The most innovative aspect of Budapest's ongoing gastro revolution is the unstoppable development of street food. Talented and entrepreneurial Hungarians are constantly coming up with new ideas about how they can get the best experience for their customers from the best ingredients, creating their own flavors, while never ignoring the fact that presentation should focus on convenience. Not too long ago, the definition of street food was some run down cookery that tossed you a burger made from mystery meat. Today, it is synonymous with a fine-dining experience that uses top-quality artisanal ingredients while maintaining the less formal setting that is the genre's own, which you can also enjoy on the go.
Bamba Marha is one of the best representatives of the hamburger craze that swept Budapest not long ago. Thanks to the fine quality of the meat used, it quickly rose to popularity and is now operating in several locations.
Bp BARbq is known for the dedication that goes into the final product, which can often mean a solid 20 hours of BBQ-ing the quality raw materials. The place unsurprisingly developed a major fan-base in a short period of time.
The Food Truck Yard is a venue you may just pass by, since it is set up in the inner yard of an otherwise drab residential building near Corvin. Here, the innovators have the chance to showcase their craft making various special kinds of food and drink.
When visiting Holy Cow, you might be a bit surprised by the hamburger buns being pig-shaped, but you definitely won't be disappointed by the organically-sourced pork that goes in them. Holy Cow insists on the best and is always innovating. Ever considered a hotdog made with hurka, Hungary's version of black pudding, with a balsamic apple sauce and honey mustard? Here's your chance.
Kemencés Pizza brought the thin-crust Napoli-style pizza out of the central part of the city so even residents of the outskirts can enjoy a treat. Commitment to quality is demonstrated by the fact that the owners insist on going all the way to Italy to procure the very best ingredients.
Odú is major player on the morning time slot on the street food market, offering a whole variety of great breakfast combinations, with interesting twists like using aioli (a garlic and olive oil sauce) or pickled cucumbers. If you're passing Odú but don't have time to hang around, grab a takeout lunch, you can't miss.
Revolución Budapest has finally achieved what many others have failed to and added an excellent Tex-Mex location to the map. Besides the usual flavors known from the Central American area, be sure to try something from the constantly changing specials.
Steamboo has introduced a unique approach to Budapest with its healthy, boiled rice bites. This is somewhat similar to sushi, but the method of preparation is all the place's own. The success is such that Steamboo has started its international conquest and has already set up another shop in Austria.
Töltő is testament to the fact that street food has evolved well past its earlier image. Run by a former high-end restaurant chef, Töltő's kitchen is restoring the good name of the sausage, making gourmet products from several kinds of top-quality meat.
Veganlove is here to show that meat-free eating has firmly taken a foothold in Budapest, with a growing number of people looking for innovative approaches in the creation of vegan dishes. Eggplants replace bacon, beans replace meat, and even staunch meat lovers will be surprised by the results.
KARAVÁN gives home to numerous kiosks where we can order mouthwatering handheld meals, including the cheese-haven Paneer, Lángos Máshogy, Zing Burger, Nyakleves serving Transylvanian Székely cabbage and goulash in bread bowls, Las Vegan’s offering a vegan burger alternative, Vespa Rossa running an authentic Italian kitchen, Samurice offering vegan and meaty sushiburgers, and The Street Buffet a mecca for nachos, tortilla and pirog. For delicious chimney cake, head to Kürtős Legenda, and for miniature sausages served in a bread cone, visit Kobe Sausages.
Pizzica has the tastiest Lazio-style pizzas and the gallery gives young talents a chance to get recognised by exhibiting their works. The original Italian ingredients guarantee that the square shaped pizzas leave nothing that could be criticised in the slightest.
Bors Gastrobar is a real curiosity in Budapest, they cannot be truly compartmentalized. Their daily-refreshed specials include soups and baguettes with unique flavoring, various vegetable stews, and pasta creations.
Baobox introduced Budapest to BAO, one of Asia's favorite street foods. The steamed or crispy dumplings filled with meat or vegetables can be either a quick snack or serve as a meal.
