Introduction

Budapest is well known for its many delicious dishes. A great way to learn about Hungary’s traditions is by visiting local restaurants. If you’re just arriving in the city and want to know where locals go, this book is perfect for you. Through our tips and advice, we’ll guide you to the best spot in Budapest to experience Hungarian food.

You can see the heart of the city in the varied and interesting food. Many residents are proud of their traditional cuisine and food plays a big role in their every day, whether it’s just a snack or a full-course meal. An excellent way to try this is by avoiding the crowded restaurant areas and finding places where people from the area eat. This guide features these areas and explains how locals enjoy meals and time with friends in Budapest.

Budapest’s Markets

If you want to understand local food, check out one of Budapest’s famous market halls. You’ll probably see the most people at the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) and the Central Market Hall (Fővám Tér). Most locals go to these lively markets to get their fresh greens, meats and bakery products. Among the food stalls, you’ll notice sweet pastries called chimney cakes as well as rich lángos which are fried dough snacks.

They’re much more than just shops to buy food; they’re places where people gather, witness culture and find delicious meals. If you go upstairs at the Great Market Hall, you’ll discover many food vendors serving sausage specialties and meat-based soups. You can pretty much just grab a quick bite as Hungarians do and feel part of the scene while enjoying hot dogs and poppy seed rolls.

Café Gerbeaud

Over one hundred years ago, in 1858, Café Gerbeaud opened on Vörösmarty Square and continues to be a well-known café and bakery. Locals enjoy this classy bakery for its fresh pastries, familiar cakes and artfully made coffees. You won’t want to miss their popular Gerbeaud slice which has apricot jam, walnut filling and chocolate glaze.

Aside from its historical importance, Café Gerbeaud gives a unique experience that doesn’t change with time. Layout wise, the interior—with marble tables, velvet curtains and mirrors lit by gold—is ready for a quiet dinner or drink. Many visitors enjoy Fairytale as much as locals do for its continual success, proud heritage and traditional, high-quality desserts.

The Karaván group consists of street food outlets.

The street food courtyard Karaván is in the Jewish Quarter. People from the area visit there for a range of dishes in an energetic setting. You’ll find all sorts of specialties at Karaván, including succulent burgers, delicious fries and authentic Mexican tacos—even mouthwatering chimney cakes. Take advantage of the outdoor seating and get energized by everything happening in the area around you.

Hungriest late in the day? You’ll have no problem finding a table as the neighborhood’s ruin bars do their busiest business. This is a great way to get a delicious meal in a relaxed and sunny place. Many people from the neighborhood visit Sushi Before For a meal before heading out or at lunch if they live or work close by. You can also discover different international dishes adapted in Hungary.

Ruszwurm Confectionery

In the Castle District, Ruszwurm Confectionery is the city’s oldest bakery, founded in 1827. Its main claim to fame is its authentic Hungarian cakes and pastries, among which the Dobos and apple strudel are special. Enter this place and enjoy a dessert while taking in the historical environment.

Since its interior is so quiet and nostalgic, Ruszwurm draws visitors looking for a calm spot off the tourist path. It’s not only the sweets that bring locals; many come to share a cup of black coffee or a hot beverage and soak up the heritage as well. Tasting the ice cream is a great way to finish your hike through Buda Castle.

Étkezde-Style Restaurants

You will find these restaurants easy to enter and pleasant to be in, as they are spots where you’ll find locals sharing a fast, good meal. These modest restaurants provide classic Hungarian meals for a lot and a little.

Although they aren’t fancy, étkezdes are where the true flavors of Hungarian food are found. At many lunch places, the meals are brought to your table by veteran waitresses or waiters. Menus may be simple and scribbled and what’s offered daily fluctuates with the seasons. Commonly, you’ll come across pörkölt (a rich stew of meat), főzelék (a vegetable mash) and túrós csusza (a noodle dish with added cottage cheese).

Restaurant Mature Budapest

This éterem is found in the heart of the city and enjoys great popularity with the locals. You should enjoy their exceptional goulash, classic stews and delicious schnitzel. You can feel at ease here and try true Hungarian meals without spending too much.

Those who are seeing St. Stephen’s Basilica or the Parliament should check out this place. Because the place is close and the meals are dependably tasty, townspeople come here again and again during both lunch and dinner.

It’s called Frici Papa Kifőzdéje.

Visit Frici Papa Kifőzdéje and walk through the past. Staff at this Újlipótváros retro place prepare old Hungarian favorites like meatball stew, stuffed peppers and potato pancakes. All the portions are filling and you’ll love the taste just like a resident. Ensure you try the local pálinka, a special Hungarian brandy that is made at home.

The place has classic decor and the prices are some of the lowest you’ll find in town. People from the area are fond of it for its cozy feeling, uncomplicated meals and colorful mix of students, workers and families. If you’re looking for simple, good food, you’ll find it here.

Ruins Bars

These bars take old, abandoned structures and make them into colorful and popular places. Apart from being vibrant and imaginatively decorated, these bars offer food that local residents love.

Ruin bars function as more than only bars; they are like communities. A lot of them have grown into places for culture, with events featuring music, flea markets, films and pop-up kitchens. Visiting one is a quick and tasty way to enjoy the younger, international feeling of Budapest.

Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert is a leading ruin bar in Budapest. In addition to its characteristic style, the market holds a farmer’s market every Sunday so you can buy fresh produce, locally-grown food and taste different kinds of street food. If you’d like to try a burger, a pizza or different vegan dishes, Szimpla Kert has you sorted.

Most locals like to visit for fun, breakfast, shopping and social activities. Because we have new vendors all the time, you’ll find new foods to try—even on your next visit.

Instant

Many people love Instant for its unique array of food. Food trucks and pop-up stands selling dishes from many different countries can be found inside. If you’re in the mood for eating, try pad thai, a falafel wrap or pork in a sandwich—then meet some locals and enjoy the lively scene.

Although Instant turns into a lively party destination when night falls, you can still order the same tasty food all the time. A lot of people start their evening by enjoying a meal here, before dancing in the different rooms at the complex.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of restaurants in Budapest, but eating where the locals go lets you taste the city’s true food culture. With a visit to these places, you’ll be sure to taste and love many of Budapest’s delicious treats. Let your fork take you to the amazing food and dishes of Budapest!