What to Eat in Budapest Hungary on your Trip?

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Are you wondering about What to Eat in Budapest Hungary?

In this post, I will be sharing with you 10 Hungarian Dishes that you can try on your trip to Budapest.

So you are not confused and all ready to try some of the traditional Hungarian cuisine and can plan to include it in your itinerary.

Since Budapest was one of the first European city which I visited back in 2019 at that time I was not even sure what should I do in the city, so I was at the mercy of some of the guided tours I took.

When people travel to Hungary Budapest Travel Guide the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful architecture of the parliament building, Booz, nightlife, Boat Party, Pub Crawl, thermal baths, and uncountable pubs to hop.

But how can you miss trying the excellent dishes that this Hungarian Capital has to offer?

Eat like a local by ordering these classic Hungarian Dishes. Being an English speaker, sometimes I find difficulty in pronouncing the traditional names of a few dishes, but you can always point your finger on the menu and order for you. Works like a charm :)

If you don’t want to go hungry in Hungary (forgive me, I couldn’t just leave that there), here’s all the best food in Budapest–good luck deciding what to eat!

But yeah one thing which I always learn when traveling to some different country is saying Cheers In Hungarian How To Say Egeszsegedre Audio in their language, It works like a charm to make new friends 😉

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Eight Unusual Places To Visit In Budapest Hungary

Here is the list of food to try in %20%22budapest%22 during your travel which will answer - What to eat in Budapest?

What to Eat in Budapest Hungary?

Halaszle

A very old recipe that highlights the traditional soup made with a dashing flavour of paprika and fish. You have to make the soup outside on fire and process it for several hours to get the authentic flavour

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Toltott Kaposzta

The cute cabbage rolls are stuffed with rice and meat. The cabbage in Hungary is pickled and gives you a tangy taste.

Retes

A good slice of Retes and a cup of Hungarian coffee definitely makes your day in Budapest if you are a food lover. Retes is also a sweet long pastry filled with apple, poppy seed or cherry.

Kurtoskalacs (Chimney Cake)

Kürtőskalács is a sweet spiral bread rolled over cinnamon, sugar, nuts or grated coconut. This is cooked over charcoal. Finally, the good hot and sweet snack is ready for you.

Somloi Galuska

It’s one of the traditional cakes from Hungary. Somloi Galuska is topped with chocolate rum sauce, whipped cream and raisins. Sponge cake, plain, walnut and chocolate are three varieties among traditional desserts of Budapest.

Palinka

This fruity alcohol contains strong alcohol content which ranges between 37.5%- 85% ABV. Pálinka needs to be sipped slowly to enjoy best flavour and aroma.

Lángos

For classic comfort food on the go, pick up a Lángos. It's a deep-fried doughy flatbread that's eaten warm and slathered with sour cream and grated cheese or with garlicky butter

The perfect Lángos are crisp on the outside and soft and plump in the middle. Sometimes, they're made with potato (krumplis lángos) and occasionally served with sausage (kolbász) on top. 

Gulyás (Goulash)

Hungary's national dish is a stew famous worldwide. An authentic gulyás is a thin broth of chunks of beef. The beef includes onions, paprika, tomatoes, and pepper. It's best to serve with fresh white bread and chopped hot paprika on the side. 

Palacsinta

Hungarian pancakes (think thin, crepe-like pancakes, not fluffy American pancakes) are one of the only Hungarian dishes that has survived my family’s immigration to the USA long enough that I actually learned how to make them as a teenager–and they’re amazing!

Palacsinta can be served either sweet or savory, and they’re delicious either way.

Kolbász (Sausage)

Sausages are a big deal in Hungary. They feature in dishes served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and pop up in stews, soups, salads, and pastries. Kolbász is the catch-all term for Hungarian sausages. The wide variety of Kolbasz includes cooked, boiled, cured or smoked sausages.

Gyümölcsleves (Cold Fruit Soup)

It sounds like a dessert, but its a starter indeed. This is a cool and chilled started served in summers. Therefore, the most popular version of this refreshing delicacy is meggyleves. Meggylevesconsists of  made from sour cherries, sour cream, and a little sugar. Gyümölcsleves is famous across Central and Eastern Europe because stone fruit grows abundantly in the spring and summer. 

Dobos Torta (Drummer Cake)

Cafes and bakeries across the country in Budapest serve this show-stopping sweet dish. Dobos Torta is a popular celebration cake at weddings and parties. It consists of 5 and 7 delicate sponge layers, each spread with chocolate buttercream and topped with a thick layer of caramelized sugar (for a satisfying crack when tapped with a fork).

• Craving for Indian Food in Budapest? Chasing Whereabouts has created a list of Indian Restaurants In Budapest, where you can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items.

• Are you also travelling to Vienna along with Budapest? We have a list of Indian Restaurants In Vienna as well. Also, don't forget to read our Vienna Travel Guide Austria, the only guide you will need for Vienna.

FAQs: What to Eat in Budapest?

Where do Locals eat in Budapest?

1. Market Halls: The Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) and the Great Market Hall (Fővám tér) are popular destinations for locals to enjoy a variety of Hungarian dishes, including langos (fried bread), goulash, and chimney cake.

2. Hungarian Taverns: Traditional Hungarian taverns, known as "étkezde" or "mennyei", are frequented by locals for their hearty and affordable meals. These taverns serve classic Hungarian dishes like chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage, and Hungarian sausages.

3. Local Street Food: Budapest is known for its vibrant street food scene, and locals often grab a quick bite from street food stalls and food trucks. Popular choices include lángos (fried dough), kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and Hungarian sausages.

4. Neighborhood Restaurants: Away from the tourist areas, Budapest has many neighborhood restaurants where locals gather for a meal. These establishments offer a more authentic dining experience and serve traditional Hungarian dishes prepared with local ingredients.

5. Ruin Bars: Budapest's ruin bars have gained popularity among both locals and tourists. These unique bars, located in abandoned buildings or courtyards, often have food options as well. They offer a casual atmosphere, live music, and a chance to mingle with locals.

Is Budapest Expensive to Eat and Drink?

Budapest can offer a range of dining options to suit different budgets. The cost of eating and drinking in Budapest can vary depending on the type of establishment you choose. Generally, compared to Western European cities, Budapest is considered to be relatively affordable.

In terms of dining out, there are many budget-friendly options such as local Hungarian eateries, street food stalls, and self-service restaurants where you can enjoy a meal at a reasonable price. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Budapest can cost around 1500-2500 HUF per person (approximately $5-9 USD).

When it comes to drinks, Budapest has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars and pubs to choose from. The prices of drinks can vary depending on the location and type of establishment. In general, beer is relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from 300-600 HUF (approximately $1-2 USD) for a pint. Cocktails and spirits can be more expensive, typically costing around 1000-2000 HUF (approximately $3-7 USD) each.

For a one-day visit to Budapest for two people, you can expect to spend around 8000-12000 HUF (approximately $27-40 USD) on meals and drinks, depending on your preferences and the type of establishments you choose.

It's worth noting that prices may vary depending on the exchange rate and the specific location within Budapest. It was really helpful for me during this trip that I was carrying my Wise with me because I didn't have to pay any fees for paying in different currencies.

Therefore, in case you have tried some more dishes in Budapest, don't forget to share them with us in the comments, we would surely like to taste them on our next visit to Budapest. Looking to explore more options to eat 10 Iconic Hungarian Food And Drinks You Must Try In Budapest.

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