Princess Bakery & Bistro undergoes an underground revolution

Passersby passing through the ever-bustling transport hubs of Budapest have doubtlessly noticed the transformation at six strategically important Princess locations across the city. Once simple and unassuming, Princess bakeries now boast a new, stylish atmosphere with shiny new tiles, decorative industrial lamps, a red-white-black color scheme, and a diverse selection, as well as the distinctive “bistro” title. In major cities all over Western Europe, fancy subway snack spots like these have been a familiar sight for a while (Japan even has a Michelin-starred underground restaurant), but the residents of Budapest have had to do without freshly squeezed orange juice, muesli, and healthy sandwiches served by subway entrances until now. The way people eat in Budapest has changed a lot over the past few years: we have become conscious and more open in our approach to food. We like to go for the healthier options, and thanks to Princess Bakery & Bistro, we can now grab a wholesome bite during the morning or evening rush hours.

Retaining most of its popular sweet and savory snacks, Princess has repositioned its entire repertoire. With specialty cafés cropping up at varied locations all over Budapest, the people of the Magyar metropolis have acquired a new, more refined taste for coffee, and whether you like your morning brew straight or with lots of milk and sugar, this hip, refurbished establishment has got you covered on days when you can’t make it to your favorite specialty coffee shop. Princess works with its own blend, and uses freshly roasted Arabica beans. Not leaving anything to chance, the owners brought in a leading barista to help them come up with a range of special coffee concoctions. The espresso we tried had a pleasantly intensive, chocolaty aftertaste, and could easily compete with the brews of many downtown cafés. Other items to look out for in the assortment include creamy cappuccino and latte with caramel (both sweet and salted!), cinnamon, chocolate, and whipped cream. Iced and lactose-free products will soon be available, too.

Now that spring’s here, thirsty Princess customers will be able to cool down with homemade ice teas and frozen frappés served in tastefully designed glasses. And while we’re on the subject of cold drinks, let’s not forget about their divine, freshly squeezed orange juice poured into screw-cap plastic bottles in front of your eyes. For a sweet yet nourishing edible treat, try the yogurt cups with delicious roasted granola.As part of the new concept, from now on Princess will focus on more substantial sandwiches in addition to their traditional snack foods. Served in whole-grain, crisp baguettes, the sandwiches come generously packed with fresh vegetables, homemade creams and sauces, as well as various toppings. The fillings range from egg cream, pesto, and Caesar chicken to Liptauer and salami. Those craving a warm option should try the pizza slices: in the spirit of authenticity, the flour and the tomato sauce are imported from Italy, while the pizza dough and the various flavor combinations have been perfected with the assistance of a skilled pizza chef. Unlike the bland, awful slices sold for 200 forints citywide, these pizzas are both affordable and delicious, providing great value for your money. We sampled the bruschetta-inspired pizza and the one with a barbecued-chicken topping, both made with a lovely, soft crust and oozing mozzarella. Pizzas baked from whole-grain flour are hard to find in Budapest, so these are awesome for anyone trying to stay fit and healthy. In spring, salads will be added to the selection.Princess will soon refurbish all of its counters in Budapest, making your daily commute more pleasant and smooth with new products launched every month, and contactless card terminals.