Sky-high prices: Would you pay this much for a lángos on the beach in Hungary?

As it seems, our favourite Hungarian beach snacks still cannot escape from inflation’s grip. Many eateries are maintaining their pre-season rates, though prices are projected to climb starting in June. Along Lake Balaton, anticipate an uptick of 8-10 percent. Thus, delicacies such as lángos and ice cream will cost an arm and a leg this year!

Lángos

Hungarian lángos is a popular fried dough dish, often served as street food or at fairs and festivals. It is made from a simple dough consisting of flour, water, yeast, and salt, which is deep-fried until golden and crispy. Traditionally, lángos is topped with various savoury toppings, such as garlic, sour cream, grated cheese, and sometimes even sweet toppings such as jam or Nutella. It’s beloved for its crispy exterior and soft interior, making it a satisfying treat enjoyed by many in Hungary and neighbouring countries. For an authentic experience, people visit popular beaches along Lake Balaton to consume this tasty treat.

Price hike in 2023

As we reported last year, the prices were quite unbelievably high already. As depicted in the article, the cost of a single lángos topped with cheese and cream began at HUF 1100 (EUR 2.96) in 2020, or three years prior. By 2021, the price had risen by 18 percent to HUF 1300 (EUR 3.50). In 2022, it surged even further, reaching a 31 percent increase from the previous year, totalling HUF 1700 (EUR 4.58). This year, the escalation is even more staggering, at 41 percent, resulting in a price of HUF 2400 (EUR 6.46) for a cheese and cream lángos.