gastronomy

Tripadvisor and TasteAtlas awarded best desserts spots and restaurants in Hungary

Are you clueless about where to eat after a long day of sightseeing in Hungary? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Based on Tripadvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Restaurant Awards 2023”, we’ll tell you which three restaurants you must try when visiting our country. However, there is no Hungarian meal without some sweet bites at the end. TasteAtlas has named not one but two “Legendary Dessert Places” in Hungary, which people with a sweet tooth can’t miss during their Budapest vacation. So without further ado, let’s check out the best desserts spots and restaurants in Hungary.

Best restaurants in Hungary

After a long day of exploring the beauties of Hungary, you have surely worked up an appetite. But the real question – more times than not – is not what to eat, instead where to eat. Especially, when you are an out-of-towner or come from abroad. That’s when Tripadvisor comes handy. The site gives countless recommendations based on more than 8 million ratings. Everyone can find something to their liking. In the “Fine Dining” category, the Strand Restaurant in Budapest made it to the 24th place on the list of Tripadvisor’s top fine dining recommendations. This sophisticated restaurant serves avant-garde local dishes and boasts two Michelin stars. Therefore, it’s fair to say that the owners, Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll did a pretty good job. In the “Hidden Gem” category, another restaurant from Budapest, MADHOUSE Bistro & Craft Beer Bar made it to the top places, precisely to the 16th spot.

However, not only the capital boasts culinary treasures. The third restaurant, which stands on the 18th place on the list, is Csokonai Restaurant from Debrecen. When visiting Hungary, it is worth venturing outside of Budapest to discover the charming rural towns of the country. Who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon some hidden gems.

Tripadvisor and TasteAtlas awarded best desserts spots and restaurants in Hungary 2 — Photo: Madhouse Gastropub

For hungry travellers with a sweet tooth

If you still have some room for dessert after a scrumptious, well-deserved meal in one of the top restaurants in Hungary, don’t hold back! We all know that calories don’t count during vacation as they all go to the heart instead of the stomach. But here comes the question: where are the best dessert spots in Hungary? Based on the global list of TasteAtlas, there are two Hungarian dessert spots that deserved to be included in the “150 Most Legendary Dessert Places”. Both places are located in Budapest, so if you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands to explore the Hungarian countryside, you don’t have to go too far. The famed Daubner Confectionery made it to the 14th place on the list of TasteAtlas, thanks to its divine Dobos cake. Apart from being an official Hungarikum, this truly authentic Hungarian dessert also has a fascinating history, which you may read about HERE. TasteAtlas described this sweet treat as a “perfect balance of flavours and textures, faithfully following the traditional recipe”. It certainly is worth a try.

The other top Hungarian dessert spot, New York Café, got the 32nd place on the list of TasteAtlas for its signature New York chocolate cake, which is “not just a dessert but a sensory indulgence”, according to the portal. Despite its confusing name, New York Café is also in Budapest. It was founded a few years earlier than the previously mentioned Daubner Confectionery, over a century ago, and it is often referred to as “the most beautiful café in the world”. It’s not only a dessert shop but a place that oozes culture, a true hideaway to write, read and reflect.

However, there are countless other wonderful gastro spots in Hungary the two portals didn’t mention. If you don’t mind wandering off the beaten path, you’ll discover many equally amazing places in Hungary likes the ones we mentioned in here.

Author: Jázmin Kovács

October 16, 2023

Michelin-starred celebrity chef to reopen Hungary’s very first, iconic McDonald’s

Hungary’s first McDonald’s restaurant has undergone a major transformation. It closed its doors in late June and is now nearly ready for its grand re-opening. However, during the initial days, it won’t be open to the public as a Michelin-starred chef will take the reins.

Iconic McDonald’s undergoes renovation

As we have reported HERE, Hungary’s first restaurant closed for a significant renovation. The eatery originally opened in 1988 in the heart of Budapest’s 5th district on Régi Posta Street. The primary objective of the renovation was to give the 35-year-old restaurant a more contemporary and chic interior design. The interior designers aimed to create something unique using architectural concrete and wood panels. The final design is a brilliant fusion of the classic McDonald’s restaurant style with a modern twist. The restaurant’s reopening was initially scheduled for September, but everyone’s favourite fastfood spot will now open its doors next week.

The grand reopening

First-class reports that the long-anticipated grand reopening is finally approaching. Technically, the iconic restaurant will reopen on the 19th of October. However, it will not be open to the general public during the first two nights. The first Hungarian Golden Arches will host two private dinners on the 19th and 20th of October, starting at 7 pm both days. The renowned Michelin-starred chef, Jenő Rácz, a popular figure in Hungary with a strong presence on social media and Hungarian TV shows, will prepare a mouthwatering fine dining experience for the attendants.

Who can attend the event?

