Food in Budapest: Must-Try Places Every Expat Needs to Know

Food in Budapest: The Complete 2025 Guide for Expats and Travelers

Budapest has emerged as one of Central Europe’s most exciting culinary destinations, where centuries-old Hungarian traditions meet contemporary global flavors. Whether you’re an expat settling into Hungarian life or a traveler seeking authentic experiences, the city’s food scene in 2025 offers something extraordinary for every palate and dietary preference for food in Budapest.

The Hungarian capital now boasts approximately 4,945 restaurants, a thriving plant-based movement, and an increasingly diverse landscape of halal, kosher, and international cuisines. From the moment you land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the historic market halls and innovative vegan bistros, this guide will navigate you through Budapest’s culinary paradise with practical insights about food in Budapest, exact addresses, and expert recommendations.

Restaurants in Budapest Airport

Your First Taste of Hungary: Airport Dining Options

Budapest Airport’s SkyCourt introduced a new Food Market on the mezzanine with Upper Crust (24/7 units), Dao Dao (Asian), Levito (Italian), Paprika (Hungarian), Zest & Twist (smoothies & chimney cake), and the airport’s first Starbucks. This 2025 revamp has transformed the airport dining experience, offering both quick bites and sit-down meals for travelers.

Top Airport Restaurant Recommendations

Leroy Bistro (SkyCourt)

Price Range: 3,500–7,000 HUF (€9–18)

A traveler favorite for authentic Hungarian and international cuisine in a sit-down setting. Perfect for those wanting a proper meal before departure.

Hungarikum Bisztró (Terminal 2B)

Price Range: 3,000–6,000 HUF (€8–15)

Features traditional dishes including goulash and other Hungarian specialties. An ideal introduction to local flavors if you’re arriving in Budapest.

Paprika (SkyCourt Food Market)

Price Range: €12–20

Serves authentic Hungarian meals in the new food court, recommended for experiencing local culinary traditions without leaving the airport.

Soul & Grain (SkyCourt)

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Healthy, plant-based options for health-conscious travelers, offering vegan and vegetarian choices.

Quick Bites & 24/7 Options

For early morning flights or late arrivals, Upper Crust offers 24/7 service with artisanal baguettes, sandwiches, and baked goods. International chains including Burger King and KFC are available in SkyCourt (2,000–3,500 HUF per meal), though notably, McDonald’s is not present at Budapest Airport.

Pro Tip: SkyCourt serves as the central hub between Terminal 2A and 2B. Security allows movement between terminals, so you can eat wherever it’s less crowded and then walk to your gate.

Food in Buda

Discovering the West Bank’s Culinary Scene

While Pest often steals the spotlight, Buda’s food scene has evolved dramatically, offering a dynamic mix of traditional taverns, modern brunch spots, and specialty bakeries. The residential western side of Budapest is no longer just for locals—it’s become a destination for food enthusiasts.

Top Buda Neighborhoods for Food

Széll Kálmán tér Area

The epicenter of Buda dining, known for brunch spots, healthy cafés, and artisan bakeries. Easily accessible via M2 metro line.

Margit Quarter

Features new-wave bakeries like Läget, specialty coffee shops, and contemporary delis that attract both locals and expats.

Óbuda

The historic northern district offers authentic foodie hotspots including Átszálló and Bian Garden, where you’ll find fewer tourists and more genuine Hungarian dining experiences.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Déryné Bistro

Address: Krisztina tér 3, 1013 Budapest

Website: deryne.com

An iconic Buda institution combining a bakery, brunch spot, and bistro under one roof. Popular with locals for weekend breakfasts and freshly baked pastries.

Vegan Love

Address: Bartók Béla út 9, 1114 Budapest

Price Range: 2,000–3,500 HUF (€5–9)

Website: veganlove.hu

Creative vegan burgers and gyros that have converted even meat-lovers. Their plant-based takes on Hungarian street food are innovative and delicious.

