We like to say the word “pörc” (“crackling” in English), and from now on the word won't just remind us of pálinka-fuelled pig slaughters and that typical fatty crunch of crackling, but also of this deli called Pörc, which is a tiny slice of heaven with its sausages, cheeses, honeys and jams. Even expert pho fanatics, fine dining lovers and burger fans can find what they are looking for at Pörc. It's Hungarian flavours meets old-fashioned elegance meets high quality products. Together this makes Pörc one of the best delis in Budapest.
Finding truly excellent places to go can be hard.
Some have great enthusiasm and a wonderful interior but sell only mediocre products. Sometimes people leave a previous career to start a new one in cheese-making or beer brewing and open up a new place as a kind of hobby. We think that often the most wholesome situation is when the owners have a familial history in the business. In the case of Pörc, for instance, even the great-great-grandfather of Jenő Kocsis worked with meat products. His family has been working in this industry for some 150 years. Thus, competence and the tricks of the trade are practically running in this family's blood, as is creativity and respect for customers.
They have already proved their expertise with Pörc of Balatonkenese. The locals there simply adore the place, and although ice cream is their specialty at this location near the "Hungarian sea," we can see numerous people enjoying their salami and crackling too. The locals there know that it is worth buying the fine cold cuts of Pörc instead of the industrial products found in supermarkets. Or their honey , jam and cheese. Bringing this world to Budapest was a brilliant idea, because although they are by no means alone in the capital, there is demand for the delicious specialty deli products.
The shop is small, the merchandise barely fits on the shelves and in the counter. The sausages fill the space with a smoky aroma. If we close our eyes, we might feel as if we are standing in a rural pantry, but behind the counter, two fine young men await customers in shirts and ties. Yes, they even have white gloves! Jenő always liked this attire, as a tip of the hat to former butcher apprentices, who welcomed customers in similar, formal clothing. It is important that he enjoys good relationship with his employees; he see his role as a kind of mentor.
But let’s meet the main characters: the meats, cheeses, oils, wines and pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy). Jenő believes that a good relationship between the producers and Pörc is very important. There is no product in the shop that was not carefully selected. There are a lot of Balaton-related goods as well as products from all around the country. Naturally, all of them are handmade, but not in that over-hyped, hipster Budapest way. They do not even use this term: the flavours make it clear anyway. Nothing is artificial, enhanced or coloured. Only pure, raw materials.
Cheeses from Judit Hankai, from the Vászolyi Cheese Manufactory, from Csaba Kovács in Tekeresvölgy, from Nárcisz Mircz in Debrecen. Most of the cured products arrive from the family in Kenese, and some meats come from Szomor hús or the Püski Manufactory. The delicious horseradish, comes from Loránd Heit. We tasted the apple flavoured one and feel it is a step above normal horseradish. The bakery products are from Pipacs Bakery and Pékműhely. On the shelves, we can also find the Sárréti Csilifarm’s entire portfolio.
Among the sweets, the syrups, jams and honeys are at the fore. The jams come from Csikos Lekvár and there are Zsusska products as well. We highly recommend Nándor Dombi’s amazing cream honeys. Raspberry, strawberry, hazelnut honey, all delicious, all in sweet tiny jars. As for the syrups, we can try the flavours of Bogyódomb, Dörgicsei Levendárium and Csupaszörp. We recommend the lime syrup!
The supply of meats and cold cuts changes constantly, depending on what is fresh and available. The 14-second sausage is our great favourite. The smoked tenderloin and goose breast proved to be excellent, as well. Then came the renowned pörc, or crackling, in hot and cold versions. The hot, fatty crackling skewer comes with vegetables and is garnished with pickled cucumber. Could it be better? No - it is 100 pörcent!
Pörc BUDA (closed)
Address:
1021 Budapest, 1 Hidegkúti Street
