Sunset in Budapest
Yes, it is very good to travel to budapest to take some pictures in front of Parliament, take a walk along the Danube and relax in its thermal baths. Yes, yes, it's also great to go up to see the sunset from the castle , visit the Jewish quarter or lose track of time in its ruin pubs.
But what about the yantar ? Eh eh? Nobody here cares about feeding our mountain bodies? We reveal ourselves to let our gluttony go ahead and tour the city giving prominence to our gastronomic instinct. And my mother... Things have gotten out of hand.
CLASSIC BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH?
Starting the day with energy will not be a problem in Budapest, we can assure you of that. Because it doesn't matter which neighborhood you stay in or which one you move through: the options to satisfy evening hunger are inexhaustible . It seems that in these parts they take seriously that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we, hey, we love it.
A great option is to encourage yourself with some yummy eggs benedict -cooked in the most appetizing and varied ways- and an exquisite coffee -they really work it- is Stika . And it turns out that this modern business is specialized in brunch, so it doesn't matter what time you feel like giving yourself a tribute: you'll find it open until late in the day.
The fact that your pancakes with raspberry syrup are served to you by a waiter with all the hipster vibes , but dressed in a shirt and bow tie, he already has a lot to say. The place is small, the menu is extensive and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Do you find any snag? We do not. But if there are any doubts, you just have to go through his Instagram account so that two tears fall. You will want to try it all!
Not far from there is one of the local A Table! , a charming chain of cafes decorated in wood with a certain French inspiration. Here croissants and pastries have total protagonism, although the puff pastry cakes will conquer more than one.
Puff pastry cakes will launch to conquer you
For a unique experience, nothing like going to Hilda , a beautiful restaurant in which they have specialized in weekend breakfasts. And not only is it worth it for you to come to him to taste his fabulous croque madame or her proposal hungarian breakfast –100% pork sausages, cucumbers with Dijon mustard and bread-, but you will also end up in love with the fabulous mural that decorates the central wall of the premises. A marvel.
For something more refined -or for an experience of those that are recorded-, THE OPTION, in capital letters, is the New York Cafe, A classic if ever there was. Is about the cafeteria of the hotel Boscolo Budapest, 1895, and has possibly been described a thousand times as the most beautiful in the world, and with good reason!
Has been usual stop for artists and members of the nobility throughout its history, and it is that with its Italian Renaissance style composed of large chandeliers, huge mirrors and ceilings that look like works of art, one comes to feel someone important in this Hungarian corner. In addition to breakfast, they serve lunch and dinner.
CLASSIC GASTRONOMY VS. NEW KITCHEN
And here it is as if they were asking us who we love more, mom or dad. How to decide on a unique gastronomic aspect? As we flatly refuse to do so, We have tasted them all. Eah.
His fabulous mural arouses passions
And we started by trying the famous goulash, that we are in Hungary for a reason, right? A restaurant where they cook exquisitely this typical beef stew, vegetables and various spices it is Fekete hollo , next to the Fisherman's Bastion, on the Buda hill. The atmosphere of the restaurant is the most authentic: decor is rustic, full of traditional hungarian elements , and many nights, in addition, it has performances of popular music.
If you're a true meat lover, you're in luck: here you'll be able to come home between dishes made from venison and a real must: the leg of lamb, which was the favorite dish of King Matthias.
But wait, there is more. On the 21st of Fortuna utca we came across this motto: “Hungarian cuisine as it used to be in the heyday, but adapted to the 21st century” . Ok, we have been convinced.
Its about 21Restaurant , a modern place that is inspired by old recipes and has become one of our favorite stops. We recognize it, it has something to do the careful selection of Hungarian wines from its menu, which already suggests that the evening is not going to pass without pain or glory. In addition, his ingredients are always fresh daily and of the highest quality, and it shows. The difficult part will be, -oh!-, deciding which dish to try. Do you need a wire?
Jewish cuisine with a Mediterranean flavor
Hungarian fish soup with pasta predicts great success. He doesn't look bad either Duck breast with cheese gnocci and pepper cream. Or how about the paprika chicken with dumplings …? Oh god… isn't your mouth watering? U.S. too…
In Dobrumba we make a change of third: we go for the jewish cuisine , the one that brings us sensations reminiscent of the Middle East. travel all over the territory that bathes the Mediterranean made its owners end up building this business inspired by what they learned. From the Atlas Mountains to Ararat and from the Bosphorus to Gibraltar, the flavors of different corners take shape at your table.
Babaganoush and hummus They are starters with which to have guaranteed success. The harira, the lemon chicken tagine or the fish couscous or they won't be bad either. For dessert, basboussa, a cake with orange blossom syrup, toasted almonds and yogurt which takes away the meaning.
AND LONG LIVE THE WINE...
For a night between friends / friends or as a couple, it is not bad at all I double , one of those wineries that have become so fashionable in Budapest. And it is that, With the raw material it has, it is not surprising.
One of those wineries that have become so fashionable in Budapest
Since the 18th century, Hungary has maintained an excellent reputation thanks to Tokaji, a sweet white wine with which he earned the respect of all European high society. And, although this is still in the number one position, the country has continued to evolve and today has several wine regions of spectacular quality. Among them, ** Eger and its 'Bull Blood', for example.**
If you like this line, another safety pin: Kadarka , in the heart of the Jewish quarter. In it you will learn everything there is to know about local wines, and you will even be able to buy the one that most convinces you to take it home. The list of options on your menu is endless and there is no shortage of proposals for eating. You can accompany him with some cheese board or one of their elaborate salads. They will not fail.
To finish on a high note, we are going, literally, to the Budapest sky. In the Vácy 1 building, declared a World Heritage Site and designed by architect Ignac Alpar, is the **St. Andrea Wine & Skybar.** This Hungarian corner is ideal for a glass of wine at sunset enjoying one of the best views of the city, although it does not hurt either if what you want is to taste dishes of 10.
The price is much higher than the rest of the options, but who does not deserve to throw the house out the window from time to time? Of course, to access you have to comply with a dress code required by the venue -that is, not to mention going in flip-flops or shorts-.
MARCHING ONE OF CANDY!
The sweetest touch -we already know that you were waiting for this moment- you will find it in one of the the city's most historic patisseries/cafeterias/sweet shops: Szamos, founded in 1935, it has several businesses throughout the country.
Here we do not doubt it and we play it safe and bet on one of their mythical Hungarian cakes: the Dobos, made with sponge cake, chocolate and caramel, is a guaranteed success.
And at this point, can you give us one last piece of advice? Don't make the mistake of stepping on the scale when you get home. Believe us: you will thank us!
The ideal corner to have a drink watching the sunset