When in Hungary, many head straight from the airport to savour a bowl of goulash, and who could blame them? This hearty soup, consisting of beef, carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, seasoned with paprika, is Hungary's most famous dish for a reason. If you're on the lookout for the best spots to try it, here's a list of restaurants where you won't be disappointed.
Stand25 Bistro
Situated on the Buda side near the Tunnel, Stand25 is the bistro helmed by two award-winning chefs Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll. Their goulash soup (along with the other dishes) is to die for: they're undoubtedly original, and their unique addition of seasoning leaves you wondering how you've never tasted these flavours before. No twists and tricks, just a touch of freshness that makes the goulash even more perfect.
Remma’s
It would be a waste of time to go on a painful search for a more authentic (or better!) goulash than this. Remma's soup is the real deal – a hearty flavorful dish with quality beef, a rich broth, and perfectly balanced veggies. The goulash here requires a slice of bread just to ensure that not a single drop of it is left to smear on the plate. It's a proper culinary delight. (x)
KIOSK
The hip riverside restaurant KIOSK has been a go-to spot for more than 10 years now. We visited them recently and left happy and full: their current gastronomy fits perfectly, with absolutely reliable quality. Their goulash is a bit more new wave, but just enough that it's not broken down into elements and seasoned beyond recognition. Rich and filling, with a touch of piquancy thanks to the red hot peppers, but it doesn't set your mouth on fire. Generous with high-quality meat, after a meal of goulash at KIOSK you may only have room for dessert, especially if you have some bread with it. And if you can take one piece of advice: you should!
Bestia
Walking around St Stephen's Basilica, you'll find more Italian or Asian places than restaurants likely to offer some decent goulash. But then you stumble upon Bestia, and you are sorted. Chef Rozina Wossala's creativity and Norbi Krizmanics and his team's execution are remarkable. The serving and the cooking technology are quite modern, but the flavours follow tradition with minimal twists. The soup is rather fiery due to the peppers, but the sourdough bread tempers the heat.
Menza
An unwavering spot in the capital for 20 years, Menza features plenty of classics without unnecessary frills and intrusive self-expression. Always offering friendly and welcoming vibes, it's a reliable choice for a warm dining experience. While it's worth trying new things, we're really into the Hungarian line: no matter how many thousands of litres of goulash they cook, the result is always top-notch, destined to be shared with friends and family. It's this genuine quality that makes Menza a reliable choice for those seeking consistency.
Adam Bistro
Adam Bistro, a recently opened restaurant next to the Chain Bridge, brings a fresh culinary experience to Budapest. Launched in autumn, the menu features several classic Hungarian favourites developed and perfected by Chef Zsolt Haraszti in his previous restaurants – goulash soup being one of them. The thick, distinctive soup features vegetables cooked tender-crisp and succulent, flavoursome, tender, lean beef – perfect, just as it is. If you like it, you can add a pinch of the accompanying hot paprika – it makes the soup taste even better in the colder months.
Szaletly
A stone's throw away from the City Park, Szaletly is a charming restaurant with Chef Dániel Bernát at the helm since the beginning. His creativity has played a pivotal role in shaping the restaurant's concept. While they started with a slightly less conventional approach, they have refined their offerings, adapting to the tastes of both locals and gourmets from afar. Though the old glory of the Stefánia neighbourhood might have faded, dining at Szaletly still evokes those bourgeois vibes. The goulash is a must-try, made from beef chuck, so the meat is crumbly and tasty, with fat-roasted potatoes and tender carrots as a topping. This goulash is a combination of tradition and rock 'n' roll.
