A foodie's guide to Budapest (from a Michelin-starred chef)

BREAKFAST

Definitely Café Gerbeaud, and not just because it is literally in the middle of the city and easy to get to from everywhere. Gerbeaud is a 158-year-old café-confectionery in the heart of Budapest – one of the oldest ones in Europe, and the most famous and popular in Hungary. It has really good coffee, quiet and lovely tables by the window, and of course the cakes, which is what makes it famous.

Gerbeaud’s specialities include well-known cakes, including Esterházy, Dobos and Gerbeaud cakes, as well as sumptuous cream cakes such as the orange-caramel, the Royal chocolate and salty peanuts-apricot. In the summer I think they have the most delicious ice cream in the city.Vörösmarty tér 7-8
+36 1 429 9000
www.gerbeaud.hu

COFFEE STOP

Tamp and Pull in Czuczor street has good coffee and a cosy atmosphere. It’s a place for locals and tourists as well, and it is getting more and more popular in the city.

Czuczor u.3
+36 20 549 5514
www.tamppull.hu

LUNCH

I enjoy having lunch in the Central Market (Központi Vásárcsarnok) especially for good lángos. This is a traditional Hungarian streetfood, a deep-fried flat-bread made of a dough with flour, yeast, salt and water. It is eaten fresh and warm, topped with sour cream and grated cheese, rubbed with garlic or garlic butter, or doused with garlic water. As it is a rather affordable and simple food, it is often sold around markets, bus stations and on local celebrations or sport events.

Vámház krt. 1-3
+36 1 366 3300
www.piaconline.hu

DINNER

My favourite place for dinner is Émile, Buda’s new culinary centre. It has an amazing interior and history: the Émile villa was built between 1921-1928. In case of fine weather, we enjoy the sunshine in the cabanas and have something special for dinner, for example the tasting menu. As I work in a fine-dining restaurant, I truly appreciate spots with a relaxed manner, where I can simply enjoy the flavours and the kind service.

Orló u. 1
+36 30 585 0602
www.emile.hu

LOCAL FLAVOUR

The Market Hall on Hold street [Belvárosi Piac]. It’s much smaller and less crowded than the Central Market place, filled with farm-grown fruits and vegetables, and simple but tasty Hungarian dishes. Many countries have the best foods in their markets for good reason. On the first floor you can find quality street-food kitchens in Hungarian style and in other country’s cuisines as well.

Hold u. 13
+36 1 353 1110
www.belvarospiac.hu/en

NIGHT MOVES

I like to go to Boutiq bar in Paulay Street, which serves very nice cocktails in the heart of the town.

Paulay Ede u. 5
+36 30 554 2323
www.boutiqbar.hu

DON'T MISS?

Let me say, that is Onyx. This is what I work for – I must believe it is the best! We have invested a lot of energy into researching regional ingredients. The result has led to the creation of our Hungarian Evolution Menu, where the freshest, highest-quality domestic ingredients and new technologies are used in the preparation and presentation of renewed and updated versions of traditional Hungarian cuisine.