Don’t worry; this extraordinary event might be available even to you. Do you frequently eat at McDonald’s? If the answer is yes, you might have a chance too! There are 30 tickets available for each night for those who have collected 3,000 points using the McDonald’s application. With 3,000 points, you can obtain two tickets. After receiving your 8-digit code, be sure to use it before the 16th of October; otherwise, you won’t secure your actual ticket for the event. According to McDonald’s official website, only individuals over the age of 18 can participate, and there will be a dress code enforced at the event.

As we wrote before, iconic Buda Castle restaurant reopens with traditional Hungarian dishes – details and PHOTOS

October 13, 2023

PHOTOS: Iconic Buda Castle restaurant reopens with traditional Hungarian dishes

An iconic restaurant of the Buda Castle District, the ‘Fekete Holló’ (Black Raven) reopens with traditional Hungarian dishes.

According to turizmus.com, the restaurant will reopen tomorrow (11 October) under 10 Országház Street. The Fekete Holló Kisvendéglő is in the heart of Budapest’s magnificent Castle District. HERE you may check out their official Facebook page.

On the menu, you may find traditional Hungarian dishes. For example, you can choose from traditional pork goulash or farm chicken soups, or you may taste pork marrow toast for a starter. There are Hungarian classics like “Letcho” tomato, onion, pepper ragout & Hungarian sausage, pork stew or pottages made of potato, spinach or lentil. There are many types of schnitzels: chicken thigh, pork, cheese, mushroom, liver or hake. Choosing parsley potato as a side can make you feel as if you were sitting in the kitchen of a Hungarian grandmother on a Sunday afternoon. As for Hungarian grandmas: you may eat Grandma’s pancakes or poppy seed dumplings with vanilla custard as a dessert.

Foodporn:

Read also:

The best restaurants serving traditional Hungarian food – Read more HERE
THESE are officially the best restaurants in Hungary

Fekete Holló in 1976:

The restaurant has a terrace. Therefore, when the weather is nice, you may taste some good Hungarian beers or a traditional Hungarian fröccs (spritzer = wine + soda water mixed in various proportions) there. Of course, there are draught beers and glass beers as well.

Under 10 Országáz Street, there was a restaurant already in 1930. Pál Alpek opened it when he was only 20. In the 1960s, it reopened as Fekete Holló. Back then, its menu was handwritten, and its chef’s name was Rózsi néni (Aunt Rose). Locals and young university students were among its most frequent guests. Its most popular dish was fish soup, stew and Aunt Rose’s famous Hungarian cottage cheese dumpling.

HERE you can find the opening times. The restaurant has two rooms and can seat 60 people inside, and an additional 60 guests on the terrace, ittlakunk.hu wrote.

The restaurant hopes it will be a new headquarters for locals because they get a 25% price reduction from the not-too-high prices. HERE you may check out some photos taken by turizmus.com which shows the restaurant has a chance to become popular again.

October 10, 2023

PHOTOS: Here is Hungary’s best burger

On the first weekend of September, the 3rd Szaft ‘N Burger competition was held in Debrecen, where the winner of the 2023 Burger of Hungary title was announced.

The winner

Szeretlek Magyarország writes that the best burger was made by Ádám Józsa. Therefore, the award and trophy went to Beer & Burgers in Szolnok. The burger called Alabama has been on the restaurant’s menu for years. Thus, the staff had time to practice the recipe and create the best possible version of this popular meal.

Beer & Burgers is the place where everyone can find something to suit their taste. From burgers to grilled and pulled meat combinations and even vegetarian options. Not to mention a wide selection of drinks, including craft beers.

beer and burgers competition — Source: Instagram / beerandburgers_1

About the restaurant

Beer & Burgers has two other locations as well. One is also in Szolnok (8 Tószegi Street), while the other one is in Törökszentmiklós. The central kitchen is located in Szolnok, at 43 Mártírok Road. The vegetables, sauces and everything else needed to keep the other units running smoothly are prepared here.

The owner was exceptionally trained in all catering areas by the time he opened his first Beer & Burgers restaurant in 2019. His motivation was simple: he wanted to have a good burger restaurant in the area. That year, a blind tasting put him on the Big 7 Travel list. The eatery was ranked 15th out of the top 25 burger restaurants in the country.

beerandburgers restaurant — Source: Instagram / beerandburgers_1

An exceptional burger

The owner thinks that a great burger features many flavours that go well and harmonise with each other. The perfect burger should be a bit spicy (but not too spicy), sweet and savoury at the same time. In addition, the bun should be soft, the meat should be saucy and fresh vegetables should give the burger a nice crunch.

The Alabama Burger consists of the following ingredients: multigrain bun, apple and onion coleslaw, Angus beef patty, cheddar cheese, double bacon, homemade white BBQ sauce and candied jalapeno peppers. The price of this delicacy is HUF 3390 (EUR 8.7). You can also buy it as a menu with spicy steak potatoes, coleslaw and blueberry cabbage salad for HUF 3890 (EUR 10).

beerandburgers craft beers — Source: Instagram / beerandburgers_1

Read also:

October 1, 2023

Hungarian restaurants among the world’s best of the best

Hungarian restaurant among the world's best of the best

Tripadvisor announced the winners of Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurant Awards 2023. Three Hungarian restaurants emerged as the world’s top in different categories.