Fény utca Market

Address: Lövőház u. 12, 1024 Budapest

Budapest’s premier Buda-side market, beloved by locals for fresh produce, artisan foods, and prepared meals. Multiple levels with diners and counters, plus seasonal pop-ups make this a one-stop destination for authentic food experiences.

Local Specialties to Try in Buda:

• Lángos (fried dough) from market stalls
• Fresh chimney cake (kürtőskalács) from food trucks
• Traditional goulash from family-owned bistros
• Artisan breads from new-wave bakeries

Hungarian Food in Budapest

Must-Try Traditional Dishes

Understanding Hungarian cuisine is essential to experiencing Budapest authentically. The culinary traditions reflect the country’s agricultural heritage, with paprika, sour cream, and seasonal produce forming the backbone of most dishes.

Essential Hungarian Food Classics

Goulash (Gulyás)

In Hungary it’s a soup, not a stew; paprika-rich, with beef cubes, vegetables, and csipetke (pasta bits). This hearty dish originated with herdsmen on the Great Plain and remains Hungary’s most iconic export.

Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke)

Chicken simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, typically served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings). The dish showcases Hungary’s love affair with paprika—the country’s most essential spice.

Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé)

A spicy river fish soup with roots in the Szeged and Baja traditions. Made with carp or mixed river fish, it’s particularly popular around Christmas and New Year’s.

Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposzta)

Pork and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves, slowly cooked with tomato sauce. A festive dish that reflects agricultural and celebratory traditions.

Lángos

Deep-fried flatbread with garlic, sour cream, and cheese, this street food staple is easiest to find at markets and food courts. Simple but addictively delicious.

Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)

A sweet, spiral pastry cooked on rotating spits, often coated with cinnamon sugar, walnuts, or coconut. Found at metro stations, markets, and festivals.

Top Authentic Hungarian Restaurants in Budapest

Gettó Gulyás

Address: Wesselényi u. 18, 1077 Budapest

Website: gettogulyas.hu

Price Range: €12–16

Cozy and classic, this restaurant serves some of the best traditional goulash in Budapest. Reservations recommended, especially for dinner.

Menza

Address: Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061 Budapest

Website: menzaetterem.hu

Price Range: €12–18

A modern twist on Hungarian classics in a lively atmosphere. Always busy, reflecting its popularity with both locals and expats.

Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő

Address: Pozsonyi út 38, 1137 Budapest

Website: pozsonyikisvendeglo.hu

Price Range: €8–12

An old-style tavern famous for huge portions and authentic flavors at reasonable prices. A favorite among locals seeking traditional home-style cooking.

Gundel

Address: Állatkerti krt. 2, 1146 Budapest

Website: gundel.hu

Price Range: (€40+)

Historic and elegant, Gundel has been serving refined Hungarian cuisine since 1894. Famous for its Gundel pancakes—a must-try dessert.

21 Magyar

Address: Fortuna u. 21, 1014 Budapest

Website: 21restaurant.hu

Price Range:  (€30–50)

Modern Hungarian bistro in the Buda Castle district, offering contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes with premium ingredients.

Fast Food in Budapest

International Chains

Budapest offers all the major international fast-food chains, though with a local twist. McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Subway are found citywide, with meals ranging from 2,000–4,500 HUF (€5–12). Interestingly, international chains are considered somewhat upscale by locals and can be busy during weekends.

PadThai Wokbar has become popular for Asian-inspired fast food in Budapest, with meals starting at 4,000 HUF.

Local Fast Food & Street Food Favorites

Street Food Karavan

Address: Kazinczy u. 18, 1075 Budapest (Jewish Quarter)

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Budapest’s original street-food courtyard next to Szimpla ruin bar; open from approximately 11:30 till midnight daily, no reservations, dog-friendly. Multiple stalls offer lángos, burgers, goulash in bread bowls, vegan options, and craft drinks.

