Pálinka is one of the most famous Hungarian alcoholic drinks. It is a double distilled brandy that can be made from any kind of fruit, although the most popular ones are made from plums, pears or apricots. Since 2002 thanks to a EU regulation there are very specific requirements for an alcoholic beverage to be called Pálinka, one of them is that has to be produced and bottled in Hungary (see Wikipedia for more).
In the weekend from September 25th to 27th Hungary is celebrating its very own national drink in Budapest, in Vigadó tér with the Pálinka Promenade; a three days event that sees the participation of 20 pálinka makers. It is a great occasion to know more about this typical product, and of course to taste some. And in case you don’t consume any alcohol, there will be plenty of entertainment with many concerts, varying from jazz to latin to more traditional Hungarian. Don’t believe us? Have a look at the program:
Are you into wine? Well then from September 9th to 13th Budapest is definitely the place to be. But in case you’re not there is so much going on at the Festival that your guaranteed to have a great time.
Let’s start from the location: the stunning Buda Castle, since 1987 a UNESCO world heritage site. In the Castle terraces there are also two stages, where you can enjoy musical performances, men’s choir, folk dancing, jazz music, and more. On top of that there are also other events in various locations; at the Skanzen Museum in Szentendre you can find events like grape harvest parade, churching champagne knights, grape hunting crowd, while in the Palace of Arts in Budapest there are charity wine auction and classical music concerts. Even children will be easily entertained by the puppet theatre, the medieval playhouse, and by the childcare, where qualified attendants have the to draw, listen to stories and have delicious grapes.
Gastronomy is course strictly related to wine, so at the Festival you can spoil yourself at the Corner grill, the Potluck Farm, and the Open Air Kitchen with Mediterranean and Hungarian delicacies, including fried and grilled meats, sausages, stuffed cabbage, but also lighter snacks like scones baked on site, töki pompos (a flat bread-like pastry baked in oven), and a wide selection of sheep, goat and cow cheeses.
When it comes to the main guest of the Festival, wine, there are 170 wine distributors from Hungarian and foreign wine regions. With the entrance ticket you also get your very own crystal tasting glass, and a convenient, easy to use glass holding bag. Before the whole event there is a two days Wine University, where you can learn about traditional wine making, wine market, historical and cultural wine issues.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or not, the Wine and Champagne Festival in Budapest guarantees to have something for you.
Nothing tastes better after a long night out in Budapest than a late night kebab. You’ll find Kebabs in a lot of European cities (also called Gyros or Shawarma) but nowhere do they taste better and cost less than in Budapest. We’re talking 550 Ft (about 2 Euros) and you’ll find them on just about every major street corner. Just follow the scent of slow roasted meat wafting from to-go window.
Hungarians (and you) have the Turks to thank for this deliciously cheap invention. (Although I wouldn’t go shouting their praises in downtown Budapest, the memory of a few hundred years of Ottomon occupation still lingers. ) My favorite place for round the clock kebabs is Szeraj, located between Nyugati train station and Jaszai Mari square on the main ring road. It’s the only place in town you’ll find a line for food at 2am. A word to the wise; go ease on the csipos (spicy) sauce.
Hungarian food is not the most vegetarian-friendly in the world, we have to admit. That said, Hungary can definitely offer you some delicious vegetarian (or even vegan) surprises.
The world famous gulyas can be found in vegetarian style (hús-mentes, literally “without meat”). Soup and Lecsó (stew) made with no meat and with main ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, etc. abound even in the meatier of restaurants.
Especially Budapest, being an international and multicultural city, it’s not difficult to find restaurants, cafes and dining spots that cater well for vegetarians and vegans. Some of the most popular ones are: Darshan Biopont, Napfényes Ízek, Eden or Hummus Bar, but you can find a couple of extensive lists on BudaVeg.com (which also offers accommodations and tips specific for vegetarians) or HappyCow.net.
And in case you should get tired of Hungarian cuisine there’s also plenty of Indian, Japanese and International restaurants, all offering a wide choice of vegetarian dishes. Bon appetit!
