Organisers of the Budapest Gourmet Festival have announced the main themes for this year’s event: paprika, beer and crusty bread. Taking place 16-19 May at Buda’s Millenáris Park, this annual deluxe picnic showcases prime eats created by top Hungarian and international restaurants, and their chefs.
A stellar chef from Vienna and masters of Korean, Russian and Albanian cuisine are among the star turns for this year’s Gourmet Festival. This alfresco attraction celebrates high-quality gourmet dishes, desserts and wine, with the 2019 event focused on three elements, beer, paprika and crusty bread.
Over 50 restaurants will set up stalls at the Millenáris Park for what has become one of the city’s most popular picnic events for nearly a decade. Even organiser Richárd Nemes says that the 2019 line-up is the strongest so far: “Fine-quality food, exciting restaurant concepts and each chef’s personal touch are what make this gastronomic experience unforgettable”.
Leading Hungarian culinary star Zsófia Mautner explains that reusing leftovers and waste-free cooking are what the upcoming Gourmet Festival is all about. “For its sacred and symbolic meaning to gastronomy, we selected bread and its crusty end part as a main theme. This includes food coated in breadcrumbs, bread pudding and stuffed bread.”
Another event host, founder of the local Világevő gastronomy blog András Jókuti, elaborates on the festival’s focus on paprika, a fundamental element of Hungarian cuisine, adding that he hopes restaurants will be inspired to show guests about its manifold use. Meanwhile, the event’s third pillar, beer, will be found in sauces, marinades and, of course, in glasses.
Besides bringing together the cream of Hungarian cuisine, international Michelin-star chefs also feature. The Viennese Konstantin Filippou will offer a fusion of Austrian and Mediterranean cuisine, while Seoul-based Lee Jong-kuk brings his mature soy sauce and marinades. Twin chefs Ivan and Sergei Berezutszky of Moscow’s Twins Garden will be the go-to kiosk for authentic Russian treats.
Meanwhile, top-quality Hungarian restaurant Stand will pair prime Italian sparkling wine, Ferrari, with hedonistic lunch treats. Bledar Kola from the famed Noma in Copenhagen will also be here, as well as Max Stiegl, known for spicing up the authentic cuisine of Burgenland with his creations made from offal and steamed dumplings.
For more information about the event, visit the Gourmet Festival website.
