Introduction

Experience the thick of Hungary’s traditions by exploring Budapest for its delicious food. Because Hungarian traditional dishes mix with international cuisine, Budapest’s food is both unique and appealing to both residents and guests. We will introduce you to the top ways to enjoy food tours in Budapest, featuring its best known dishes, markets and secret delicacies. Budapest has something for you, whether you’re a passionate foodie or just want to try good local food.

Some Hungarian Meals You Shouldn’t Miss

Hungarian cooking is made with flavorful ingredients and is an example of the country’s interesting and varied past. While in Budapest, it’s important to sample these typical Hungarian dishes:

• Everyone knows that goulash is made by simmering meat and seasoning it with Hungary’s famous paprika. Pot roast is generally prepared using soft pieces of beef, potatoes, carrots and perhaps other root vegetables. By slow cooking, you allow the flavors to infuse the stew, so it is ideal for eating any time of year.
• Langos is fried Hungarian street food made from bread dough. The standard is a topping made of garlic, sour cream, cheese, but if you like you can upgrade with smoked salmon or ham. Good for a fast snack when you’re exploring restaurants or as a hearty treat.
• In Chicken Paprikash, you’ll find chicken cooked in a tasty sauce flavored with paprika. The dish goes best with nokedli which soaks up the liquid from the sauce. The creaminess and taste of paprika make this a hot and tasty meal.
• Another name for kürtőskalács is chimney cake which involves making sweet dough rolled on a stick and then cooking it over a fire. The topping is made by coating the dough with sugar, so it can caramelize into a crunchy top and you may find cinnamon, chopped nuts or cocoa on top. It’s an essential Hungarian dessert and you will often see it at markets and festivals.

Visiting Budapest’s Public Markets

At Budapest’s food markets, you can discover the city’s different recipes and grab some truly delicious local snacks, fresh ingredients and artisan products. Here are two markets you should put on your list:

• Unlike Karlic, you’ll find a wider variety of vendors and visitors (often tourists) at the vibrant Central Market Hall. The market offers you fresh fruits and vegetables, types of meat, cheeses, spices and crafts made by hand. Wander along the stalls to see all the produce, sample the country’s traditional foods and grab some spices or paprika as a present for yourself
• Szimpla Farmers’ Market is set up in the famous Szimpla Kert pub on Sunday afternoons and has a cooler, casual feel. Homemade jams, organic foods, fresh baked goods and carefully created artisanal items are found here. The market provides a place for connecting, letting people chat with producers, taste true and tasty cheeses and sausages and listen to live music and pleasant conversations.

Attending a Food Tour

If you want to fully enjoy the gastronomy of Budapest, try to join a food tour. You’ll follow these tours to visit unusual places where locals buy food, encounter chefs and culinary artists and find out about the history of Hungary’s dishes.

When you go on a food tour, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Go to the finest dining spots in town and sample real native cuisine.
• Explore how Hungarians saw their food as a way to show their history and culture.
• Check out areas and places that people don’t flock to.
• Exchange suggestions about food and meet others with similar interests.

If you want to eat street food in the Jewish Quarter or prefer tasting Hungarian beers in hip ruin pubs, you can find a food tour that interests you in Budapest. These tours bring together food tastings and information about Hungarian culture which is ideal for anyone aiming to explore Hungarian food heritage.

The Best Places and Traditional Food

Although Budapest is famous for traditional dishes and its busy markets, food lover should also look for these hidden treasures.

• The Zeller Bistro in Budapest is a lovely restaurant that takes Hungarian dishes and gives them a modern finish. Dishes on their menu feature new ideas, for example, duck breast served with a crisp skin and seasonal vegetables or their traditional strudels with filling made at home. Anyone searching for a fantastic and stylish meal will find it at this Parisian bistro.

• Ruszwurm Confectionery is one of the most venerable pastry shops in Budapest and was founded in 1827. Fast food places won’t do here; enjoy typical pastries such as Dobos torte, a multilayered sponge cake filled with rich chocolate buttercream and caramel or Somlói cake, another delight with rum soaked sponges, chocolate and cream filling. The atmosphere makes you feel as if you’re back in time.

• Having a pálinka or two is a must during any visit to Budapest. Both the Pálinka Museum Budapest and the Pálinka Élmény és Vásárlás shop are good places to go for a guided tasting. You have the chance to taste flavors from plums, apricots, cherries or pears and find out about the making and meaning of eau de vie here.

Conclusion

Traditional food from Hungary sits side by side with international food in the city of Budapest. Joining a food tour or checking out local fresh market stalls will show you why food lovers love Budapest.

Taste the exciting Hungarian meals, adore the rich flavors and let Buda leftovers remembered in your mouth. No matter if you are enjoying hearty goulash, a crispy langos or sipping pálinka, you’ll be surprised how much your senses will be pleased in Budapest.