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.

Lángos. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Christo

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.

Further price increase

Now, Index reports that visitors to Lake Balaton should brace for a nearly 10 percent hike in prices compared to last year’s peak rates. During the pre-season, efforts will be made to maintain current prices, but another increase is anticipated as peak season sets in. László Kovács, president of the Hungarian Hospitality Industry Association, indicated in April that an 8-10 percent price surge is on the horizon, noting that certain establishments have already implemented price adjustments.

This year’s prices

So what should we expect? A plain lángos is priced at HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.58), while a cheese and cream lángos sells for HUF 1,900 (EUR 4.91), and a tuna lángos for HUF 3,600 (EUR 9.30). Heartier dishes cost even more, bean goulash is listed at HUF 2,600 (EUR 6.71), and a gyros dish at HUF 3200 (EUR 8.27). The sad part is that these prices are still considered to be pre-season prices. As peak season hits, these numbers will skyrocket again.

Additionally, ice cream prices are poised to ascend this year. Confectionery shop managers anticipate a roughly 10 percent increase, attributed to rising costs of butter, milk, chocolate, and overhead expenses. They also expressed intentions to raise workers’ wages in response to inflation. As a result, a scoop of ice cream is projected to cost between HUF 600 (EUR 1.55) and HUF 650 (EUR 1.68).