Tripadvisor chose the world’s best restaurants after analysing 8 million guest ratings. Places that received outstandingly high ratings for 12 months could get the Best of the Best recognition. Europe’s best fine dining restaurant is Restaurant Bougainville in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Budapest’s Stand Restaurant, led by Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll, acquired the 24th place on the list. The restaurant received its second Michelin star in 2022, just nine months after opening and retained it this year, turizmus.com, a Hungarian tourism news outlet, wrote.

Read also:

Restaurant prices hit astronomical levels in Hungary – Read more HERE
Another Hungarian restaurant awarded a green Michelin star

The best Hungarian restaurants

“Our menu attempts to primarily reflect the possibilities afforded by Hungarian ingredients, showcasing our notion of Hungarian cuisine, while ensuring that it meets all the expectations of modern times and contemporary gastronomy”, Tripadvisor wrote about Stand.

Two other Hungarian restaurants performed well in the “hidden gems” category. Budapest’s MadHouse Bistro & Craft Beer Bar emerged in 16th position, while the Csokonai Restaurant in Debrecen finished in 18th place.

“The downtown craft beer bar of Budapest-based independent brewery Mad Scientist. Laid-back atmosphere, family-friendly environment, high-quality fine dining meals, natural wines, and 25 different beers on tap”, they wrote about Budapest’s Madhouse.

The only countryside restaurant awarded is Csokonai in Debrecen. It is also in the hidden gem category, and Tripadvisors wrote about them that guests might choose from international, European and Eastern European cuisines.

September 29, 2023

Two Hungarian confectioneries in world TOP 40

TasteAtlas, a gastro website, compiled the world’s top 150 dessert places. Two Hungarian confectioneries emerged in the TOP 40. Have you ever been to any of them?

According to mosthir.hu, the latest TasteAtlas list includes the 150 best confectioneries of the world and their desserts. Both Hungarian pastry shops in the World Elite are in Budapest, so you can try their delicacies if you travel to the Hungarian capital.

New York Café occupied the 32nd place, while Daubner – founded in Orosháza – conquered the 14th place. In the case of Daubner, TasteAtlas recommends Dobos torta (Dobos Cake). In Budapest’s iconic New York Café, they believe the best choice is the New York chocolate cake.

Best Hungarian confectioneries

About the Daubner Cukrászda, founded in 1901, they write that it has a vast selection of cakes, pastries and sweets. It is one of the city’s finest confectioneries, “attracting both locals and tourists alike”.

Dobos torta is their signature dessert, TasteAtlas wrote. “Dobos torta is a multi-layered Hungarian cake named after its inventor, József Dobos, and is composed of thin sponge cake layers, chocolate buttercream, and topped with a crisp caramel glaze. The version served at Daubner Cukrászda has earned high praise for its perfect balance of flavours and textures, faithfully following the traditional recipe”, they added.

Daubner Confectionery is also one of the best ice cream spots in the capital. Check out our related article HERE. Do you want to read more about Hungary’s famous Dobos Cake? Click HERE.

Read also:

Don’t miss out on these historical coffeehouses when visiting Budapest – Read more HERE
Get to know some of the oldest and best confectioneries of Budapest

Legendary café in the heart of Budapest

About New York Café, they wrote that it is referred to regularly as “the most beautiful café in the world”. Opened in 1894, it quickly became a hub for artists, writers, and other intellectuals. Their signature dish is the New York chocolate cake. It “features layers of rich chocolate sponge cake, and smooth chocolate ganache, adorned with a delicate gold leaf”. The experience of eating a slice of that cake is “sensory indulgence”. Are you interested in reading legendary stories about the New York Café? Click HERE and read some in our article.

Interestingly, Lisbon’s Pastéis de Belém occupied the first place, while the second is Istanbul’s Hafız Mustafa. The third place went to Vienna’s Café Central. Here is what TasteAtlas wrote about them:

“These sanctuaries craft the most recognisable cakes, pastries, and sweets with passion and exactitude. Lisbon’s Pastéis de Belém, established in 1837, exemplifies this dedication, having become a beacon for pastel-making that captivates both locals and tourists. Istanbul’s Hafız Mustafa, birthed by Hadji İsmail Hakkı Bey in Bahçekapı during Sultan Abdulaziz Khan’s reign in 1864, showcases the timeless allure of Turkish desserts. Vienna’s Café Central, frequented since the 19th century, is not just celebrated for its Apfelstrudel, but also for its diverse range of patrons like Freud, Trotsky, and even Hitler – their presence underscoring the café’s historical resonance rather than endorsing their beliefs.”

Featured image: New York Café Budapest

September 23, 2023

Michelin Guide Hungary 2023: Sommelier of the Year winner named

The team at Spago Budapest, located in Matild Palace, has received a huge honor as – in addition to retaining its Michelin recommendation – this year Imre Rácz, the restaurant’s Head Sommelier, has been awarded Sommelier of the Year in the Michelin Guide Hungary 2023, for his unrivalled passionate dedication and outstanding knowledge of exclusive wines.

