We don't have to travel to the Austrian-Hungarian border to eat a classic Wiener Schnitzel. We can find Austrian specialties and walnut creations in the heart of Budapest. Our destination is as close as Királyi Pál Street, where the canteen and delicatessen called Dió serves crispy veal bites, made with love by real Austrian hands.
Yes, veal, because that is what real schnitzel is made from. Klaus Sommer came to Hungary 14 years ago. In the beginning, he tried selling Hungarian handicrafts products and importing the flavours of his country in Sopron. However, in 2014, he found a store in Királyi Pál Street and decided to captivate Budapest with Austrian cuisine, and in mid-November, he finally opened Dió (“Walnut”).
The origin of the name is rather simple: he loves walnuts; moreover, he's even created some specialties using the funny-shaped nut. These specialties include walnut pesto (which comes in a spicy version, as well), or the more extreme walnut salami, which is made by a butcher which Klaus knows very well. Naturally, we tasted it - for it's not everyday that we can taste such a peculiar food. The experience was definitely special and there was definitely a walnut-flavoured after-taste.
They have daily menus with different themes; when we were there they offered an Austrian menu, including a classic Austrian bouillon packed with vegetables (690 HUF). The second dish was the Wiener Schnitzel, made from veal and served with purple potatoes, which look a bit shocking at first, but taste only a bit different from normal potatoes. The meat seemed a bit smaller than at most Hungarian restaurants, but its taste was different: much crispier.
We tried a dessert, which was chocolate cream with fruit. Since Klaus hardly uses any sugar, the slightly bitter taste of the chocolate might surprise, although the fruit pieces make up for this.
The signature dish at Dió is the walnut burger, with which Klaus would like to ride the burger wave taking place in Budapest, although his hamburger is definitely European, not American.
What does this mean? First of all, the buns, that are brought from the bakery Jacques Liszt, already have walnut baked into them. Packed in between the bread we find Austrian ham, walnut pesto, Lajta cheese, tomato and onion. The appearance of the burger is different from the usual as well – it resembles a hot sandwich more than a hamburger. We definitely recommend it for guests who are hungry for an exceptional taste - and right now, there's even a winter discount. Try the burger for 1290 forints, with a drink (syrup, espresso or fröccs) of your choice included.
Klaus’ Dió is not entirely a one man show as a couple of his friends and family members help him out here and there. For example, the wines are from his father's cellar at Lake Fertő. The delicatessen stocks fruit juices, vinegars, oils and pesto that are all his family's produce too.
Going back to the daily menus, we have a short but handy guide for you: Monday is for főzelék (Hungarian stew), Tuesday is for pasta, Wednesday is for Austrian flavours, Thursday is for sweet dishes, and Friday is for fish. Two courses are 1590 forints, while three courses are 1980 forints.
Dió Address: 1053 Budapest, Királyi Pál Street 9.
