Many who are gluttonous for finger-licking treats only get relief by devouring juicy meat dishes, whether they come grilled, roasted, fried, in a sandwich topped with loads of savory sauce, or in many other forms. From delectable delis to protein-packed eateries to new-wave meateries, we’ve compiled a list of eight great spots in Budapest that serve as fresh “meating-points” for carnivores from this year on.
1/8
Belvárosi Disznótoros
Succulent pork knuckle, crispy duck leg, pork chops from Mangalica (Hungary’s prized pig), and a variety of other hefty eats await meat-craving guests at the counter of Belvárosi Disznótoros on Király Street. Those who want their meal extra fresh can choose from the pre-marinated meats that only take a few minutes to cook on the premises, while anyone who longs to play the chef themselves can get the raw meats for takeaway. The eatery’s savory pickles spice up the protein-infused feast.
2/8
Bestia
Enjoy a little rock ’n’ roll in downtown Budapest near the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica by popping into Bestia for palatable pleasures and a fascinating fiesta, where music fills the air. Offering luscious meat dishes like pork cracklings, lemon-infused chicken sausage, or Uruguayan filet mignon amid a sexy interior, this hip hangout stands out among the rest of the eateries in the area with its groovy American feel. To accompant the meaty delicacies, guests can choose from the variety of chilled Hungarian craft beers, and much more, while on Sundays, after a long night out we can sign up for Bestia's “hangover brunch”.
3/8
Fat Mama Eatery
Bertha takes care of the cooking all day long at Fat Mama Eatery on bustling Kazinczy Street as she brings delicious dishes to perfection, including spicy chicken wings, chunky steaks, or the place’s signature BBQ ribs – but before anyone visualizes a sizeable lady buzzing around the place from morning till nightfall, Bertha is the charcoal oven that roasts the eatery’s protein-filled meals. At Fat Mama the portions are large – the soup arrives in a big bowl, and the main course is a sizeable serving.
4/8
Lamb and Leo
Highly acclaimed by Europe’s haute-cuisine community, Zsolt Hampuk – the chef and heart of Lamb and Leo – prepares mouthwatering meals with a passion, drawing inspiration from the places he has seen and the people he has met along his personal and professional life, and recreates those he likes the most in his Parisian-style bistro in Budapest’s District XII near the MOM Park shopping mall. On the current menu, the truffle-infused risotto with foie gras, the roasted venison with chestnut, and a trio of luscious lamb treats are all offering a tasteful experience for meat-craving gourmets.
5/8
MészárSteak Kitchen
Understated meals steal the show at this affordably-priced bistro, located near the Great Market Hall: what you see is what you get, and what you get is quite exquisite, all making the place a must-try for carnivores. Offering informal dining with meals, including meatball sandwiches, tripe stew, or lung stew, along with all-time local classics, such as paprika chicken and fried blood with onions, the eatery is like a little nostalgia for Hungarians, who wish to chew on home-style treats, while it offers exotic flavors for visitors in town.
6/8
New York Minute
Growing up amid the panel-shadowed concrete jungle in Óbuda, the owners of New York Minute wanted to give a little pizzazz to the dominant Hungarian selection of the neighborhood by bringing fine American tastes to the place, so now you don’t need to hop the Pond when you crave delicious staples from the United States. New York Minute really is reminiscent of an American diner with its black-and-white checkered tiles and red chairs, alongside a wide selection of all-time American favorites, like chicken wings, barbecue specialties, and the XXL-size North Carolina-style pulled-pork sandwich.
7/8
PolaPola
Those who set their hearts on authentic cevapi (sausage-shaped grilled minced-meat), don't need to push all the way to the southern Hungarian border: PolaPola on downtown Budapest's Kazinczy Street treats serious foodies with Bosnian-Serb flavors, like lepinjas (pita bread made of light dough that takes only a few seconds to cook in the 550°C oven fuelled with Bosnian beech), or pljeskavica (a mix of ground minced meat patty). The tempting tastes and perfect textures are made of carefully selected ingredients and all the meat delicacies are cooked on grill.
Address: 1072 Budapest, Klauzál utca 11.
Facebook
8/8
Pörc
Pursuing the long-established family tradition of working in the meat industry, Pörc is a stately successor within the inherited business model that runs in the owner family’s blood. The sausages fill the space with a smoky aroma, and if we close our eyes, we might feel as if we are standing in a rural pantry, but behind the counter, smartly-dressed young men await customers in white gloves and shirts and ties serve up locally-made meats, like crunchy cracklings, succulent sausages, and high-quality hams, along with cheeses, oils, wines, and pálinka to accompany the filling delights.