The title of Sommelier of the Year is not only a recognition of Imre Rácz’s career to date, but also of his sincere commitment to offering his guests a true gastronomic experience every day. The sommelier, who has extensive international experience and has worked in some of the most prestigious venues in the Hungarian hospitality industry, has been in the business for nearly a decade. He started his career in the United States, then continued in Germany, and in Hungary he gained professional experience as Head Sommelier at MÁK and Essencia restaurants, while also obtaining his ASI Sommelier Diploma in 2018.

He joined Spago Budapest in September 2021. As a prominent representative of the Hungarian gastronomy and wine world, his expertise and dedication ensure an excellent wine experience for the guests, while providing unique stories and explanations of the wines on offer.

“It’s a great pleasure and recognition to have been honored with the Michelin Sommelier Award this year, which confirms that the attitude I bring to my work every day is appreciated by my guests. I am particularly pleased that this is an international award, as I am guided by the most qualified professionals in the world. I strive for continuous improvement and professional credibility, which I hope will inspire others. I think it is important to be able to think as a team and to adapt to the needs of the guests in the given situations,” said Imre Rácz on the occasion of the award.

Spago Budapest is very proud to offer a wine selection that presents the best of Hungarian and international wines to its guests, under the guidance of Imre Rácz. The wide range of wines allows those interested in gastronomy to discover the treasures of different wine regions and grape varieties, while Imre Rácz Head Sommelier and Máté Horváth, Wine Director of Matild Palace, are always ready to offer personalised advice to help them make the right choice. Their mission is to bring the best possible wine to the guests’ glasses, enhancing the intense gastronomic experience of the Spago Budapest courses, based on Wolfgang Puck’s gastronomic concept. Behind the harmonious flavors of the dishes and the wines they are paired with is a team that works in perfect harmony, with the chef tasting the wines and the sommelier tasting the dishes. The final wine and food pairing, which has already earned the restaurant a Michelin recommendation, is the result of the fine-tuning process.

“We are extremely proud that Spago Budapest has earned a Michelin recommendation every single year since it opened. This is due to the expertise of the excellent professionals who work for us, so it is a particular reward when our colleagues receive individual, professional accolades, cementing not only their own integrity but also the reputation of our hotel and restaurants.” – Selim Ölmez, General Manager of Matild Palace, Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, commented on the award.

“It is important for us to keep our international and domestic wine selection exciting and constantly renewed. Spago’s wine selection is not only influenced by us, but also by our guests, as we pay a lot of attention to what they like best and we always have a selection of these on hand. The selection of Californian and Austrian wines is also a special part of our wine list, because being part of the international Spago group, these must always be available to the regulars,” adds Imre Rácz.

Currently, the number of wines on offer in the restaurant is well over 200, including popular, unmissable items that a five-star hotel restaurant can’t do without, and some that are only called ” self-expression ” by sommeliers, these are the wines that have impressed the professionals during a tasting and have thus been included in the offer. So, more often than not, the restaurant holds wines from smaller cellars, a few hundred bottles. Of course, there are some special items that are not featured on the wine list, but can only be found on the personal recommendation of the sommelier. These are rarities set aside from selected vintages, the sale of which is only referred to as “starburst” by the sommeliers themselves. The most recent such item was a Tuscan red wine which sold for more than HUF 900 000 a bottle.

Objectivity is essential to Imre Rácz in his work, but of course he also has his personal favorite items. The Riesling is an eternal love, but among the wines of Somló, the Hárslevelű and the Juhfark also hold a special place in his heart.

September 21, 2023

Paul Taylor in Budapest, be part of a special gastronomic experience in Hungary

Paul Taylor’s Bisoubye x in Budapest! For this big event Tcholélé Production have the chance to team up with Tcholélé Productions to bring you this amazing experience to Budapest on the 22nd of September 2023.

The show will take place in the French Institute’s amphitheater with the capacity of 200 seats from 8 pm to 10 pm.

A bilingual show by an English artist living in France about the process of, as the title suggests it, letting go and moving on to a new chapter in his life. After the show we’ll organize a small talk at the bistrot with the artist. The tickets are selling fast, you can book your ticket here.

The location is the amphitheater of the French Institute of Budapest for the show: 200 seats. There will be:

At Le Troquet for a talk with the artist after the show.
Warm and cozy inside wine bar
1 minute from Tram stop, 5 minutes from Batthyány tér metro station
Terrace with Parliament view
Friday, 22nd of September 2023, starting at 8pm.

The porgram:

Paul Taylor’s Bisoubye x show from 6pm in the amphitheater.
Talk with Paul Taylor at Le Troquet French Bistro.
Come join us and have a lovely time of laughter while enjoying delicious French wine.

Food and drinks

French Wine bar, of course
Gin Bar, coffee, and french cocktail
Croissant, croque-monsieur, French bakery & french board to share with ham & french cheese.

