My husband and I visited Budapest, Hungary, with his parents in 1995. A lot has changed in 25 years, but the food is every bit as good as it was when we visited back then.
During the pandemic, I completed some training about Hungary and the other countries in Central Europe. It renewed my interest in Hungary, so I was thrilled when I was invited on a trip to visit Central Europe in 2022.
Budapest is full of wonders. Regardless of your reason to visit, whether it’s to take in the detailed architecture, soak in the history, or enjoy the natural sites, don’t leave without indulging in the delicious authentic dishes served throughout the nation. Your palate will be dancing with all the rich flavors. To guide you to some of the best spots to grab food in Budapest, we’ve created a list of 9 food lover tips for your visit.
1. You most certainly can’t leave Budapest without trying one of its most traditional foods, langos. Langos is a flatbread that is deep-fried in fat and can be served plain or smothered with cheese blends and other flavorful toppings. You can find langos nearly anywhere, but we recommend heading to the Central Market Hall.
2. If you love cooking and eating, sign up for a Hungarian cooking course. You will get to experience an authentic three-course meal that you helped create.
3. Every year from September 5th to 8th, you can catch the Budapest International Wine Festival.
This festival has been running for many years and has become custom to the natives and tourists alike.
4. If you’re in the country in October, definitely make your way to the Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival to try some of the fantastic European brandy paired with any of the many sausage varieties you will find throughout the stands.
5. Hungarian Unicum is one of the most famous liquors in the country. It’s herbal bitterness aids digestion, which you will find helps tremendously after delving into all of the spicy street foods. You can also head to the Zwack Museum to learn all about the miracle liquor.
6. Make way to the Etyek-Buda Wine Region to experience one of the leading wine-producing villages that have been around since the 18th century. This winery makes for a great day trip. Just prepare yourself to try dozens of varieties.
7. Anyone who loves the age-old delicacy marzipan, visit Szamos Marzipan, a museum in honor of the artists Mátyás Szamos and Károly Szabó. These artists started shaping marzipan into the shapes of flowers and other beautiful creations back in the 1930s, and this museum intends to keep their spirit and tasty treats alive.
8. If you have a fond love in your heart for delis, you are going to adore Mangalica & Társai Húspatika. This deli has everything from assorted salamis, cured hams, and more. This deli stands today in the dedication of the curly-haired Mangalica pig, which is a domesticated, extremely furry Hungarian swine.
9. Finally, before you leave, you’ll probably want to pick up some Hungarian paprika to bring home with you, so you can continue to enjoy Hungarian cuisine after you return home.
Whether on a land tour or a river cruise, I would love to send my clients to experience the rich culture of Budapest. Does that describe you? I would love to help you plan a trip. Read about my planning services here.
