Budapest Food Guide: What To Eat in Budapest

Töltött Káposzta

Similar to dolma eaten in Turkey and Middle Eastern countries and sarmale eaten in Romania, these stuffed leaves are popular food in Budapest. Cabbage leaves are fermented and stuffed with pork and paprika.

These deep-fried delicacies are where diets come to die but they’re worth the extra calories.

‘Hungarian pizzas’ are made from fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese. Different toppings may include sausage, meat and veggies.

Where to eat langos in Budapest: Langos Papa serve some of the best food in Budapest. Opt for the €10 set meal including langos as a main plus your choice of starter and dessert. If you really love langos, you can have a sweet one for pudding!

Cheese is life, not to mention one of the best things to eat in Budapest. I had no idea camembert specifically was so popular in Hungary until my first trip to Budapest in 2015.

Most Hungarian restaurants pair it with cranberry dip as a starter or main dish. In fact, it’s so popular that even McDonald’s offer it on their menus (but of course I don’t recommend trying it there).

Where to eat camembert in Budapest: I had this tasty serving at Kupak Bar & Cafe in the Jewish Quarter.

Túrós csusza

Three words: noodles, cheese, bacon.

This heart-attack-waiting-to-happen is one of the best foods to try in Budapest: it’s hearty, filling and affordable. Cheese curds (túró) are mixed with bacon and noodles, topped – like all the best Hungarian dishes – with a hearty dollop of sour cream.

Hungary’s large Jewish population makes the city a great place to learn about the history and sample traditional foods. In the area around Dohány Street Synagogue, there are countless eateries serving Israeli and Middle Eastern foods like shawarma and shakshuka, my favourite brunch dish made with baked eggs, tomato sauce, chorizo and feta.

What to eat in Budapest – best desserts

Apart from famous chimney cakes, I didn’t have a clue about Hungarian desserts until my recent visit. As it turns out, much of the best food in Budapest is sweet.

If you can find space for pudding after the gluttonous main courses, here are more of the best things to eat in Budapest…

Kürtőskalác is popular around much of Central and Eastern Europe: you’ll find it in Prague, Romania and Poland. However, it originated from Hungary so be sure to try it while in Budapest.

Sweet dough is made into strips and twirled around a spiral shape, then rolled in sugar, cinnamon or nuts. It may seem calorific but I like to fool myself that it’s not so bad when you consider the middle is usually hollow…

Alternatively, for a very extra dessert, get down to Street Cakes.

Suggested activity: Chimney Cake workshop

Hungary’s favourite chocolate bar is called Túró Rudi. There are a few flavours of Túró Rudi but most people recommend the cherry variety.

I enjoyed the flavour but found the texture a bit odd: not quite ice cream yet strangely milky. It’s worth sampling even if it can’t rival chimney cake (spoiler: it definitely can’t!).

Where to eat Túró Rudi in Budapest: This is easy. Head into any supermarket and find it cold with the dairy products.

Three types of sponge, rum syrup and cream make up a somlói cake. I can only describe it as like a cakey trifle with an alcoholic aftertaste. Not being a massive trifle fan, it wasn’t my favourite dessert in Budapest. I had it at Langos Papa but you’ll find it on any dessert menu.

Meggyleves (sour cherry soup)

Cherry may not be your classic soup flavouring but this is actually a delicious dish to try in Budapest. Cream, sugar and fresh cherries are cooked until the fruit begins to stew. A glug of red wine is sometimes added. It’s usually a dessert but occasionally an appetiser.

Hungarian wine

I had no idea Hungary was famous for its wine but I was pleasantly surprised. With 22 wine regions, the history of Hungarian winemaking dates back to the 12th century.

Try red and white wines at Budapest restaurants and bars or take a guided Hungarian wine tasting tour for a fun evening out. Don’t miss tokaji (strong dessert wine), bikaver (red wine translating as ‘bull’s blood’) and szilva (plum brandy).

For an afternoon pitstop or a pastry-based breakfast, visit Artizan Bakery. Here you can try various pastries but you should opt for a red berry one if you want a typical Hungarian treat. Meat lovers can also sample the sausage roll, without doubt the biggest and juiciest I’ve ever eaten. Olives and almonds pepper the mix for a delicious flavour.

Gelarto Rosa

These rose-shaped ice creams are essential for a summer trip to Budapest, and even winter visits if you can brave the cold. Gelato Rosa is beside St Stephen’s Basilica so you can tick off two attractions in one go whilst snapping your Instagrammable ice cream to an iconic backdrop.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Budapest for a tasty brunch, I’d recommend Zoska, a cosy cafe with hundreds of post-its decorating the walls. I had pancakes, fruit and a cappuccino for a tiny price tag.

For a more traditional and beautiful option…

New York Cafe

Often voted the most beautiful cafe in the world, this is where to eat in Budapest for phenomenal views and photo opportunities. It feels less like a cafe and more like a spectacular palace.

The cafe dates back to 1894 when it was a meeting place for the rich as well as the creative. Many artists and musicians would hang out here and presumably feel inspired.

Perch yourself at a table and marvel at the gold details, marble pillars and crystal chandeliers. Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea for €65, brunch or dinner (Hungarian and international dishes available). It’s an expensive but memorable experience.

Foodie walking tour

Walk up an appetite between stops as you explore the Budapest food scene with a local. I love food tours, especially when travelling solo, because you get to try so many more dishes than you would by yourself.

Try 10 favourite Budapest dishes on a guided walking tour.