What Food To Try in Budapest and Food Prices

Hortobágyi palacsinta - Stuffed pancakes - Savory crepes filled with meat and spices, baked with a rich sauce. You'll often see locals enjoying this dish during lunch at small casual eateries.

Lángos - Fried flatbread - Crispy fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese (or a variety of other toppings). Street vendors are everywhere, making it perfect for a quick snack or an indulgent late-night treat after a night out.

Pörkölt - Hungarian stew - A hearty meat stew, typically made with beef, onions, and paprika, simmered until tender. Commonly enjoyed for dinner, this dish is often served with nokedli (dumplings) or fresh bread.

Gulyás - Goulash - A thick, paprika-laden soup made with beef and vegetables, often featuring potatoes and carrots. It’s a staple for Sunday family meals and best enjoyed with a slice of rustic bread.

Főzelék - Vegetable stew - A thick vegetable dish, usually made with potatoes and a seasonal vegetable, thickened with roux and often served with a fried egg on top. Locals might eat this for lunch or a light dinner, commonly paired with bread.

Töltött káposzta - Stuffed cabbage rolls - Cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat and rice, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. A winter favorite, it's often enjoyed around family gatherings or holiday meals.

Halászlé - Fisherman’s soup - A spicy fish soup made with carp or catfish, tomatoes, and a hefty dose of paprika. Best served during gatherings in autumn, this communal dish is often enjoyed with fresh bread.

Santa’s Surprise - Téliszalámi - A unique cold-cuts selection enjoyed with bread, featuring a surprising blend of flavors with spices and local salami variations. A rustic choice for breakfast or brunch, it's commonly paired with cucumber and tomatoes.

Gulyás - Gulyásleves (hearty stew) - A robust soup made with beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and paprika, slow-cooked to perfection. Often enjoyed in the colder months at family gatherings or festivals, this dish is a staple of Hungarian comfort food.

Espresso - Kávé (strong coffee) - A rich, dark coffee usually served in small cups, enjoyed either black or with a splash of cream. Locals often sip it at a leisurely pace while catching up with friends in cozy cafés, particularly after a hearty meal.

Pálinka - Pálinka (fruit brandy) - A potent fruit spirit made from fermented fruits like apricot, pear, or plum, served in small glasses. It’s customary to take a shot before meals as a digestive aid, and it’s particularly popular at family celebrations or during traditional harvest festivals.

Chimney Cake - Kürtőskalács (sweet pastry) - A spiral-shaped pastry coated in sugar and baked over an open flame, giving it a crispy crust and soft interior. Street vendors often sell it hot at outdoor markets, and it’s especially popular during festive winter seasons (Don’t forget to try it with a sprinkle of cinnamon!).

Fagylalt - Fagylalt (ice cream) - A creamy frozen dessert typically made with various fruit flavors such as raspberry, lemon, or reviving lavender, especially favored during Budapest’s hot summer months. It's common to indulge in a scoop at local ice cream parlors after strolling along the Danube.

By the way, if you find yourself struggling to order a pálinka, don't worry—picking a flavor usually leads to delightful surprises!