The event is open to all customers who want to have a great time full of laughter and joy, Paul Taylor fans, Comedy show lovers, English, French or bilinguals. Anyone who wants to have a great start to her/his weekend.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance.

September 20, 2023

Try it yourself: the dessert of Budapest 2023 has been chosen!

Sugar Design Cukrászda’s blackcurrant-tonka bean-black sesame cake was this year’s dessert of Budapest. You can try it as early as this week.

The Sweet Days is one of Europe’s largest chocolate and confectionery themed trade fairs, with over forty exhibitors’ sweets on display in front of the St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, the Hungarian capital.

Csaba Rebrus, President of the Hungarian Chocolate and Confectionery Association, said that the main aim of the event is to help Hungarian confectioners and confectionery manufacturers to strengthen their position.

The Budapest Dessert of Confectioners competition also contributes to this. “We cannot allow Hungarian desserts to disappear from restaurant menus,” Rebrus said.

The cake, selected by anonymous voting, will traditionally debut at the Sweet Days, so the makers can get feedback from consumers right away. The two mandatory ingredients chosen by the 2022 winner this year were blackcurrant and tonka bean.

The winning dessert is made up of blackcurrant sponge cakes filled with blackcurrant soft jelly on the bottom, topped with a blueberry blackcurrant mousse with tonka bean, Belgian dark chocolate ganache and crunchy corkant praline, reports penzcentrum.hu.

September 20, 2023

Restaurant prices hit astronomical levels in Hungary

Restaurant prices reached psychological barrier (Copy)

The number of restaurant goers in Hungary has drastically dropped after the COVID pandemic – the Hungarian Central Statistical Office wrote. The main reason is obviously the sky-high prices, which reached astronomical levels due to the rising operating expenses.

According to portfolio.hu, in H1 2023, traffic in Hungarian restaurants decreased by 5.5% compared to pre-pandemic figures. László Kovács, the president of the trade union of the Hungarian caterers (MVI), believes that restaurant owners increased prices disproportionately in light of the sudden jump in domestic demand. However, that strikes back because people have less spending power due to the decrease in real wages.

The president said that restaurant traffic is thin at the beginning of the week, and it rather picks up towards the weekend. The good news is that utility, energy and food prices began to ease, however.

Nevertheless, Hungarian restaurant prices reached astronomical levels in Hungary. An average meal costs around HUF 10,000 (EUR 26), but it can even rise to HUF 20,000 (EUR 52), even if you do not dine at a high-class place. Let alone to mention luxury and Michelin-star restaurants. Mr Kovács reported changing consumer trends: people no longer spare money on drinks or coffee. Instead, they go out to eat less frequently, but then they treat themselves to more.

Read also:

New Michelin Guide: these are the best Hungarian restaurants – Read more HERE
Another Hungarian restaurant awarded a green Michelin star

September 18, 2023

New Michelin Guide: these are the best Hungarian restaurants

Another 14 Hungarian restaurants received Michelin recommendation. Furthermore, the number of restaurants deserving Bib Gourmand certification and a Green Star also grew in Hungary.

According to gusto.hu, 75 Hungarian restaurants are in the latest Hungarian edition of the French Michelin Guide restaurant guide. The number of two Michelin-star restaurants remained at two, while the number of seven one-star restaurants did not change. But there are 59 other places that can be proud of a Michelin-recommendation.

Previous year’s Michelin-star and Michelin-recommended restaurants all remained in this year’s restaurant guide. Meanwhile, another eight Budapest and six rural restaurants can put up a sign showing their Michelin-recommendation.

Two Hungarian restaurants have two Michelin stars: the Platán Gourmet in Tata and the Stand in Budapest.

Here are the seven one-star restaurants:

Here is the Bib Gourmand’s list:

Anyukám Mondta, Encs
Casa Christa, Balatonszőlős
Kistücsök, Balatonszemes
Macok, Eger
Mór24, Balatonfüred
Morzsa, Pécs
Sparhelt, Balatonfüred

Furthermore, 14 restaurants got a Michelin recommendation. They are the following:

Michelin restaurant Budapest — Source: PrtScr/Gusto.hu

Here are the Green Star restaurants:

Almalomb, Hosszúhetény
Grafli Major Kétútköz, Poroszló
Onyx Műhely, Budapest
Salt, Budapest
Villa Kabala, Szigliget (new)

September 17, 2023

Another Hungarian restaurant awarded a green Michelin star

Villa Kabala works exclusively with produce from its own vegetable garden and from local farmers and suppliers. The high quality of the food has earned the Hungarian restaurant a green Michelin star.

On Thursday, Michelin presented the list of Hungarian restaurants included in the 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide Hungary.

This year, the Guide recommends a total of 75 restaurants, 28 of which are located in the capital, Budapest. 2 restaurants have received two-star ratings, 7 one-star ratings, and 14 restaurants are on the list for the first time.