Bors Gastro Bar

Address: District VII

Price Range: 2,000–3,500 HUF (€5–9)

Highly rated for creative gourmet sandwiches with daily changing menus. A local favorite for quick, quality lunches.

Local Pizza Chains

PizzaMe and Pizza King offer budget-friendly options near metro stations (1,500–3,000 HUF per pizza), perfect for quick, filling meals.

Gyros & Doner Spots

Turkish wraps are available citywide (1,600–2,500 HUF), with many open 24 hours—ideal for late-night cravings or early morning fuel.

Delivery Apps for Food in Budapest

Wolt, foodora (formerly NetPincér), and Bolt Food cover the city widely. All three apps offer user-friendly interfaces with real-time tracking:

• Wolt: Broadest selection with Wolt+ subscription offering free delivery from partner venues
• Foodora: Hungary’s veteran platform with strong Budapest presence and “foodora market” for groceries
• Bolt Food: Clean app with sharp promotions, convenient if you already use Bolt rides

Budget Tip: For the cheapest and most filling quick meals, stick with gyros, lángos, and pizza slices—authentic Hungarian street food that won’t break the bank.

Traditional Food in Budapest: History & Cultural Significance

The Roots of Hungarian Cuisine

Hungarian food culture reflects centuries of history, with influences from Austrian, Turkish, and Balkan cuisines woven throughout. Paprika, sour cream, and seasonal produce are the backbone of Hungarian cuisine, creating the distinctive flavor profile that defines the country’s gastronomy and the food in Budapest.

Food in Budapest Historical Context

Goulash originated with herdsmen on the Great Plain, who needed portable, long-lasting meals. They would cook meat with onions and paprika, then dry it into chunks that could be rehydrated later. Meanwhile, this practical dish evolved into the rich soup enjoyed today.

The paprika pepper itself arrived in Hungary via Turkish trade routes in the 16th century and quickly became the defining spice of Hungarian cooking. By the 19th century, the region around Szeged became famous for cultivating premium paprika varieties.

Hungarian Dining Culture & Traditions

Meals in Hungary are social events, often accompanied by local wines—particularly those from the Tokaj and Eger regions—and sometimes live folk music. Moreover, Sunday family lunches remain an important tradition, with multiple courses served over several hours.

Influences from Austrian, Turkish, and Balkan flavors are woven into Hungarian stews, pastries, and desserts. The Austrian influence appears in pastries and coffee culture, Turkish traditions shaped the use of stuffed vegetables and certain stewing techniques, while Balkan proximity influenced grilling methods and certain spice combinations.

Food in Budapest & Agricultural Traditions

Hungarian cuisine celebrates seasonal eating, with spring bringing wild garlic and asparagus, summer featuring paprika harvests and fresh vegetables, autumn highlighting game and mushrooms, and winter offering hearty stews and preserved foods.

Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Budapest

The Plant-Based Revolution

Budapest’s vegan and vegetarian scene has exploded in recent years, with creative restaurants offering everything from veganized Hungarian classics to international plant-based cuisine. The vegan and vegetarian scene in Budapest continues to grow with creative and accessible options, making the city increasingly friendly for plant-based eaters.

Budapest Top Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants

Napfényes Restaurant & Confectionery

Address: Ferenciek tere 2, 1053 Budapest

Website: napfenyesetterem.hu

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Huge vegan menu of Hungarian classics (e.g., vegan töltött káposzta, “somlói,” pizzas), daily menus, events downstairs. Open daily approximately 11:30–21:00. This is the go-to spot for experiencing traditional Hungarian dishes in vegan form.

Vegan Garden

Address: Király u. 8–10, 1072 Budapest (Central Passage)

Website: Available on HappyCow

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Full-service 100% vegan restaurant with lunch menus, pizzas, pastas, and Hungarian staples; bookings recommended for weekends.

Vega City

Address: Múzeum krt. 23/25, 1053 Budapest

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Weekday vegan cafeteria offering rotating mains and desserts across Hungarian, Indian, and Asian influences—popular for lunch near the National Museum.

