Dining in Budapest
One of the major cosmopolitan cities in Eastern Europe, Budapest provides a wealth of richness in its' dining scene, both when it comes to the food itself, and the quality of restaurants located throughout the metropolitan area. As is true with travel in virtually all-major cities, some of the best fare and most reasonable prices are to be found in off-the-beaten path eateries, away from the bustling tourist districts of Budapest. Many of the more commercial restaurants are designed to appeal to travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, offering appealing but overpriced menus and less local ethnic flavor than an eager world traveler might care for.
When it comes to cuisine, Hungary is known for inventive, rich, and bold flavors. Heavily influenced by Russian, Romanian, and Ukrainian dishes, carbohydrates such as pancakes, pastas, and hand-rolled dough are found in some aspect of virtually every dish. These are generally complemented by rich and heavy sauces; low-cal and fat-free cooking is not the Hungarian way. Although very few restaurants in Hungary offer only vegetarian dishes, and veganism is rarely practiced amongst the residents, almost every restaurant will offer a handful of delicious meat-free entrees. Hungarians consume less meat and fish than their American counterparts, often compensating by using bolder flavors.
The practice of dining itself may provide a bit of a culture shock to Western travelers in Budapest. Unlike the United States and United Kingdom, restaurant dining in Hungary isn't a private event. You're likely to be seated at a large table with other patrons, making the practice of business lunches and romantic dinners fairly impractical. If you're looking for quiet conversation with your travel companion, your best bet is to hit a local coffee shop or wine bar, both of which can be easily found in cosmopolitan Budapest.
Hungarian establishments typically post the menu, complete with prices, on the outside of restaurants. While this practice is often avoided in the United States, it's typical for Hungarian patrons to browse the menu before entering the establishment, so don't be surprised when your server asks you what you'd like to order without bringing you a menu. It is also common practice for restaurants to round your bill up to the nearest dollar, then add a service fee and gratuity. When you receive your bill, it is almost always all-inclusive, so don't figure in an additional 20% tip unless you really loved your waiter.