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

Villa Kabala (@villakabala) által megosztott bejegyzés

Five restaurants have earned the Michelin Green Star rating. This gives priority to restaurants representing sustainable gastronomy. Villa Kabala in Szigliget has become Hungary’s new Green Star restaurant, working exclusively from its own vegetable garden and using produce from local farmers and suppliers.

Villa Kabala makes its own breads, jams, hams and beers. It also has an exclusive family winery and even makes its own pots for its pottery. His hotel is furnished exclusively with recycled items, hvg.hu writes.

Seven Hungarian restaurants have been awarded Bib Gourmand status for their excellent cuisine at moderate prices.

The full Hungarian selection is available on the Michelin website.

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

Villa Kabala (@villakabala) által megosztott bejegyzés

September 14, 2023

You should not miss out on these unique brunch places in Budapest!

Many say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Therefore, you should make sure to enjoy your top-quality delicacy in a delightful atmosphere. Here are our recommendations on where to have brunch when visiting Budapest.

Cookie Beacon

Cookie Beacon is located in the heart of the capital, in District 5, in Hercegprímás Street. The location of this brunch spot is very convenient because you can easily reach the most popular tourist attractions from here. Cookie Beacon was opened by a married couple of Greek and Spanish origins. This couple enjoyed travelling and exploring the culinary specialities of each country. They got hooked on the idea of brunch and they thought that they should bring this relaxing and comforting experience to Hungary. Their menu includes traditional brunch meals with their own twist added to them. You have probably guessed by now, but the specialities of this place are the chunky cookies. There are many options, including keto and vegan sweets as well. According to visitors, Cookie Beacon is usually very busy and you have to queue, but it is definitely worth the wait!

Cookie Beacon Budapest — Source: Facebook / Cookie Beacon

Brunch Bistro Budapest

Brunch Bistro Budapest is part of the Cafe Brunch Budapest chain. There are five breakfast restaurants in Budapest. Brunch Bistro Budapest is located in District 6, on Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road. This charming brunch spot awaits you with a great selection of egg dishes, sandwiches, pancakes, granola and porridge. You can also enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee with your meal, or a refreshing smoothie. The warm weather is here to stay in September. In this pleasant climate, you can eat your meal on the cosy outside terrace that offers seating for up to 60 guests. If you do not like queues and waiting, you can also book a table online.

Mindenem

Mindenem is located in District 8, on Múzeum Boulevard. It is really close to the Hungarian National Museum, thus it is worth visiting both when coming to this area. There are many sweet options, such as croissants, granola and waffles. But do not worry, the classic brunch meals are available too. Eggs Benedict, English breakfast and avocado toast are just a few of the many mouthwatering delicacies. According to visitors, Mindenem is a cosy restaurant with kind and helpful staff.

In case you have missed our previous list of breakfast spot recommendations in Budapest, you can read the article HERE.

September 4, 2023

Amazing achievement: Best red wine in Hungary has been chosen

Bodor Winery’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has been named Hungary’s best red wine at the Winelovers Wine Awards 2023. The best burger in Hungary will also be chosen in September.

Winelovers Wine Awards

Turizmus.com writes that out of the 839 competitors at the blind tasting, only 4 won the Grand Gold medal: three aszú and Bence Bodor’s Villány red wine. The aim of the Winelovers Wine Awards is to find the best wines of Central and Eastern Europe and promote them on the international market. The competition attracted wines from 14 countries. The jury of 65 wine experts represented 19 countries. Several of them are holders of the Master of Wine title, and a Mater Sommelier was among them as well. Bodor Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 was the best red wine in the country, according to the jury’s ruling.

The best red wine

The creator of the winning red wine is grateful for scoring 95 points in such an important wine competition. He is glad that his full-bodied Villány red wine received the same prestigious award as the three sweet aszú wines. This great professional recognition is an amazing feedback for Bodor and a useful guide for consumers. Despite the fact that the consumption of red wine is declining worldwide and in Hungary too. The creator, Bence Bodor says:

Although it is indeed fun to drink beer and have cocktails, it is always the same experience, but with wines, every vintage is a unique, unrepeatable adventure. Both in the making and in the tasting.

red wine Bodor Villány — Source: Instagram / bodor_boraszat

Hungary’s best burger

Turizmus.com also reported that on the first weekend in September, groups of friends and families will gather to try the best burger in the country. Burger lovers can enjoy a real outdoor picnic and barbecue at the Saft ‘N Burger – National Hamburger Cooking Competition. Once a year on this day, artisan burger lovers meet in Debrecen, on the shores of Lake Békás. Besides trying all the delicious meals at street food stands, visitors can try the refreshing Hungarian craft beers too. Furthermore, the products of the co-organising family farm, Hortobágy Angus, will also be available for purchase, while the competitions will also provide tasty snacks. To enhance the atmosphere, authentic country and rockabilly music will be playing live.

