Budapest is a city of flavors, where you can discover the city’s rich culinary offerings even as you stroll through the streets. Come with us, let’s wander through the city streets together and immerse ourselves in the diversity and flavors of sweet and savory street food of Hungarian cuisine.
Lángos:
This juicy, deep-fried dough is a real treat, most often served with garlic sour cream and cheese. It is available in many different flavors, such as with ham, sausage or even mushrooms.
Kürtőskalács:
This cinnamon-flavored, baked dough is a real treat, most often served sprinkled with powdered sugar, cocoa or nuts. It is tasty and eye-catching, attracting both locals and tourists alike due to its unique shape and sweet taste.
Kolbász:
Hungarian sausages are available in many different varieties, such as with spicy paprika or smoked flavor. It is a perfect bite for a quick breakfast or lunch, and pairs well with fresh bread and mustard.
Hortobágyi Palacsinta:
This is a filled version of the pancake, which is usually filled with a savory meat ragout and then baked or cooked. It is a tasty and filling bite that is worth trying during a sightseeing walk.
Where to taste it?
In Budapest, you can find street vendors and bistros in many places that offer street food from Hungarian cuisine. Lángos is available at almost every street stall, but the best ones can be found in the stalls on the shore of the City Park Lake, opposite the Belváros Market. Kürtőskalács is sold in many places on the street, but the freshest ones can be found in the wooden houses on Váci Street or Ferenciek Square. You can also find sausages at markets, butchers and street food festivals. Try the spicy paprika sausage, the smoked sausage or the Debrecen sausage. And if you are having lunch in a traditional Hungarian restaurant, then do not hesitate to order a hortobágyi pancake, which will almost certainly be on the menu.
Where to go if you crave such delicious bites?
- Kazinczy Street and surroundings (Erzsébetváros): This area is one of the city’s most popular food and drink spots, with numerous bistros and eateries.
- Hold Street (Belváros-Lipótváros): The Hold Street area has many cafes, bistros and eateries waiting for hungry travelers. It is also worth searching for places that offer traditional Hungarian flavors here.
- Nagycsarnok (Belváros-Lipótváros): In the Nagycsarnok, or the Fővám tér market square, you can choose from a wide range of dining options, including everything from lángos to sausages and all sorts of delicacies.
- Ruin Pub area (Erzsébetváros): In the city’s ruin bar district, you can also find places that offer traditional Hungarian food and street food, often in a unique, creative environment.
- Gozsdu Udvar (Erzsébetváros): This area is full of restaurants, bars and bistros where you can taste the delights of local and international cuisine, including Hungarian street food specialties.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to try the local drinks too, such as pálinka or fröccs.
- Many street food places also offer ready-to-eat food to go, making them perfect if you want to eat on the go.
- Hungarians are very proud of their cuisine, so they will be happy to tell you about the food and traditions.