Vegan Love

Address: Bartók Béla út 9, 1114 Budapest (Buda)

Website: veganlove.hu

Price Range: 2,000–3,500 HUF (€5–9)

Creative vegan burgers, gyros, and fast-food alternatives that rival any meat-based version.

Fill Good Vegan Bakery

Address: Hollán Ernő u. 3 1136 Budapest – FB

Price Range: 800–2,500 HUF (€2–6)

100% vegan bakery with cakes, pastries, and sweet treats. A must-visit for plant-based dessert lovers.

Las Vegan’s

Location: Karaván (Kazinczy u. 18) and other city locations

Price Range: 1,500–2,500 HUF (€4–6)

Vegan burgers, burritos, nuggets, and sweet-potato fries from this popular food truck.

Current Trends

Veganized Hungarian classics, raw desserts, eco-friendly packaging, and a focus on local and organic ingredients define Budapest’s plant-based movement. The Jewish Quarter (District VII), City Center, and Bartók Béla út in Buda have emerged as vegan hotspots.

Halal Food in Budapest

Growing Halal Dining Options

Budapest’s halal food scene has expanded significantly, with Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian, and South Asian restaurants catering to Muslim residents and travelers. Moreover, most halal restaurants cluster in the City Center (District V) and Jewish Quarter (District VII).

Food in Budapest with Top Halal Restaurants

Byblos

Address: Semmelweis u. 1–3, 1052 Budapest (District V)

Website: byblos.hu

Price Range: 4,000–8,000 HUF (€10–20)

Fine Lebanese and Levantine cuisine with halal meats, refined mezze, mixed grills, and kunafa; Best of the Best on TripAdvisor 2025. Typically open 12:00–22:00.

Baalbek

Address: Belgrád rakpart 24, 1056 Budapest (riverside)

Website: baalbek.hu

Price Range: 4,000–8,000 HUF (€10–20)

Halal Lebanese menu, mezzes, fresh juices, and shisha; open daily 12:00–24:00. Beautiful Danube riverside location.

Türkiz

Address: Váci u. 15, 1052 Budapest

Website: turkiz.hu

Price Range: 3,000–6,000 HUF (€8–15)

Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant with halal options, open late (12:00–24:00).

Duna Bites

Address: Baross u. 130–132, 1087 Budapest

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Family-friendly Arabic fast food with halal options at budget-friendly prices.

Al Noor Restaurant

Address: Leonardo da Vinci utca 2a, 1082, Budapest.- FB

Price Range: 3,000–6,000 HUF (€8–15)

Indian cuisine with halal options, offering authentic subcontinental flavors for a spicy food experience in Budapest.

Additional Halal Options

Many Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants in Budapest are fully halal, particularly in Districts V and VII. Always confirm halal certification or sourcing upon arrival, as practices can vary.

Kosher Food in Budapest

Jewish Culinary Heritage

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter (District VII) preserves a rich kosher dining tradition, with restaurants clustered near the Dohány Street Synagogue and Kazinczy Street Synagogue. Furthermore, the area offers both traditional Hungarian-Jewish cuisine and modern Israeli-style dining.

Top Kosher Restaurants in Budapest

Carmel Restaurant

Address: Király u. 31, 1072 Budapest

Website: carmel.hu

Price Range: 3,000–6,000 HUF (€8–15)

Glatt kosher meat restaurant; prebook Shabbat meals; hours typically Sunday–Thursday 12:00–22:30; Friday lunch only. Serves Hungarian and Jewish classics including goulash and schnitzel.

Hanna (Hanna Garden)

Address: 1074 Budapest, Kazinczy utca 29.

Website: hannabudadabest

Price Range: 3,000–6,000 HUF (€8–15)

Glatt kosher restaurant reopened with updated menu and interior. Offers traditional Hungarian-Jewish dishes and Shabbat meal packages.

