A full guide to expenses on food in Budapest for anyone planning a trip.

Thinking about a trip to Budapest and want to know how much you’ll pay for food? The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, has something for every food lover, whether you’re trying to be frugal or can afford more upscale meals. In this guide, you’ll learn what you can expect to pay in Budapest for food in restaurants or on the street which can help you set your budget and fully enjoy your trip.

If you’re a budget traveler, someone after value for money or someone interested in fine dining, knowing the food prices in Budapest helps you make good choices.

What It Costs to Dine in a Restaurant

People enjoy Budapest’s tasty and inexpensive food. If you love Hungarian food or have an international taste, many dining spots will help you find something you like.

No matter if you’re looking for a cheap bite or an unforgettable meal, the city can provide it all. In addition, many of the city’s interesting cafes, active street stands and lovely restaurants have a nice atmosphere and showcase local culture, so having a meal outside is part of the fun.

Street Food

Local people and those visiting the country often choose street food. Enjoy tasty and fast meals or snacks without breaking the bank. A langos which is a fried dough covered in your favorite toppings, generally costs between 500 and 1000 HUF.

Other items you might come across on the streets are kolbász, chimney cakes and filled crepes. You’ll often find these classics sold from food trucks, market stalls or special Christmas markets during winter. For those who want a taste of Hungarian food on a budget, these small places provide just what you need.

Restaurants and cafes are included in this section.

A quiet meal at a local restaurant or cafe is easy to find in Budapest. Although prices are not the same everywhere, you’d usually pay between 2000 and 4000 HUF for a main course. Prices might go up in areas that are filled with tourists.

You’ll find many typical restaurants where you can have generous servings of goulash, chicken paprikash or stuffed cabbage. You can find Italian, Asian fusion and Mediterranean dishes in many places. You can enjoy breakfast or lunch at a café, as they offer tasty omelets, pastries, sandwiches and soups without breaking the bank.

Mid-range and Upscale Casual

Those looking for a high-end meal will find several upscale restaurants in Budapest. How much you pay often depends on the area and the fame a restaurant enjoys. Three courses may cost you between 8000 and 15,000 HUF on average.

When you visit these places, you’ll discover tasting menus, unique versions of Hungarian favorites and carefully chosen wine selections. A few of the leading venues earn prestigious Michelin stars. Even though fine dining remains rather pricey in Budapest, it is still cheaper than in big cities in the west, giving you the chance to go all out on delicious meals.

Grocery Shopping

Considering cooking yourself or spending less during your holiday? Then shopping for food at a local store is a wonderful choice. Many supermarkets and markets in Budapest provide you with fresh goods, traditional items and budget-friendly food.

If you book Airbnb or a serviced apartment, you’ll have kitchen facilities to make your own breakfasts. You’ll see that preparing meals with just a few staple foods at home can make your daily expenses a lot cheaper.

Supermarkets

You can easily see Spar, Tesco and Aldi supermarkets spread across the city. You can find decent prices at these shops, so you can buy food according to what you can spend. You might find that buying a loaf of bread costs roughly 200 HUF, a liter of milk costs around 280 HUF and a dozen eggs prices in at around 400 HUF.

These companies also provide ready meals, quick snacks and drinks for those who need food while on the road. It’s not uncommon to find salami, spicy spreads and pickled veggies at amazingly low prices in Hungary.

Local Markets

Visiting Hungarian markets saves money and gives a taste of what it’s like to live here. Nagyvásárcsarnok is a popular place, where you’ll find plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and Hungarian specialties. What you pay will depend on what you get and your negotiating, but there are still good deals to be had.

Apart from groceries, you will see souvenirs, handmade products and treats for trying, making the market an exciting and cultural spot for shopping. Finding local products and ingredients is a great way to discover foods you haven’t seen at home.

Drinks and Alcohol

How much you pay for drinks or alcohol in Budapest depends on the place you are at. Here you can see what is usually spent on different activities:

• You can buy a cup of coffee for anywhere between 300 and 600 HUF.
• A 0.5L bottle of local beer in a bar will cost you between 500 and 800 HUF
• A house wine glass: prices range from about 600 to 1000 HUF
• You can order a cocktail in a bar for anywhere between 1500 and 3000 HUF.

Try wines such as Tokaji and Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) when you are in Hungary. There is a great range of bars and ruin pubs where you can enjoy a fun evening for a lower price than most other cities in Europe.

Ways to Save Your Money

Guidelines for Holding on to Your Cash

Eating in Budapest is fairly cheap, but it’s still useful to have a bit of advice to help you save more money:

• You’ll find plenty of good-value and yummy street food options around the city.
• Go for lunch whenever possible, as many restaurants have discounted food prices during this time.
• At restaurants, choose the daily menus or “menu of the day” to pay less than if you order something different.
• Buy both groceries and picnic items from your area’s local supermarkets and markets.
• Stay away from places where the prices are usually higher for tourists.

You can use these tips for any length of time and save while you taste the finest local foods.

After reading this, you can now plan your finances and love the delicious meals Budapest has awaiting you. Budapest’s dining scenery is varied, so wherever you eat—on the street or at a fancy place—you can enjoy good food that won’t cost a lot.

You’ll never get bored with food in Budapest, as the different and affordable meals make every meal a highlight of your trip.