The Hungarian-Vegetarian Walk with GoTravelDaily began at the Central Market Hall, the perfect kick-off point for a food tour in Budapest, teeming with fresh, local produce and culinary delights.
Our delightful guide, Zsofia, greeted us with fresh raspberries and shared the itinerary for the day. Built in 1896 to commemorate Hungary’s millennium, the Central Market Hall (or simply ‘The Hall’) is the largest market in Budapest and frequented by both locals and tourists.
1. Unicum
Next, we visited a small bar within the market to sample Unicum, a traditional Hungarian liqueur. Invented in 1790 by Dr. Zwack, Unicum was initially a medicinal tonic. Despite its secret recipe, which includes a blend of 42 herbs and spices, it is widely popular in Hungary today, especially after a 40-year absence during the USSR occupation.
2. Retesek (Strudels)
Our next stop was a stand serving traditional strudels. We savored three types: a poppy seed, a squash and poppy, and a cottage cheese and dill variant. Each strudel was hearty and delicious.
3. Somlói Galuska (Trifle)
Additionally, we sampled various scone types: cheese, cabbage, and potato. The potato scone stood out as our favorite, offering a delightful twist on traditional flavors.
4. Paprika
Originating from the Turks in the 16th century, paprika has become a staple in Hungarian cuisine and is a popular souvenir among tourists. In Hungary, sweet paprika is predominantly used, with spicy varieties often found in salami.
5. Coffee Experience at Mantra
Although not a traditional offering, coffee shops are a beloved aspect of Budapest’s scene. At Mantra, we enjoyed a robust bitter coffee from Congo and a delightful dark chocolate drink.
6. Vegan Delights at Leves
Our culinary tour continued at Leves, where we celebrated the flavors of a scrumptious vegan tomato soup, which is highly recommended among the local students.
7. Chocolate Indulgence at Rozsavolgyi
At Rozsavolgyi, we indulged in a variety of artisanal chocolates, including unique flavors like tarragon, coffee with balsamic, smoked wood, lavender, raspberry, and milk chocolate with hazelnut. Each piece was exquisite, with the lavender chocolate being a personal favorite.
8. Luncheon at Napfenyes
Lunch was at Napfenyes, known for being one of the best vegan restaurants in Europe. The stuffed cabbages with rice in paprika sauce was extraordinary, proving to be one of the best dishes we’ve ever tasted.
9. Sweet Treats at Madal
Before wrapping up our tour, we made a brief stop at Madal for some delightful raw vegan cakes, giving us one last indulgence for the day.
10. Final Stop: Tasting Table
Our final destination was the Tasting Table, where we enjoyed an impressive selection of wines, including some of the best Tokaj wines in Budapest, paired with exquisite cheeses.
In conclusion, our culinary journey through Budapest with GoTravelDaily was unforgettable. The variety of flavors experienced on this vegetarian food tour, combined with Zsofia’s expert guidance, made for a remarkable gastronomic adventure. From savory scones to delightful chocolates, every bite was a celebration of Hungarian cuisine.
