Around 50 food trucks are rolling into Kincsem Park racecourse this weekend, carrying turmeric, star anise and garam masala with them. All of these mobile eateries are competing to earn the title of the most creative kitchen at the Budapest Food Truck Show, a biannual event in the city. Zing, Kolbice and Paneer are among the contestants coming up with Indian versions of burgers, ratatouille and even waffles. Accompanying events are similarly off-beat and include petting an Indian elephant and a Rock, Paper, Scissors championship. Traditional horse and greyhound racing also feature.
Visitors are invited to vote for the most innovative treat at the Budapest Food Truck Show, taking place at Kincsem Park racecourse from Friday to Sunday. This is the first time that Hungary's capital is hosting a competition for which local street-food vendors must recreate their treats to resemble the gastronomy of another nation. This time, burgers, sandwiches, even traditional tócsni potato pancakes, should feature Indian flavours and more than a pinch of spice. Meanwhile, Lekker is recreating its traditional stroopwafel with an Indian-inspired mix of nuts, including coconut, almonds, cashews, sesame seeds and raisins.
This inaugural culinary contest is aimed at promoting the world’s diverse gastronomy culture, but it’s not the only curious competition that is taking place at the Food Truck Show. Kincsem Park also hosts the the Rock, Paper, Scissors national contest, whose winner will represent Hungary at the international tournament in London on November 3rd. For that funfair feel, there is even a giant carousel to ride and an elephant to pose with for photos. Street musicians and kite-flying add to this whooping hootenanny.
To help the planet, all participating trucks will be supporting a plastic-free environment by using only biodegradable plates and trays for serving food. Wine, spritzers, pálinka and beer are offered in reusable plastic cups.
Those who arrive by public transport should alight at the Pillangó utca stop on the M2 metro line. Alternatively, a shuttle bus will be transferring festival-goers for free between focal Deák Ferenc tér and Kincsem Park, setting off on the hour from outside the supermarket at the junction with Király utca.
Admission costs 1,000 forints and includes a reusable glass to protect the environment. Entry is free for visitors under 18. No admission is charged after 8:30pm on Friday and after 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. The festival is open 4pm-11pm on Friday, 11am-11pm on Saturday and 11am-9pm on Sunday. A giant tent provides shelter in case of rain.
For more information about the Food Truck Show, visit the event’s Facebook page.
