The 5 oldest pastry shops in Budapest – PHOTOS
No one can deny that the irresistible smell of freshly baked cakes is one of the best things in the world. So if you are yearning for a sweet treat to go with your cappuccino, make sure to visit the 5 oldest pastry shops in Budapest.
Gerbeaud – established in 1858
If you fancy someplace really elegant with a century-old interior in the heart of the city, come to Gerbeaud! It is not just the mouthwatering cakes that you will cherish in your memories for a long time but also the aesthetic experience the pastry shop provides. It was established in the middle of the 19th century by Henrik Kugler, a confectioner who had travelled the world prior to opening his confectionery so we could concieve the recipes of his well-known creations such as the famous Hungarian gerbeaud cake. As Kugler did not have children, his business partner Emil Gerbeaud, who is known for such culinary inventions as the chocolate cat’s tongue and the cherry bonbon, inherited the shop.
Auguszt – established in 1870
No matter if you are staying on the Pest or Buda side, chances are you will stumble upon an Auguszt pastry shop nearby as they represent themselves at three different locations in the city. Munching on a thick slice of black forest cake under the crystal chandelier in their shop in Kossuth Lajos street is a completely different vibe! The founder, Elek Auguszt opened the doors of his first confectionery in 1870 in one of the sophisticated Buda quartiers and soon enough people from all over the city came to taste his culinary wonders. The family-owned confectionery awaits its visitors with unique refined flavours such as the marvellously creamy Esterhazy cake or the apricot jam filled chocolate-y Sacher cake.
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Szamos – established in 1870
The parents of the Serbian descent confectioner Mátyás Szamos (originally Mladen Szavits) initially meant him to take another career path and become a priest, however, Szamos’s life took a different turn. He did not give up on his dreams and eventually got hired at Auguszt confectionery where he had the chance to learn all the culinary tricks from a renowned Danish pastry chef who taught him how to make marzipan roses among other sweet masterpieces. Szamos produces one of the world’s leading marzipan products, therefore, it is a must-try! A tiny marzipan fruit basket or marzipan filled chocolate bonbons make a nice gift to bring home to your loved ones from your Budapest trip. People with a sweet tooth and an interest in history can even visit the Szamos Museum which is found in Szentendre, a panoramic riverside settlement close to Budapest.
Gundel – established 1894
Many Hungarians keep fond childhood memories of eating delicious cakes at Gundel after visiting the nearby Budapest Zoo. The Gundel brand has become legendary over the years; many sweet and savoury culinary inventions are linked to this name such as the Gundel pancakes which are filled with crushed walnuts and drizzled with hot chocolate sauce. The founder Károly Gundel also preserved hundreds of traditional folk recipes and he laid down the foundation of a prestigious gastro-dynasty. While in Budapest, Indulge in a sweet bite or two in a classy stylish environment to make the most out of your vacation.
Ruszwurm – established in 1827
Located in the panoramic Castle District on the Buda side, Ruszwurm can certainly claim the title of the oldest pastry shop in Budapest. The family-run cafe looks back to an almost 2 centuries-old past, thus even its furniture is considered antic relics. Another interesting fact is that one of its founders was the one who first conceived the recipe of Linzer, Hungary’s beloved cake. If you like classic flavours and cosy vibes, Ruszwurm is guaranteed to win you over with its traditional charm. Get tempted for a slice of perfectly moist Castle caramel cake or a vanilla cream puff which is especially trending now that Farsang (Hungarian carnival season) is approaching.
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