When you're far from home, it’s normal to crave comfort food and you're favourite specialty items. As wonderful as Hungarian food is and as much variety there is in the range and quality of international cuisine on offer at Budapest's restaurants, sometimes you might just want certain brands and foods stocked in your pantry. Here we collect some of the stores where you can get some of the items you might miss from "home," whether you're in Budapest for just a few days or have lived here for years, these stores will hopefully stock the items you're looking for.
International aisle One of the best places to find some international ingredients can be at the larger supermarkets in Budapest. For example, big Tescos and some Spars have really good international aisles where you can pick up some of the brands you miss from home. For something more specialised, head over to Culinaris (there are multiple locations) to stock up from their huge selection of groceries. This is more for the gourmet, but if you need specific ingredients like the right kind of chilli to make a mean Mexican Mole Poblano or even just Kellogg's Pop Tarts, then this is the place. You can also order ingredients online, plus they have huge gift baskets around themes like "teamania," "chocaholic," and "sushi-maki home." If you’re into ordering food online, you can also check out what's on offer at G’Roby.
British and beyondFor Brits feeling homesick there are plenty of options. The British Store carries confectionary, teas, jams, general food and even drinks like cider and beer. They have a huge selection and you can order online or visit their store in the XIII District. Another great option is The British Pantry that also stocks a very good range, but also carries some products from Ireland, Australia and the United States. For those of you who like your meat products just the way you had them back home, you might want to try out Wilkinson’s Sausage, a family owned company run by David Wilkinson from Yorkshire, who specialises not only in British classics like Cumberland Sausages, but also branches out with recipes like the Italian Pork with Fennel Sausage.
French cuisineFrench food has a stellar reputation, and whether you’re missing the taste of Provence or simply want to bring a touch of Paris to your kitchen in Budapest, then check out Le Gourmet de Bordeaux. Find the best of French cuisine in Périgord-born Clarence Jourbert du Cellier’s delicatessen, including famous cheeses, sausages, wines and more!
A touch of ItalyFor a taste of Italy, restaurant Pomo d’Oro has its very own Italian gastronomic shop selling cheeses, fresh pasta, aromatic olive oils and cold cuts. For a more home-like supermarket with less of a gourmet vibe, Culinaria Italia sell a good range of Italian pantry staples like jams and biscuits that are normally hard to come by. Their website is in Hungarian only, but they have a store at Mammut I too. For the sweet toothed head over to Gelati & Co.
in the V District for some Italian ice cream or delicious Sicilian cakes.
Spice of India There is no need to go without the fragrant and tasty dishes of India, because there are plenty of options here in Budapest aside from the many Indian restaurants. Exotic India – Szép Kis India not only carries spices, drinks, teas, exotic fruit and vegetables and Ayurvedic products, they also supply gifts, home furnishings, cosmetics and clothes. You can also swing by Masala Market next to Hunyadi Square to stock up on Indian staples.
Taste of the Mediterranean Even if it’s a bit grey outside, you can recreate Mediterranean warmth in your kitchen. Try Görög Csemege on the Grand Boulevard opposite Rákóczi Square for Greek products that from canned and fresh stuffed vine leaves, herbs and spices, bottles of sticky ouzo, fresh olives and more. For Spanish cuts of jamón and chorizo, and other specialties, take a gander round the Iberian treats at Andalgo Deli just off Gozsdu Udvar.
Asian flavours For authentic Japanese cuisine and sake, Anyu is a cute shop set in a basement on Eötvös Street. It carries everything you need to make some delicious Japanese food back at home. We write about them in greater detail here. The friendly staff will help you out if you’re not sure which bottle of sake to choose, and you can even take home a freshly made bento box for lunch. The Chinese Grocery Story on Rákóczi Square carries a wide range of delicacies hailing from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. You can find everything from a bottle of soy sauce to bamboo sprouts, and you can also pick up the right utensils with which to cook. For a cornucopia of Asian ingredients, the Ázsia Bolt near the Central Market Hall has spices and goods packed high.
