During the weekend of February 20-21, some 50 exhibitors present more than 200 alluring products for this year’s KávéBár Bazár (CoffeeBar Bazaar) held at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. This tasteful annual expo is renowned for its top-quality specialty coffees and teas, French distillates, champagne made with traditional methods, and premium hot chocolates. Meanwhile, those who would like to learn coffee tasting from world-champion baristas will have the opportunity to do so here. The food will be provided by gourmet exhibitors such as Sarki Fűszeres.

Some years ago, only a few people knew what a barista or a sommelier actually does, and mixers were behind the counter more for creating an atmosphere than experimenting with flavors. By now, all this is changing, and we can peek inside this new, exciting lineup this weekend, at KávéBár Bazár (CoffeeBar Bazaar). At this eagerly anticipated annual event, variously themed lectures will reveal professional tricks, we can learn what an induction plate and an arsenal of spices are doing on the counter, how to professionally taste wines and distillates, and world-champion baristas will reveal the secrets of coffee tasting and roasting techniques. Some micro roasteries and big brands will debut during the weekend, as well.

Kávétársaság joins the event with a serious coffee selection, Mantra Specialty Coffee Minibar prepares its own stand and presentation, and the Beyond Within Coffee Roasters – Budapest strengthens the domestic line of roasteries with Madal’s team, while also presenting some professional tools. But coffee won’t be the only focus of the event – Sarki Fűszeres will battle our hunger with tasting bites, but we can also sip on Bubee or TEAVOLUTION specialty teas. In addition, winemakers will arrive from all over the country, so we will be able to taste wines and distillates from Lake Balaton, Etyek, and the Alföld regions.

Moreover, we can root for our favorite baristas during three national-championship competitions held here during the two days: the baristas will compete in Cup Tasting on Saturday, and test their Latte Art skills on Sunday; the winners will represent Hungary at the spring world championship in Shanghai. The Hungarian Cocktail and Flair Championship will also take place on Sunday, and the winners will fly to Tokyo to take part in the world championship. To further increase the competitive spirit, the sommeliers will also compete with each other.

Tickets are worth buying in advance, as the entrance fee not only includes free participation in workshops and presentations, but also limitless coffee tasting, and free tasting of distillates, cocktails, and wines from ten in the morning until seven in the evening. A daily ticket costs 3,800 forints, while presale tickets (daily ticket: 3,000 HUF, two-day ticket: 5,500 HUF, daily ticket for two: 5,500 HUF) are available at partner points in Budapest and can also be purchased online (in Hungarian). For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.