Kosher Deli (Dairy)

Address: Síp u. 12, 1075 Budapest

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Chalav Israel café and market for pizza, pasta, and shakshuka; shop downstairs with kosher goods. Perfect for lighter, dairy meals.

Kosher MeatUp

Address: Síp u. 5, 1075 Budapest

Price Range: 2,000–4,000 HUF (€5–10)

Kosher L’Mehadrin Israeli grill, shawarma, and schnitzel; closed Friday and Saturday. Fast-casual format with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

Cultural Context

Shabbat meals and prepaid options are available at several restaurants. Bakeries in the area offer challah and kosher pastries throughout the week. The concentration of kosher establishments makes the Jewish Quarter the obvious choice for observant Jewish travelers and residents.

Food Markets in Budapest

Budapest Historic Market Halls

Budapest’s market halls combine shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, offering everything from fresh produce to prepared meals and artisan products.

Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok / Central Market Hall)

Address: Vámház krt. 1–3, 1093 Budapest (M4 Fővám tér)

Hours: Monday 06:00–17:00; Tuesday–Friday 06:00–18:00; Saturday 06:00–15:00; Sunday closed

Ground floor for produce, paprika, and salami; upstairs for goulash, pörkölt, lángos, strudel, and folk crafts. This is Budapest’s largest and most famous market, an essential stop for any Budapest food lover.

What to Buy: Pick salami, Hungarian paprika (sweet and hot varieties), Tokaji wine, artisanal cheeses, honey, and sausages. The upper level food stalls offer affordable, authentic Hungarian meals.

Fény utca Market

Address: Lövőház u. 12, 1024 Budapest (near Széll Kálmán tér)

Hours: Monday–Sunday (check for specific hours)

A local market known for organics and PDO staples; multiple levels with diners and counters. This is Buda’s premier market, favored by locals over tourists.

Szimpla Sunday Market

Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Budapest (Jewish Quarter)

Hours: Sundays only

Farmers’ market with artisanal foods held in the famous Szimpla Kert ruin bar. Great for organic produce and local specialties.

Hunyadi tér Market

Address: Hunyadi tér, 1067 Budapest

Hours: Monday–Saturday

Small neighborhood market with seasonal produce and a local atmosphere.

Klauzál tér Market

Address: Klauzál tér 6, 1072 Budapest (Jewish Quarter)

Hours: Monday–Sunday

Recently refurbished market with street food vendors and fresh produce in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.

Budapest Market Shopping Tips

Learn basic Hungarian numbers for easier price negotiations (though most vendors speak basic English)

Arrive early for the best selection, especially on Saturdays

Bring cash (HUF), as many vendors don’t accept cards

Try the food stalls on upper levels of market halls—they offer authentic, affordable Hungarian meals

Taste before buying at many produce stands—samples are common and encouraged

Practical Tips for Dining in Budapest

Food in Budapest Price Ranges (2025)

Understanding typical costs helps budget your dining experiences:

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary at 10–15% only if no service charge is already on the bill. Many Budapest places add service (szervizdíj)—now capped by government policy around 12%—and must clearly display it on menu or bill.

Important: If service is added, you don’t need to add another tip unless service was exceptional. Always check the receipt—some card terminals still prompt for an extra tip even when service is already included.

For cafés and counter service, locals typically round up a few hundred forints. For table service without a service charge, 10–15% is appropriate.

Reservations

Recommended for:

• Popular restaurants, especially on weekends
• Fine dining establishments
• Kosher restaurants (particularly for Shabbat meals)
• Trendy brunch spots
• Any restaurant during peak season (May–September)

Most restaurants accept reservations via their websites, phone, or through TheFork app.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted at restaurants, but cash (HUF) is essential for:

• Market vendors
• Street food stalls
• Small neighborhood eateries
• Tips (if you want to leave cash)

ATMs are readily available throughout Budapest. Credit cards work everywhere that accepts cards, though some smaller establishments may have minimum charges.

