If you are in Budapest and need kosher dining, there are places for you. You don’t need to be Jewish to use this guide for kosher places to eat in New York. Here, we’ll present a list of top kosher restaurants in Budapest, tell you what kosher means and suggest tips for a great kosher meal.

What is the Meaning of Kosher?

According to Jewish dietary rules, kosher food is safe for people to eat and buy. According to kashrut, these laws say what is forbidden and explain the accepted methods of food preparation. To be considered kosher, food must follow rules such as where its ingredients came from, how they are handled and what utensils are used to prepare them.

Some animals such as pigs and shellfish, are not allowed under kosher rules. Kosher animals are killed following a special ritual (shechita) and meat and dairy are eaten separately. All meals should be made in kitchens that are approved by kosher certifications. Although keeping kashrut is important in Judaism, all visitors, both Jews and non-Jews, can enjoy kosher cuisine for its traditional tastes, strict sanitation and cultural value.

Kosher restaurants in Budapest often serve meals that are acceptable for religious Jews and locals, as well as tourists and the dishes are both approved by dietary laws and delicious.

Kosher eateries in Budapest

1. Carmel

Out of all the kosher restaurants in Budapest, people most often choose Carmel for its selection of Israeli and Hungarian food. Right in the center of the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find a restaurant with a comfortable setting and lots of different dishes. If you like smoked fish or yummy shawarma, you can find both choices here.

The restaurant has kosher wines, salads and makes sure to offer a fresh soup each day. Being near the Dohány Street Synagogue, it is easy for tourists exploring Jewish sites in Budapest to visit. Carmel is formed around their big meals, fair cost and friendly service. During holidays and on weekends, Shabbat meals bring people together to the synagogue from all around the Jewish community.

2. Macesz Huszár

Macesz Huszár should be on your list for true Jewish culinary experiences. The dishes here are influenced by the food traditions of Hungarian Jews. You might have heard of flódni, a traditional Jewish cake typically made with apple, walnut and poppy seed layers. Its calm atmosphere and welcoming service are why Macesz Huszár is popular with both locals and tourists.

Modern plating and heritage recipes come together at the restaurant to bring a traditional taste to its sophisticated atmosphere. Either goose pâté, duck or matzo ball soup, Macesz Huszár honors Jewish customs from the past but serves them in a modern way. You should make reservations ahead, since high seasons tend to be very busy.

How to Make the Most of a Kosher Meal

1. Ensure the books you buy have certification.

A valid kosher certification should be present any time you choose a kosher restaurant. Under these conditions, organizations are held to high standards of kosher food and checked by well-regarded kosher organizations. To confirm that you’re having kosher food, don’t forget to see the OU or OK symbol displayed.

In Budapest, some Jewish organizations like the MAZSIHISZ have been appointed to keep an eye on kosher restaurants. Most restaurants will show their certification by the door or in the menu, but if you can’t find it, always feel free to ask the staff to check.

2. Know the meaning of the Kosher Symbol

Take the time to learn about the kosher symbols you may find in Hungary. You will most often see “K” inside a circle as the main kosher symbol. A kosher symbol on an item shows that it is permitable for Jews. If there’s no kosher symbol, the food is not certified as kosher.

Sometimes you’ll find labels indicating “parve” (neutral), “meat” or “dairy”—these indications are necessary for those who follow the kosher rule against mixing those foods. To add to your kosher way of life in Budapest, check for these emblems whenever you’re buying packaged foods at markets.

3. Follow Kosher custom, always.

Be sure to follow the practices of a kosher restaurant while there. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t have anything to eat or drink that came from a different place and you can’t combine meats and dairy in your meals. There are also places in the kosher world where people are seated apart by gender, so always look out for signs of this arrangement.

Although at most kosher restaurants in Budapest everyone is welcome, observing these customs demonstrates respect for the faith of the restaurant. Some restaurants that keep kosher close on Fridays before the Sabbath and are closed on Saturdays. When you plan your visit, you won’t face any unexpected issues and your meal will run smoothly.

Find out about Kosher Dining in Budapest

Now you’ve gained basic knowledge about such places, you’re ready to sample dishes at Budapest’s kosher establishments. Wander through the colorful Jewish Quarter, sample kosher meals and learn about the areas Jewish past. Regardless of what you want—light snack or a full meal—you can expect the kosher eateries in Budapest to have just what you like.

Apart from Carmel and Macesz Huszár, several small bakeries and cafés also sell kosher-approved pastries, sandwiches and desserts. Visitors on Jewish heritage tours often enjoy eating at Jewish restaurants and festive celebration meals on the Shabbat or other holidays can be ordered from kosher locations and enjoyed by anyone.

Kosher food in Budapest isn’t only about abiding by certain rules; it helps you meet a diverse group of people and sample dishes passed on through families over the years. Because of mixing Hungarian, Ashkenazi and Middle Eastern elements, kosher meals in Budapest are flavorful and educate about their cultures.