturers, this wage gap, although narrowing in recent years, still persists significantly. This disparity grants domestic producers a competitive edge over foreign counterparts yet it fails to clarify why the same Hungarian products are cheaper in other countries.

The real reason

In conclusion, the price difference between the same product sold in Germany compared to Hungary can be largely attributed to taxes. These taxes are the value-added tax (VAT) and special retail tax which together contribute to a 23% increase in price in Hungary.

Additional factors such as differences in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), commercial sector uncertainty, exchange rate volatility, regulatory unpredictability, inefficiencies in the domestic industry and imperfect competition further elevate costs domestically. These factors are challenging to quantify but significantly contribute to higher prices in Hungary compared to foreign markets despite transportation costs. Consequently, it is not surprising that domestically produced products can be 25-30% cheaper in other countries.

Read also:

Hungary falls behind Austria, competes with Bulgaria to avoid last place – HERE
Hungarian forint falls at brutal pace: where will it land? – HERE

March 4, 2024

Budapest chosen among best honeymoon hotspots

Announcing the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Budapest secures top 20 spot as premier honeymoon destination, lauded for exceptional guest reviews. These prestigious awards recognise destinations whose hotels, restaurants, attractions and activities have consistently delighted the Tripadvisor community from October 2022 to September 2023.

Budapest claimed the 19th spot among the world’s best honeymoon destinations this year. Renowned for its exceptional array of spas, rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural scenery, the city earns high praise from recommendations. Among the must-visit attractions are St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Aquincum Museum and Heroes’ Square. While exotic beach resorts dominate the top spots, including Bali and the Maldives, Budapest stands out for its unique charm. Alongside the Hungarian capital, the list features other enticing destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mauritius and more according to turizmus.com.

Further honours for Budapest

A survey conducted by the international shopping platform Ubuy assessed the top parks in European cities for picnicking. Factors considered included Tripadvisor and Google Reviews scores as well as social media presence on Instagram and TikTok. London claimed the top spot with St. James’ Park, Regent’s Park and Hyde Park leading the rankings. Berlin followed in second place with Treptower Park, Mauerpark and Templehofer Park. Amongst these beautiful places, the Hungarian capital secured third place with Margaret Island, Városliget and Millenáris recognised as its most popular parks according to turizmus.com.

Photo: www.facebook.com/AriaHotelBudapest

Budapest achieved another noteworthy accolade by ranking among the top performers in Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best things to do’ category. Among them, the Budapest Culinary and Wine Walk, a program based in Budapest secured the 17th spot in the wine tasting category based on guest reviews. These awards recognise experiences and attractions with high review numbers and above-average guest ratings over the past year. Only a fraction of Tripadvisor’s vast listings earn this prestigious distinction, signifying excellence in travel. Notably, a Hungarian venue made it to the top 20 list of wine-related activities, ranking at number 17, according to turizmus.com.

Read also:

Taxi fares can rise again in Budapest while ‘banned’ Uber returns – HERE
Hungary’s largest field of snowdrops awaits visitors again – HERE

Featured image: depositphotos.com

March 3, 2024