Dining well is easy and economical when you visit Budapest. Residents in the city can enjoy many cheap spots for eating that suit different tastes. If you like both Hungarian and international dishes, here are a few cheap places to eat in Budapest where both your food and your budget will be satisfied.

Budapest’s Cheap Eating

Compared to London, main meals in Budapest are sold for just 800–3,000 HUF when the same amounts are 10 times higher in London. Spring 2025 in Favela Paradiso will feature street food at its markets, happening in Budget spots in Districts V, VII and IX. On Reddit’s r/budapest, people praise the city’s affordable dishes which mix Hungarian food with other global influences, based on Eater.

1. Csarnok

Central Market Hall in Budapest’s city center is perfect for trying Hungarian food on a budget. You’ll find many sections at this market selling fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses and snacks on the street. Walk down to the lower area and you can find both lángos and kürtőskalács which are traditional, inexpensive Hungarian snacks.

Fővám tér 1–3 (Ninth District) is where you’ll find lángos for 800 HUF (£1.67) and kürtőskalács for 1,000 HUF (£2.08). Open 6 AM until 6 PM, not far from the M4 (Fővám tér). TripAdvisor (4.4/5) is always happy to hear about local food.

2. Karavan is a Food Court

If you want to sample many types of street food from around the world, Karavan Street Food Court is perfect. Located within the Jewish Quarter, the courtyard is a lively place with food trucks and stalls serving tacos, pho and more. Both tourists and locals enjoy Darren’s because its prices are low and the environment is always bright.

Our visit to Kazinczy u. 18 in District VII saw dishes such as tacos at 1,500 HUF (£3.13), pho at 2,000 HUF (£4.17). The place is open until 11 PM and sits near M1 (Oktogon). /Budapest sees the event as a “global feast.”

3. They call him Frici Papa Kifozdeje.

Visit Frici Papa Kifozdeje for real Hungarian food at a fair price. Hearty food from Hungary is served here for friendly prices. Although goulash and chicken paprikash are delicious, you still won’t break the bank by eating them. The big portions will give you plenty to eat so you won’t go home hungry.

At the location on Király u. 55 (In District VII), a goulash meal costs 1,500 HUF (£3.13) and paprikash is 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Until 9 PM, close by M1 (Oktogon). Viator describes the dishes as tasting like they were made at home.

4. Bors GasztroBar

Anyone who loves sandwiches should try Bors GasztroBar. At this small place, you’ll find interesting sandwiches with unique flavors. They are priced well and you get excellent quality. There are often long lines at peak hours, since the place is much loved by the locals. You can take your sandwich away with you and eat it in one of Budapest’s lovely parks.

Half the price of a meal at Kazinczy u. 10 is around 1,800 HUF (£3.75). The restaurant closes at 9 PM, found near M1 at Oktogon. Subscribers of /r/Budapest are big fans of “flavor bombs.”

5. Köleves Kert

Köleves Kert is a lovely find in Budapest, offering excellent food in a natural garden setting. You’ll find Hungarian and international food on the menu and the prices haven’t been overpriced. Live performances that take place here, filling the restaurant with fun and activity. You should include their Hungarian dishes on your menu, especially stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikash.

During my visit to Kazinczy u. 37–41 (District VII), serving myself some stuffed cabbage cost me 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Till 11:00 PM at the Oktogon area, you can also find it on the M1 line. TripAdvisor gives it high ratings (4.4/5) mainly for its “garden vibe.”

6. Gelarto Rosa

Make sure you have some ice cream when you visit Budapest. Close to St. Stephen’s Basilica, Gelarto Rosa is famous for making delicious and eye-pleasing gelato. You can find many different tastes in Italian ice and the staff forms every cone into a rose. You get what you need at a great price and with great service.

The same gelato costs 800 HUF (£1.67), according to the sign posted at Szent István tér 3 in District V. It’s open until 10 PM and you can find it at M3 (Arany János utca). Viator scores 4.5 out of 5 for its fashionable ways of serving ice cream.

7. Belvárosi Disznótoros

If you like meat, Belvárosi Disznótoros is the place to be. The restaurant specializes in Hungarian-style pork dishes which are available at reasonable cost. If you have a hankering for meat, you’ll discover everything from crispy pork knuckles to rich sausages. Since the portions are large, you’ll want to come feeling quite hungry.

It’s possible to get pork knuckles (at Károlyi u. 17 in District V) for 2,500 HUF (£5.21). Working until 8 PM and can be reached from M3 (at Ferenciek tere). Reddit users in r/budapest describe it as a meat lover’s paradise.

Useful Advice for May 2025

Show up early, since Karavan gets busy right around 7 PM.

You should have HUF cash on hand while at Central Market.

Frici Papa’s lunch specials: You can get one for 1,200 HUF or £2.50.

Buying a M1/M3/M4 pass for 350 HUF or £0.73, allows you to eat in the city.

Food markets increase their stalls during May, reports budapestinfo.hu.

Protect your belongings by keeping your bags secure at crowded Karavan.

What Makes Eating On A Budget Necessary?

You can find delicious, local flavors for a fraction of the price here (£2–£5) than you would in London (£15+). Explore St. Stephen’s Basilica for free or enjoy a drink in one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars (£1.46 per pint).

Final Thoughts

Trying local food in Budapest doesn’t have to cost a lot. Wherever you eat in the city, you’ll find delicious local and global food at prices that won’t break the bank. Seek out uncommon places to eat to find undiscovered meals that won’t cost a lot.

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