When travelers think of Budapest cuisine, their minds usually drift to grand thermal baths followed by heavy plates of goulash, chicken paprikash, or a decadent Dobos torte in a lavish café. But step off the tram at Oktogon, wander a side street near the Great Market Hall, or explore the bustling party district of Erzsébetváros, and you will find the true pulse of the city: the Budapest snack bar .
Always have a small bottle of Szódavíz (plain seltzer water) with your snack. It cuts the grease and makes you feel vaguely healthy. Jó étvágyat! (Bon appetit!) budapest snack bar
On a cold winter day (and Budapest has many), nothing beats standing at the counter of a snack bar with a grilled kolbász . These are spicy, garlicky pork sausages, often split down the middle and charred on the grill until the casing pops. It comes with a hunk of fresh bread, a dollop of spicy mustard ( piros arany ), and a sliced pickle. If you are in a hurry, grab a páros virsli —two bright red hot dogs floating in hot water, served with bread and mustard. When travelers think of Budapest cuisine, their minds