BEST Budapest street food: Complete guide for first-timers

Evolution of Budapest street food

I always find that the best way to get to know a city is through its street food. It is like a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and Budapest is no different.

The most popular street food dish, Lángos, traces back to the nomadic Magyar tribes that settled in the region.

By the early 20th century, Budapest began seeing a variety of street foods influenced by neighboring cuisines. However, it wasn’t until the fall of communism that diversification really took hold. The 1990s saw an influx of international foods, such as Greek, Turkish and Italian.

In the 21st century, Budapest street food has experienced a renaissance, embracing both tradition and innovation. Classic Hungarian flavors have been reimagined in dishes like the ‘Kürtőskalács,‘ a spit cake with origins from the Szeklerland region.

Recent years have seen the emergence of food trucks and markets such as Karávan, a trendy spot showcasing the modern street food culture. Today these street food venues are some of the top attractions in Budapest.

Street food takes on a festive dimension during Christmas, Easter and the height of summer, when you’ll see an increase of food vendors lining the streets and markets.

🔥 Don’t have time to read the whole article? Click here to check out my favorite street food tour in Budapest.

Popular foodie streets

Budapest is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, with certain streets standing out as hubs for culinary delights.

Váci Street

Váci Street is one of the primary pedestrian thoroughfares and a prominent spot for tourists in search of authentic Hungarian cuisine. Here, you can find a mixture of international flavors and traditional Hungarian dishes like lángos and chimney cake.

Kazinczy Street

Kazinczy Street in the Jewish Quarter is the heartland for eclectic tastes. This street is particularly famous for its ruin bars and street food joints, offering a variety of foods ranging from Jewish delicacies to modern fusion dishes.

Ráday Street

Ráday Street is known as the ‘Soho of Budapest’ and provides a more relaxed ambiance. It is lined with cafes, small restaurants, and bistros that are perfect for experiencing local flavors like goulash or pörkölt in a cozy setting.

8 best street foods in Budapest

Here’s a list of the street food I think you should try in Budapest, put together by me and 5 of my fellow travel bloggers.

1. Lángos

Lángos is my favorite and the most popular street food in Budapest, found at markets, stalls and restaurants all over the city. It consists of a fried dough base, typically topped with sour cream and cheese, though additional toppings such as garlic sauce, bacon and ham are also popular.

The name “lángos” comes from the Hungarian word for “flame”. Originally, lángos was made from bread dough that was baked in a brick oven. The dough would be stretched and slapped against the hot walls of the oven, where it would bake to crispy perfection.

Today, the modern version of lángos is typically deep-fried, which gives it its characteristic golden color and irresistible texture. There are many vendors in the running for the best Lángos in Budapest, but the best I’ve had was at Retró Lángos.

2. Kürtőskalács

By Joanna from The World in My Pocket

Kürtőskalács is another one of the most iconic street foods in Budapest. Technically this humble cake originated in Transylvania, but it is very popular in three countries: Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic, where the recipe has been modified.

The classic Kürtőskalács, also known as Chimney Cake, consists of a sweet dough wrapped over a wooden baking spit and cooked over a coal fire until golden brown. It is then sprinkled with different ingredients, the most popular being sugar, cinnamon, or chopped walnuts.

To eat the Kürtőskalács, you have to start unwrapping it from the top, in strips. It’s delicious and sweet, and you can find it not only on the streets of Budapest but also in Szeged, Debrecen or Gyor.

3. Kolbice

By Heather from Arbours Abroad

Tucked into a little alleyway off of Kazincy Street, you will find a street turned into a foodie’s dream with multiple food trucks and plenty of seating. 

Here you have to try the traditional Hungarian dish of Kolbice. It is the perfect hearty dish to have after a morning soak in one of Budapest’s thermal baths.

Kolbice is a thick, savory pastry covered with seeds, and then molded into a cone. The cone is then filled with traditional meats, vegetables and sauces. It’s both filling and delicious! 

The meat and sauces balance out the thick pastry, and it’s great paired with some local Hungarian beer found on the food cart street as well. 

4. Gulyas

By Taylor at Culture Craving Couple

When you think about food in Budapest, the one food that comes to mind is the traditional Hungarian Goulash or “Gulyas” as it’s known in Budapest. 

This is for good reason because it’s everywhere in the Hungarian capital and it’s the perfect quick and filling comfort food to get through the cold winters. You will see bowls of Gulyas at every Hungarian restaurant or to-go cups at street food carts around the city.