The competition

The winner of the professional category will be awarded the title of Burger of the Country. The winner will keep the title until next year’s competition, and then it will be passed on to the new winner. There will also be amateur categories for those who like a challenge. There will be individual, team and junior categories. The organisers will provide premium Hortobágy Angus patties for the competition. Here are some photos from last year’s competition:

Hortobágy Angus burger competition — Source: Facebook / Hortobágy Angus

burger competition — Source: Facebook / Hortobágy Angus

Hortobágy Angus burger — Source: Facebook / Hortobágy Angus

August 31, 2023

Puzzling: Did Hungarians invent the hot dog?

Today, the hot dog enjoys a world-wide popularity as meatlovers’ favourite fast food. People all around the world know and love this mouthwatering treat. It can be eaten with cheese, ketchup, mustard or with crispy fried onions. The hot dog is an important part of the United States’ national cuisine. However, not many know the roots of this tasty food. The hot dog’s history goes back centuries before Columbus had even set out to explore the New World.

The Frankfurter

Mindmegette writes that the sausage, an integral part of the original hot dog, can be traced back to sometime before 700 BC. Although some historians believe that the first sausage was created in the 1st century AD. Their claim is backed up by a legend that Gaius, Emperor Nero’s cook, stuck a knife into a roast pig that had not been properly prepared. This caused the empty intestines to fall out of the pig. The story goes that the cook then had the idea of stuffing those intestines with minced meat and spices. The concept proved to be a genius one, as in the following centuries it travelled and conquered almost all over Europe. Germany now claims the Vienna sausage as its own, and Vienna is also claiming it as its own. It seems like everyone wants to be regarded as the creator of this delicious treat.

Putting the sausage into a bun

It is still widely debated who was the first to put those sausages into buns. In Vienna, the known scenario is that Emil Reichel and Samuel Ladany (Sámuel Ladányi), who emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy to Chicago, were the inventors. The two men presented their food creations at the 1893 World’s Fair, where they were so successful that they later opened their meat processing plant. It still operates to this day under the name Vienna Beef Company. It may seem surprising, but there might be a Hungarian connection in the development of this popular street food as we know it today.

Hot dog in the US

Many Germans emigrated to the New World in the 19th century in the hope of a better life. Of course, they did not leave their culinary traditions at home. According to some sources from that time, Germans started selling “dachshund sausage” from food carts in New York in the 1860s. This story provides an explanation for how the hot dog got its name. The real breakthrough came in the second half of the 1800s. Charles Feltman, also a German immigrant, opened the first hot dog stand in Coney Island. He was very popular, selling over 3,600 frankfurters in his special bun the year he opened. In 1880, a St. Louis sausage vendor also started selling his product in a white bun since he had run out of the white gloves he gave his customers to hold the hot sausage.

We might not know for sure whose idea it was to put the sausage into a bun. However, the only important thing is that nations can enjoy this quick meal all over the world. As Bors wrote hot dog was so popular that it was added to the White House menu in 1939. The hot dog arrived in Hungary in the 1960s, and by the late 1970s, it had conquered the capital. Here is a photo of a hot dog stand in Budapest:

hot dog stand in Budapest — Source: Fortepan / Bauer Sándor

August 29, 2023

Chinese reality made in Budapest, tourists will swarm the city

tourism Chinese reality shot in Budapest, so Chinese tourists swarm the city

Broadcasting of the first episode of the latest Chinese reality show titled “Chinese Restaurant” started in China. The speciality of this show is that it was made in Budapest. International interest was already at its peak during the show’s creation.

Hungary won the competition for hosting the show

According to turizmus.com, 160 million people followed the show in its first week. The reality is that Chinese celebrities have millions of followers who have to receive their guests. Apart from the stars, popular Budapest places and Hungarian gastronomy also play a crucial part in the show. Thanks to the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ), the producers chose Hungary as the venue even though multiple European and Asian countries wanted to host the reality. The Hungarian Tourism Agency offered the show’s producers assistance in picking locations.

The show runs on the nr 1 commercial TV channel of one of the largest Chinese regions. Recording was done between June and July in a specially created restaurant near the Danube. The popularity of the production rose sky-high during the shooting. After venue’s announcement, multiple Chinese fans bought a plane ticket to meet their favourite stars in Budapest.

Contents on Hunan Satellite TV spread to billions of people before, so it was expected that the new show would also reach hundreds of millions. The pilot showing a lot of Budapest cityscapes and spectacles was seen by 160 million people. Therefore, it has become the TV channel’s most viewed content. Furthermore, it was also among the most popular content on social media.

160 million people already saw multiple Budapest spectacles

Zsófia Jakab, the deputy CEO responsible for marketing and communications at MTÜ, said Budapest beat several European and Asian metropolises in the competition for hosting the new Chinese reality. She added that the show will bring Hungary into the focus of Asian tourists. That is because the building of the Hungarian State Opera, the Danube banks, the Buda Castle and the Castle of Gödöllő appear in the show. Thus, people may think of visiting these after watching the series.

Furthermore, Hungary’s gastronomic heritage also plays an important part in the show. During the shooting, 20 Chinese celebrities worked with a staff of 200 people for 21 days. They bought the ingredients, made the dishes and served them to their guests. Thus, fans could meet the stars even in the Great Market Hall of Budapest, where they purchased fresh vegetables and fruits for the menu. Interested in the Great Market Hall? HERE you may read our relevant article.

