What to eat and drink in Budapest? Hungarian food is hearty, cheap and perfect fuel for a stag weekend – and the drinks are strong. Here is what to order, from the morning-after goulash to the shot you will regret.
What to eat and drink in Budapest at a glance
1897
the Great Market Hall opened
40%
Unicum, a herbal liqueur
40+
herbs and spices in Unicum
2002
Tokaj wine region became UNESCO-listed
~€3
a beer in a restaurant
What to eat
🍲 Goulash (gulyás)
In Hungary goulash is a soup – paprika, beef and potatoes. The best hangover cure.
🫓 Lángos
Deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese – the classic late-night snack.
🥐 Chimney cake
Kürtőskalács – a sweet spiral cake baked over coals.
🌶️ Paprika everything
Chicken paprikash, sausages and stews – Hungarian food is all about paprika.
🍔 Street food
Karaván on Kazinczy utca, next to Szimpla Kert, is a street-food yard in the middle of the bars.
What to drink
The shot
Pálinka
Strong Hungarian fruit brandy – apricot, plum or pear. Sip it, or pay for it later.
The bitter one
Unicum
Zwack’s herbal liqueur, 40% and made with more than 40 herbs and spices.
The easy one
Fröccs
Wine mixed with soda water – the Budapest summer drink.
Taste it with us
Where to eat and drink in Budapest as a group
Book a table for big groups, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings – many popular restaurants in the centre fill up early.
Weekday lunch menus (napi menü) are the cheapest way to eat well: soup, a main course and sometimes a dessert at a set price.
Tipping is expected – around 10–15% in restaurants – but check the bill first, as some places already add a service charge.
The cheapest way to eat and drink in Budapest is to have a big lunch, grab a lángos or a chimney cake in the afternoon, and save the money for the night.
If anyone in the group has allergies or does not eat meat, mention it when you eat and drink in Budapest as a group – Hungarian cooking is meat-heavy, but most places in the centre have vegetarian options.
Above all, eat and drink in Budapest slowly – the pálinka is stronger than it looks.
Want to eat and drink in Budapest without the planning? A beer tasting or a dinner booked as part of your weekend is the easiest start.
Planning the rest of the trip? Budapest’s official tourism website has practical information on transport and sights.
FAQ
What is the most famous Hungarian dish?
Goulash (gulyás) – in Hungary it is a paprika beef soup, not a stew.
What is pálinka?
A strong Hungarian fruit brandy, usually apricot, plum or pear. It is a Hungarian speciality with a protected name.
Is the Great Market Hall open on Sundays?
Yes, with shorter hours. It is the classic place to try lángos and buy paprika.
Can we do a beer tasting?
Yes – our private beer tasting introduces your group to Hungarian craft beers in the city centre.