Our favorite Gulyas is served at Gettó Gulyás in Budapest’s Jewish District. The broth is such a deep color that you can practically sense how flavorful it is just by looking at it. It’s served “Alföldi” style, which includes root vegetables, making it more filling and nutritious!

Make sure you also try it to-go in a bread bowl at Christmas markets around Budapest!

5. Cremeschnitte

By Tina from Veganderlust

If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try a Cremeschnitte in Budapest. This mouth-watering dessert is made with thin layers of flaky pastry and a delicious vanilla cream filling. The cream almost melts in your mouth and turns a simple coffee break into a special occasion.

The origin of the Cremeschnitte is unknown, but today it’s a very popular dessert in the former Austro-Hungarian countries.

Pick up a few slices to enjoy outside or sit down at one of the many cute cafés. You can also easily find vegan versions of this delicious pastry in one of the many vegan restaurants in Budapest, such as Kozmosz Vegan Restaurant or Napfényes.

6. Strudel

By Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast

Strudel, a beloved treat and street food in Budapest, can be found in just about any bakery throughout the city, and if you visit at Christmastime, in many stalls at the Budapest Christmas Markets.

Strudel is believed to have been introduced to Hungary during the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and today is a dish that has become uniquely Hungarian. 

This yummy pastry is made with many light layers of filo dough that is wrapped around a sweet filling. There are many, many options for filling flavors, but apple, cherry, and walnut are some of the most popular options.

The smooth, sweet filling contrasts wonderfully with the light and flaky exterior, creating a delightful breakfast or mid-afternoon snack. 

7. Latke

Latke, or potato pancake, is another popular street food in Budapest, offering a savory snack easy to enjoy on the go. Though perhaps not as famous as lángos, latke holds its own as a must-taste if you’re looking for an authentic taste of Hungarian cuisine.

These crispy pancakes are made from a simple batter consisting of grated potatoes, flour, eggs, and often a bit of onion for added flavor. Seasoned with salt and sometimes garlic, the mixture is then spooned into hot oil and fried until it turns a beautiful golden brown, with crispy edges and a tender, savory interior.

I enjoyed Letke on its own, but just like Lángos, they are often served with toppings such as sour cream, cheese, sausages, egg and even stir-fried meat and vegetables.

8. Kolbász & Töltött káposzta

Kolbász and Töltött káposzta are two traditional Hungarian dishes that have found their way into Budapest’s street food scene, offering a taste of the nation’s culinary heritage to locals and tourists alike.

Kolbász refers to a variety of Hungarian sausages that are seasoned with a distinctive blend of spices, most notably paprika. In the context of street food, kolbász is typically served grilled or fried, sliced, and often accompanied by slices of fresh bread, pickles, and mustard.

Töltött káposzta, which translates to “stuffed cabbage,” is a comfort food classic in Hungary. It consists of cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling made from a mixture of minced meat (usually pork), rice, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices.

While töltött káposzta is traditionally a dish served at family gatherings or in restaurants, it has also been adapted for street food settings with smaller portions or even bite-sized versions.

Best Budapest street food tours

No visit to Budapest is complete without at least one food tour. I love to plan my travels around the food I want to taste, it is in my mind the best way to get to know a new place and culture.

So during my first time in Budapest, I booked several food tours, both private and in groups. These are my two favorites:

🍢 If you’re looking to dive into the local food scene, this Budapest street food tour is the perfect introduction. I loved stepping off the typical tourist trail together with a funny guide and a small group of foodies.

You’ll make several stops at locals-approved eateries to sample traditional Hungarian staples, as well as dishes that represent the city’s rich immigrant communities. Wash it all down with a cold local beer. Yum!

🍷 For those with a penchant for the refined, this Hungarian Wine Tasting is the perfect choice. Learn about Hungary’s culinary culture and history from a sommelier and sip on five top local wines, paired with fresh bread, Hungarian cheese, and charcuterie.

FAQs Budapest street food

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions I see about Budapest and the street food culture.

What food is Budapest famous for?

Budapest, and Hungary in general, is renowned for its rich and hearty cuisine, which features a variety of unique flavors and dishes. In addition to the street food we’ve talked about above, here are a few more popular dishes:

1. Pörkölt: Similar to goulash but thicker and more like a stew, pörkölt is made with meat (often beef or pork), onions, and lots of paprika.
2. Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke): This creamy dish consists of chicken cooked in a sauce of sweet paprika and cream, often served with dumplings (nokedli) or a simple pasta (tészta). It is one of the staples at the stunning New York Café.
3. Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé): A spicy river fish soup, seasoned with paprika and other spices, traditionally made with carp or mixed river fish.
4. Dobos Torte: A famous Hungarian cake with layers of sponge cake and chocolate buttercream, topped with a hard caramel glaze.
5. Somlói Galuska: A trifle-like dessert made with layers of sponge cake, chocolate sauce, walnuts, rum, and whipped cream.

