A cone-shaped street food is the new craze in Budapest. In party central, recently opened Tölcsibe sells savoury waffles loaded with breaded chicken, vegetables, even spicy salsa, coleslaw or barbecue sauce. This freshly launched urban fare was inspired by a certain American fast food, where a sweet version of the crisp batter cake is filled with meat and sauce. At this Wesselényi utca eatery, the treat currently comes in five varieties, but more combinations should be introduced soon.
Cubed chicken is marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices at Tölcsibe, a name that refers to the merged version of Hungarian slang used for cone (tölcsi) and chicken (csibe). The piquant pieces are then fried in oil. Crispy waffle giants are heavily loaded with meat, plus all sorts of delicacies, liquid and solid.
The classic spicy BBQ cone is made with coleslaw and a drop of American barbecue sauce, in addition to the freshly roasted meat, of course. Another version completes chicken with homemade cheddar sauce, jalapeño, tortilla chips and a sprinkle of spring onions. Then you can also get your meat mixed with cucumber, onions and coriander-infused salsa sauce.
Cones are wrapped in paper and served on wooden trays. Make sure you gradually peel this paper cover as you get deeper into your roll – this hand-held treat can become a sticky operation with the pile of ingredients. French fries and nachos can be ordered for a more filling experience.
Refreshments are available with watermelon and raspberry, but there’s also beer on tap. Tölcsibe is open daily, and from Thursdays to Saturdays, the substantial treats are offered until 2am to sate the appetite of the drinking crowds staggering around District VII.