Dress Code

• Casual: Most restaurants, cafés, and street food venues
• Smart-casual: Mid-range restaurants and trendy spots
• Formal/Smart: Fine dining establishments like Gundel

Budapest’s dining scene is generally relaxed, but upscale venues may appreciate more formal attire.

Seasonal Budapest Food Events (2025)

MBH Bank Gourmet Festival (May 2025)

200+ dishes, 31+ new exhibitors. Hungary’s premier food festival showcasing the best of Budapest’s restaurant scene.

Budapest Wine Festival (September)

Annual citywide celebration of Hungarian wines and gastronomy, held in Buda Castle with tastings, workshops, and live music.

Christmas Markets (Mid-November–January)

Traditional foods and mulled wine at multiple locations, including Vörösmarty Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Fashion Street.

Chimney Cake Festival

Seasonal outdoor events celebrating kürtőskalács with creative variations and traditional preparations.

Language Tips

While many restaurants have English menus and staff speak basic English, learning a few Hungarian phrases enhances your experience:

Egészségére (EH-gay-shay-geh-reh) – Cheers

Jó étvágyat (YO AYT-vah-dyot) – Bon appétit

Köszönöm (KO-so-nom) – Thank you

Számlát kérek (SOM-lot KAY-rek) – Check, please

Conclusion about Food in Budapest: Why the city is a Culinary Paradise for Expats

Food in Budapest represents far more than sustenance—it’s a gateway to understanding Hungarian culture, history, and contemporary life. The city has successfully balanced preserving culinary traditions with embracing global food trends, creating a dining landscape that satisfies every preference and budget.

From the moment you land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport with its revamped food halls to your final meal overlooking the Danube, the city offers consistent quality and authentic experiences. Furthermore, the explosion of vegan and vegetarian options ensures plant-based eaters feel welcome, while the thriving halal and kosher scenes accommodate religious dietary requirements with sophistication and variety.

For expats settling in Budapest, the food scene provides endless opportunities for exploration and integration. Whether you’re shopping at the Great Market Hall alongside locals, discovering hidden Buda bistros, or enjoying late-night lángos at Street Food Karavan, Budapest’s culinary culture invites participation and rewards curiosity.

The practical aspects—reasonable prices, English-friendly service, excellent delivery infrastructure, and clear tipping customs—remove barriers that complicate dining in many European capitals. Combined with approximately 4,945 restaurants offering everything from traditional Hungarian classics to innovative fusion cuisine, Budapest has truly earned its place as Central Europe’s most exciting food destination in 2025.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or settling in for years, make food in Budapest your guide to the city’s heart and soul. Start with goulash at Gettó Gulyás, explore the Great Market Hall on a Saturday morning, try vegan Hungarian classics at Napfényes, and don’t leave without sampling authentic lángos. Your culinary adventure in Budapest awaits.

FAQs about Food in Budapest

Q: Are there good restaurants in Budapest Airport (after security)?

A: Yes. The SkyCourt Food Market (gallery level) offers international + Hungarian counters; Starbucks and classics like Upper Crust, Burger King, KFC are on hand; Panopolis was renovated on the landside of T2B for pastry/coffee. (Source)

Q: Best area for street food at night?

A: Kazinczy utca’s Street Food Karaván—open to midnight, mixes local/vegan choices; nearby bars keep it lively. 

Q: Where to find vegetarian food in Budapest fast?

A: Try Vega City (weekday lunch), Vegan Love for hearty veganized classics, or Napfényes for full menus and desserts.

Q: Do halal/kosher options cluster anywhere?

A: Yes. Halal: District V (Byblos) and riverside (Baalbek). Kosher venues cluster in District VII near Dohány/Kazinczy synagogues (Carmel, Hanna, Kosher Deli, MeatUp).

Opening Hours Table (Budapest Food Places & Restaurants)

For more comprehensive guides on living and traveling in Budapest, explore our related articles on Hungarian culture, transportation tips, and neighborhood guides for expats.