Budapest isn’t just a city of stunning architecture and rich history; it’s also a haven for food lovers. The Hungarian capital boasts a culinary scene that combines traditional Hungarian comfort food, street food delights, and fine dining options, all reflecting the city's diverse cultural influences. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or someone with a sweet tooth, Budapest has something to satisfy every palate. Here’s an ultimate food guide to help you discover the most iconic and delicious dishes you must try when visiting Budapest.
Gulyás (Goulash)
No food guide to Budapest would be complete without mentioning gulyás, Hungary’s national dish. While goulash is well-known worldwide, the Hungarian version is a hearty, flavorful soup made with tender beef, onions, paprika, vegetables, and potatoes. Often served with crusty bread, gulyás is a comforting meal, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.
Why try it: Gulyás is not just a soup; it’s a rich cultural experience. The dish is a staple of Hungarian kitchens and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Where to eat: Head to Kádár Étkezde, a traditional Hungarian eatery, or Menza Restaurant in the lively Liszt Ferenc Square.
Lángos (Fried Dough)
A popular Hungarian street food, lángos is a deep-fried dough topped with a variety of savory ingredients. The most common topping is garlic, sour cream, and cheese, but you can also find versions with ham, sausage, or even sweet toppings like jam or powdered sugar.
Why try it: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, this is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s perfect for snacking as you wander around Budapest’s busy streets or visit its markets.
Where to eat: You can’t go wrong at the Central Market Hall, where vendors serve up fresh and hot lángos. Alternatively, head to Lángos Papa for a great variety.
Pörkölt
Often compared to goulash, pörkölt is another Hungarian classic, but it’s a thicker, stew-like dish made with meat (usually beef, pork, or chicken), onions, paprika, and garlic. It’s often served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) or rice.
Why try it: Pörkölt is a rich and flavorful dish that showcases Hungary’s love for paprika, a spice that defines many dishes in Hungarian cuisine.
Where to eat: Paprika restaurant, a cozy spot known for its authentic Hungarian dishes, is a great choice for pörkölt.
Hortobágyi Palacsinta
Hortobágyi palacsinta is a savory version of the famous Hungarian crepes, stuffed with meat (typically chicken or veal) and topped with a rich, paprika-infused sauce. It's a comforting, indulgent dish that is both hearty and flavorful.
Why try it: This dish is a wonderful example of Hungarian creativity with its traditional palacsinta (crepes) transformed into a savory main course.
Where to eat: For a traditional taste, visit Hungarikum Bistro, known for its classic Hungarian dishes.
Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage)
A beloved Hungarian comfort food, töltött káposzta consists of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground pork or beef, rice, and spices. The stuffed cabbage rolls are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, often with sauerkraut for extra flavor.
Why try it: This dish is a staple at Hungarian family gatherings and is known for its savory, comforting flavors.
Where to eat: Menza Restaurant or Bistro Deryne offer great versions of this dish, showcasing its hearty and satisfying nature.
Rakott Krumpli (Layered Potatoes)
A classic Hungarian comfort dish, rakott krumpli is a casserole made with layers of sliced potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, sausage, and sour cream. It’s baked in the oven until golden and bubbly, creating a satisfying meal that’s often enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Why try it: This dish is a perfect example of Hungarian home cooking, offering layers of creamy, savory flavors in every bite.
Where to eat: Visit Café Kör or Mák Bistro for a modern take on rakott krumpli.
Dobos Torte
Hungary is famous for its delicious desserts, and Dobos torte is perhaps the most iconic of all. This layered cake is made with thin layers of sponge cake and chocolate buttercream, topped with caramelized sugar. The cake was first created by Hungarian pastry chef József C. Dobos in the late 19th century and remains a favorite to this day.
Why try it: Dobos torte is a perfect blend of rich, chocolatey flavors and crunchy caramel, making it a sweet ending to your Hungarian culinary journey.
Where to eat: Café Gerbeaud, one of Budapest’s most famous coffeehouses, is an ideal place to enjoy this historic dessert.
Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)
One of the most popular street foods in Budapest, kürtőskalács is a sweet pastry that’s baked on a rotating spit, then coated with sugar and cinnamon, or topped with nuts or chocolate. Its cylindrical shape resembles a chimney, which is how it got its name.
Why try it: It’s a fun, Instagram-worthy treat with a delicious caramelized sugar coating that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Where to eat: You can find kürtőskalács stands throughout Budapest, especially near the Vörösmarty Square Christmas market and around the Basilica area.
Főzelék (Vegetable Stew)
For those looking for something lighter yet still flavorful, főzelék is a Hungarian vegetable stew that comes in a variety of forms. Common varieties include pea, bean, or potato stews, all made with vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes meat. It’s often served with a dollop of sour cream.
Why try it: This is a great dish for vegetarians or anyone looking to try something different, and it’s a traditional favorite that’s served across Hungary.
Where to eat: For a great selection of főzelék dishes, check out Főzelékrendelő.
Hungarian Wines and Pálinka
No Hungarian meal is complete without a drink to wash it down. Pálinka, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy, is often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif. Hungarian wines, particularly Tokaji, a sweet white wine, and Egri Bikavér, a red wine, are also a must-try.
Why try it: Whether you prefer spirits or wine, Hungary has an excellent selection of beverages that pair perfectly with its cuisine.
Where to drink: Visit Borkonyha Winekitchen for a fantastic selection of Hungarian wines, or pop into a traditional tavern for a glass of pálinka.