The next episodes of the seventh season will be aired weekly. In Europe, they can be watched on the most popular video-sharing platform HERE.

August 25, 2023

Hungary’s Cake: here is the list of the 400 confectioneries where you can taste it

In the beginning of August, the Hungarian Confectionery Association announced the winners of the “Hungary’s Cake” contest for the 17th time. The accolade of “Hungary’s Sugar-free Cake” was also handed out at the ceremony. In this article, we will show you where you can taste this unique sweet in the country.

You can taste Hungary’s Cake and the winner of the Hungary’s Sugar-Free Cake competition from 19 August in Budapest as part of the Street of Hungarian Tastes event in the Várkert Bazaar. Additionally, it will be available in more than 400 confectioneries across the country. You are sure to find at least one that is close enough to you.

Spicces füge respektus

As we reported HERE, the judges selected the winner of the Hungary’s Cake competition in the middle of June. However, the official announcement only took place more than a month later – you can read our article on that HERE. The winner is the creation of Pál Lakatos confectioner of Lavender and Garden Confectionery (Levendula és Kert Cukrászda) in Szigetszentmiklós. The cake called Spicces füge respektus (which roughly translates to translate to ‘Respect to the Tipsy Fig’) was chosen as the best cake of the country in 2023.

According to turizmus.com, the winner, Pál Lakatos, was inspired to come up with the idea for the recipe by a fig ice cream he tasted during a holiday at Lake Balaton, which he paired with caramel and Tokaj aszú (one of the best-known naturally sweet wines in the world).

Where can I taste the Cake of Hungary?

The cake could be tasted for the first time on Saturday, 19 August, at the Street of Hungarian Tastes. At the same time, it will be available in more than 400 confectioners’ shops, the Hungarian Confectioners’ Association (Magyar Cukrász Ipartestület) said.

The full list is available by name of the municipality HERE and by name of the confectionery HERE.

Please note that the confectioneries on the lists are expected to make the cakes on 19-20 August. After that, it is worth checking with the individual places to see if the cake is available. In order to protect the quality of the cakes, the recipes will only be available to the public from the end of the year. Until then, only members of the industry body will be allowed to prepare them.

Although we still have to wait a while for the recipe, Marcsi Borbás, one of the ambassadors of St Stephen’s Day, had a chance to drop in on the winner of the country’s cake, Lavender and Garden Confectionery. You can watch a video of it below:

August 21, 2023

PHOTOS: Stomach-churning yet delicious Hungarian dishes

Hungarians are very proud of their cuisine, however, some meals sound stomach-churning to foreigners (and even some Hungarians). We’ve garnered the weirdest Hungarian dishes in this post.

Sweet pasta

Promotions listed the top five dishes that sound odd to foreigners. Starting from the bottom of the list, pasta with sweet toppings takes fifth place. Some Italians would probably faint by hearing that Hungarians put such unorthodox things like peach jam on pasta. Several articles have reported that most foreign nations are averse to all sweet pasta dishes. Poppy seed pasta and other sweet treats with poppy seeds are highly popular in Hungary. However, in many European countries poppy seed is still mostly associated with making poppy seed tea and opium. Furthermore, some Hungarians like to add jam, cocoa powder or cottage cheese with powdered sugar on top of their pasta.

Onion fried blood

This might be the most stomach-churning dish on the list. Hungarians who still follow the tradition of disznóvágás (pig slaughter) are familiar with this odd meal. It is a classic breakfast at pig slaughters, as you cannot really buy blood in the shop, but you can get it fresh on these occasions. Some say that this dish is not scary at all and it tastes just like liver. Blood in any form might be considered barbaric to most foreigners.

Liver and blood sausages

Speaking about pig slaughters… Liver and blood sausages are just as popular on these occasions. Although, many Hungarians like to eat them on normal weekdays too, with some steamed cabbage and boiled potatoes. We cannot imagine what foreigners must think of these dishes. As it is a pile of offals with blood on them, even the side, rice, is stuffed inside the animal’s intestines. Therefore, it might be better not to tell our guests what’s exactly on their plates.

Sour lungs

Even the nations that do consume innards would be weirded out by the idea of eating lungs. Hungarians do not eat this meal too often, many do not even like it. It is made using the heart and lungs of a pig. In addition, it can be also made with beef or lamb stock. The dish is usually eaten with potato or bread roll. The taste of this dish is rather sour, but it is a quite filling delicacy.

Sour lung weird Hungarian dishes — Source: Instagram

Tripe stew

By now you must have realised that Hungarian cuisine likes to use odd animal parts. Thus, the number one on the list of the most stomach-churning dishes is the tripe stew. The basis of this food is the rumen, the pre-stomach used for rumination, to which onions, garlic, red pepper and hot paprika are added. Some people like to add pig trotter to this dish.

August 12, 2023