Where can I find the best street food markets in Budapest?

Budapest is known for its vibrant street food scene, and there are several markets where you can enjoy a variety of street food options. Here are some of my favorite spots to check out:

1. Kazinczy Street: As mentioned above, this area, particularly in the Jewish Quarter, is famous for its street food, with a variety of options ranging from traditional Hungarian dishes to international cuisine. It’s also home to the famous Szimpla Kert, one of the original ruin bars in Budapest, which hosts a farmers’ market on Sunday mornings.
2. Karádi Utca Food Market: Located in District IX, this is a lesser-known market popular with locals, offering a range of street food options.
3. Hold Street Market (Hold Utcai Piac): Inside this renovated market hall, you’ll find a selection of street food vendors on the ground floor, offering both traditional Hungarian dishes and international foods. The upstairs section features more formal dining options.
4. Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok): While not a street food market per se, the Great Market Hall is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. The ground floor is mainly fresh produce and goods, while the upper floor has a range of Hungarian street food stalls, serving items like lángos, goulash, and stuffed cabbage.
5. Street Food Karaván: Located near Szimpla Kert, this is a permanent street food gathering with a variety of food trucks and stalls serving up everything from burgers and sausages to vegan dishes.
6. Vegan Garden: An area consisting of six plant-based street food trucks, offering everything from dairy-free ice cream to heart-shaped pizza, Mexican chili non carne to chickpea burgers. Still a bit of a hidden gem to tourists.

What is the best time to visit Budapest?

The best time to visit Budapest is the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Spring (March to May): This can be a lovely time to visit as the weather starts to warm up and the city’s parks come to life with blooming flowers. Spring is my favorite time for photography (be sure to check out these Budapest Instagram captions). It’s also less crowded than the peak summer months.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Budapest, with the warmest weather and a lot of sunshine. This is a great time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying the city’s numerous festivals. However, it can also be crowded and hotel prices may be higher.

Autumn (September to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit Budapest. The weather is generally mild and the summer crowds have dissipated. The city’s trees turn beautiful shades of red and gold, making it a picturesque time to visit.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Budapest can be cold, but the city has a special charm during this season, especially if you’re as obsessed with Christmas as I am. The Budapest Christmas Market usually starts in late November and runs until the end of December or early January. I’ve been to Budapest twice in February, and the weather was surprisingly nice compared to what I’m used to in Norway or even Poland.

Is Budapest cheap to visit?

Compared to other European capitals, Budapest is considered to be relatively affordable for tourists, offering a range of options to suit various budget levels.

I found that the cost of food, public transportation and entrance fees were quite reasonable, even though I’m used to traveling in Poland, one of the most affordable countries in Europe.

And that’s why Budapest is a great place to spend time if you’re a digital nomad or looking to get into the content creation world.

How much is a meal in Budapest?

On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Budapest costs around 2,000 to 5,000 HUF ($5-15), while street food items are generally priced between 500 to 1,500 HUF ($1.5-4.5).

The price of a cup of coffee in Budapest can vary depending on where you purchase it, but in a standard café, it might cost between 300 to 600 HUF ($1-2). Specialty coffee shops and higher-end cafes might charge between 600 to 1,200 HUF ($2-4) for a cup.

Can you walk everywhere in Budapest?

Yes, most of the key attractions in Budapest, including the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Chain Bridge, are within walking distance of each other.

However, I recommend also taking advantage of Budapest’s excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, trolleybuses, and a metro system.

For attractions that are further out, such as the Memento Park or the Hungarian Open Air Museum (Skanzen), you will definitely need to use public transport or another form of transportation to get there. I recommend checking out the Budapest Card, which includes free use of public transport.

Is the Budapest card worth it?

Yes! Enjoy unlimited public transport and free entry to more than 30 attractions such as Lukács Thermal Bath and the Hungarian National Museum. I’m so happy we got the 72h Budapest Card, it saved us around €50. 🌟 Get it here!

Can I use euro in Budapest?

While the official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), some businesses in Budapest do accept euros, however, I recommend you use HUF for better exchange rates. 1000 HUF is about €2.5.

And as always, make sure you never travel without insurance. SafetyWing is an affordable subscription travel insurance that you can purchase even after departure.