Introduction

I’m delighted to show you Budapest, the amazing and beautiful capital city of Hungary! One thing you may wonder during your planning is: how much does it cost to eat in Budapest? This is useful to ask, as you’ll be better able to plan your travel costs when you know the average prices. We will explore in this blog post the many aspects that can affect how much a meal costs in Budapest such as the food served and types of restaurants. Let’s begin this learning process!

What Impacts the Prices of Meals

The price of meals in Budapest depends on a variety of different situations. There are certain key elements that determine how much the project will cost.

• There are plenty of restaurants in Budapest, from cheap street food to fancy fine dining. Prices tend to be different at various places to eat.
• Location: It’s often more expensive to eat at restaurants found in areas popular with tourists than in other neighborhoods. Often, looking through neighborhoods can help you find places with bargain prices.
• The dishes in Hungarian cuisine are famous for their strong taste and good portions. Goulash, langos and chimney cake are both a delight to eat and worth their fair price. Still, if you try international food or high-end food, you may pay more.
• Consider lunch: Many restaurants give better deals on their lunch or special menus than you can find at dinner. You should plan your biggest meal, lunch, when these deals are available.

Extras like beverages, desserts or extras such as appetizers or sides often don’t come cheap. In case you’re counting pennies, tap water and set menus are a smart way to save money.

Food in Budapest mixes its own traditions with dishes from all over the world. In central Váci utca, you’ll often pay 5,000–8,000 HUF for a meal ($13–$21), while somewhere in District VIII gives you the same food for 2,000–3,500 HUF ($5–$9). Hungarian food is based on paprika and game meats and is still an affordable choice, including goulash, priced between 1,500 and 2,500 HUF ($4–$7 USD). Since imported ingredients are used, international dishes such as Japanese sushi or Italian delicacies, tend to cost more and range from 4,000–7,000 HUF. If you eat lunch between 12 and 3, you may save 20–30% at middle-priced restaurants.

The price of meals in Budapest

Even though prices may vary because of various factors, here’s an overview of how much a meal will usually cost in Budapest:

• Meal Type
• Average Price
• Street Food
• Between 500 and 2,000 forints is the same as 1.5–6 US dollars.
• Local Restaurant
• Between 1,500 and 3,000 HUF which is 4.5 to 9 USD
• Mid-range Restaurant
• You will spend about 3,500–6,000 HUF every day which equals 10.5–18 USD.
• High-end Restaurant
• Any amount over 8,000 HUF (or 24 USD)

It is possible that, depending on your needs and the things we mentioned above, the prices can be slightly above or below average.

Budapest ranks as one of the continent’s most affordable places to have a meal. Locals buy lángos with sour cream for around 800 to 1,500 HUF ($2–$4 USD) and a three-course local meal costs around 2,500 HUF ($7 USD). At places nearby Andrássy Avenue, you can order a duck confit for about $10 USD, as it costs 4,000 HUF. Michelin-starred Costes and comparable high-end spots begin with tasting menus at 15,000 HUF which represents the use of the best ingredients.

Tips for Dining on a Budget

If you’re trying to cut costs on meals in Budapest, try these strategies to make your money go further:

• Be sure to look for markets: One of the best is the Great Market Hall, located in Budapest. You will discover fresh items, local favorites and tasty and inexpensive food from local vendors.
• Get the daily special: Most places have discounts or offers for their lunch specials. Try one of these special menus for a great meal at a reasonable price.
• Experience Budapest’s street food: it’s well worth trying. You can try favorite foods like lángos and kürtőskalács from the vendors at the street and not break the bank.
• Share portions: You’ll often find that the meals you get in Hungarian restaurants are generous. Work together to share dishes with your fellow travelers so you save both resources and money.
• Get breakfast or a snack at a local bakery: You’ll taste great treats for a low price. Fresh and inexpensive pastries and sandwiches are easy to get here.

You can find extra savings with Wolt or get a large range of foods at shopping centers like Karaván for HUF 1,000 to 2,500 ($3 to $7 USD). While upmarket restaurants on Hold Street serve tasty dishes, the bakeries in District VII let you buy strudel for a few hundred forints ($1.50 USD). Menü deals which provide a main course and beverage for 1,500–2,500 HUF ($4–$7 USD), are worth your attention. Avoiding the tourist spots near Parliament helps you save, since locals usually choose spots in Józsefváros or Óbuda instead.

What to Eat in Budapest

Traditional flavors and creative ideas works hand-in-hand in Budapest’s cuisine. Globally famous Tokaji wine and paprika are sold at the Great Market Hall, along with snacks from many countries, showing the city’s mix of cultures. At Szimpla Kert, guests can order affordable dishes with various influences and Budapest’s wine festival, among others, adds local wines for appreciative guests. You’ll find kosher-style flódni (traditional layers of pastry) all around and if you’re vegan, Vega City is a good bet. This merging allows every wallet to explore delicious meals.

Conclusion

Remember to choose your meals wisely, explore the city and use economical options so you can eat your way around Budapest without spending much money.

Our goal with this guide is that you have a clear picture of how much you need to budget for food. Have a wonderful time and enjoy what you eat!