The capital city of Budapest, Hungary, is celebrated for its lovely architecture, interesting past and tasty dishes. Enjoy authentic Hungarian meals from both simple street vendors and fancier restaurants and it won’t cost you a lot. We will provide you with information on what dining out in Budapest usually costs and suggest some ways to eat well on a budget.

1. Common Hungarian Food

 Hungarian dishes are known for being both hearty and very flavorful. You should try Goulash, a paprika-flavored beef and vegetable stew, when in Hungary. For example, you can also find langos which are fried dough with toppings, chimney cake or Túrós Csusza, pasta with cottage cheese.

Besides the classics, consider eating Paprikás Csirke (chicken in paprika sauce), Hortobágyi palacsinta (stuffed crepes with meat) and Halászlé (fisherman’s soup). Agriculture and cultural traditions are reflected in the tasty and historic traditional meals eaten in Hungary.

Tips:

 Locate the signs “Étkezde” or “Vendéglő”: They show places with great traditional food that won’t break your budget. Such small diners usually make food the way you would at home and this often brings back customers.

You may want to pick from the daily lunch menus: most places in town have fixed-price lunch offers they call “napi menü” or “menü ajánlat”. Most of the time, these menus have a soup, a main course and a drink that fit within a fair budget. It’s a great chance to enjoy a properly served meal in a lovely place for less than if you ordered your food individually.

2. Dining Options

 No matter how much you want to spend, there is a restaurant in Budapest for you. Whether you want something simple or something special, Sydney has a place for every taste. You can save money by trying these options when enjoying local food culture.

a. Street Food

 If you’re a fan of street food, you will fall in love with Budapest. You’ll come across both delicious and inexpensive dishes at various places in the city. If you’re on Founders’ Walk, try a chimney cake or ask for a langos from a street vendor. They taste great and won’t leave you out of pocket.

Along with well-known dishes, a lot of trucks and kiosks serve thrifty eats such as grilled sausages, meat sandwiches and options for vegan guests. Gozsdu Courtyard and the area around Karavan Street Food on Kazinczy Street are perfect places to sample Budapest’s street food.

b. Market Halls

 Go to the Great Market Hall or one of the many local market halls in Budapest. You can expect to find many types of fresh fruit, vegetables and lots of street food at these markets. If you want, you can eat at one of the stalls or get the ingredients to prepare a value meal yourself.

Use local recommendations and eat stuffed cabbage, hearty meat stews or tasty paprika chicken in the cafeteria. Besides being cheap, these meals introduce you to how regular Hungarians eat every day.

b. Places to Eat for Little Money

 You can find many eateries in Budapest where you can enjoy delicious dishes for less money. Seek out neighborhood restaurants that locals often visit, since they normally give you a lot for your money. Look up online reviews, speak to those living there and discover places that won’t overdo your budget.

If you want to taste Hungarian food for less, try Frici Papa or Menza. Nearby restaurants to universities supply tasty portions for under 3000 HUF ($10).

3. How Much Does a Meal Cost

 The amount you spend on a meal in Budapest will depend on your chosen restaurant and the part of town you’re in. These prices give you an idea of what you might pay:

Meal Average Parking Cost

Examples are street foods such as langos.

Receipts you’ll see are typically in the 500 to 1500 HUF range which is between $2 and $6.

Lunch Menu

Main meal prices are usually between 1200 and 2500 HUF ($5 – $10).

Casual Restaurant

I find that 2000 – 5000 HUF can be converted into $8 – $20 if you exchange money in Budapest.

Mid-range Restaurant

Always check the prices in HUF: 5000 ($20) to 8000 ($30).

Fancy Restaurant

Nearly 30 US dollars($30+)

Please note that these prices are actually close to the original ones, but prices do change depending on the area and quality of the restaurant.

You’ll find that Váci Street’s places are more expensive and Buda Castle is the same, while District VIII and District IX are both cheaper and showcase the local atmosphere.

4. How to Save on Your Meals

 I’ll share a few more guidelines that will help you save on dining out in Budapest.

Drink the safe tap water instead of bottled water. It’s going to save you some cash when you get your drinks. Just use “csapvíz, kérek” as your request for tap water.

Get something that will satisfy two people: Hungarian dishes are known for being generous. You can save yourself money and food by sharing dishes with a friend. This happens the most when you look at dishes with lots of meat and sweets.

Go to street food festivals: You’ll find street food festivals in Budapest throughout the year. You get to taste many foods while spending less money when these events are held. The Budapest Street Food Show, Gourmet Festival and popular beer festivals regularly involve food trucks.

Daily deals may be available at some restaurants during half-price hours. Keep checking these offers if you’d like to eat out for less. You may find that happy hour specials are available for food as well as for drinks or both together.

Don’t forget that Wolt and NetPincér (among similar apps) may have chill offers and special codes. When you sign up for a loyalty card at your place of stay, you may receive discounts at nearby restaurants.

After finding out what meals can cost in Budapest and how to stay frugal, you can let yourself fully experience what the city’s restaurants offer. Bon appétit!