Goulash (Gulyás): Hungary's national dish - rich paprika-spiced beef soup/stew with vegetables. Note: Thinner than foreign versions, often served as soup course.
Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás): Tender chicken in creamy paprika sauce, served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings).
Lángos: Deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic - popular street food. Try at Great Market Hall upstairs.
Töltött Káposzta: Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice in tomato sauce. Traditional comfort food.
Fisherman's Soup (Halászlé): Spicy paprika-based fish soup from Danube carp or catfish. Very hot!
Dobos Torta: Layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel top - invented in Budapest 1885.
Kürtőskalács: Chimney cake - cylindrical sweet pastry cooked over coals, rolled in sugar, cinnamon, or nuts. Popular street food.
Palacsinta: Thin crepes with sweet (jam, chocolate, nuts) or savory fillings (meat, cheese).
Borkonyha: Michelin-starred modern Hungarian cuisine with wine pairings.
Onyx: Two Michelin stars, fine dining showcasing Hungarian ingredients.
Menza: Retro communist-era décor serving updated traditional dishes at moderate prices.
Paprika Vendéglő: Authentic homestyle cooking near St. Stephen's Basilica.
Kispiac Bisztró: Market-fresh ingredients, daily specials, local favorite.
Great Market Hall Upper Level: Authentic, affordable Hungarian dishes at food stalls.
Street Food Karavan: Food truck court near Kazinczy Synagogue - varied cuisines including Hungarian.
Langos Stands: Throughout city, especially near baths and markets (300-800 HUF).
Gerbeaud Café: Historic 1858 coffeehouse on Vörösmarty Square - expensive but iconic.
New York Café: The world's most beautiful café - opulent Belle Époque interior. Reserve for breakfast/lunch to fully experience.
Central Kávéház: Historic 1887 coffeehouse with literary heritage, more affordable than Gerbeaud.
Reservations: Book popular restaurants 1-3 days ahead, especially weekends.
Tipping: 10-15% standard; check if service charge already included. Tip in cash when paying by card.
Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer affordable set menus (menü) weekdays 11:30am-2:30pm.
Water: Tap water safe but restaurant uncharged bottled water expensive - ask for 'csapvíz' (tap water) to save money.
Vegetarian: Traditional cuisine meat-heavy, but growing veggie/vegan scene in Jewish Quarter and downtown.