From Mexico to Uruguay, by way of Peru, Brazil and Argentina, come with us on a culinary tour of Latin America – while staying right here in Budapest!
1/7
Barrio
It was only recently that we visited one of the best restaurants in Buda,
Argentine-themed Barrio, at once elegant yet relaxed, modern yet homely. Amid
the aromas of a wood-fired grill, Provoleta cheese is prepared in a cast-iron pan, empanades, Peruvian
ceviche with tiger milk, Argentine blood sausage, aka morcipán, is served in
bread, and great steaks sizzle. There are South-American wines, too. Make sure
to book.
2/7
La Casita
The recipes for the superb sandwiches available here are sourced from the
culinary wisdom of a Uruguayan grandmother – we wrote about the tiny but very
detailed world of Sarolta Bodó and Fabio Telles back in July. The varied range of empanadas
and sandwiches, particularly the Hungarian empanadas and choripán sandwiches, can
be followed by Martín Fierro (quince cheese and dulce de leche) that arrives in
a toasted croissant or alfajor, light cornmeal pastry loaves stuffed
with milk cream. La Casita is primarily a breakfast base but you
can pop in for a nice snack any time of the day. It’s just as Spanish, Catalan and
Hungarian as it is Uruguayan, underscored by quality, passionate preparation
and value for money.
3/7
Iguana Bar & Grill
The feeling
here is like a bar in Albuquerque or Phoenix, and yet you are by a main square in
downtown Budapest, Szabadság tér. The founder, the late Cory Skolnik from
Colorado, wanted to create an authentic Mexican restaurant in the Hungarian
capital. That was back in the 1990s. Since then, classic Tex-Mex dishes have
been prepared in authentic fashion at the Iguana. Burgers, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and
chilis are all made from original ingredients imported from Mexico. ¡Viva México!
4/7
Inka Grill Bisztró
Amid the buzz of Spanish chatter, the friendly Peruvian owners prepare fish marinated in
lemon juice, pumpkin doughnuts and dishes made from purple sweetcorn… this is the Inka
Grill Bisztró on restaurant-lined Ráday utca. Milagros and Carlos had
been living in the Hungarian capital for some time but couldn’t find a
restaurant that tasted like home, so they decided to open one. Ají de gallina (Peruvian
yellow paprika chicken breast with walnut sauce, rice, boiled eggs), chicharrón
de cerdo (Peruvian-style roast pork ribs) and classic ceviche are just a few options from
the exciting selection.
5/7
IPANEMA Brazilian Grill
Churrasco is not only a type of grilled meat but also a way of life in
Brazil, particularly São Paulo. Locals gather around the glowing embers at traditional
churrascarias, devouring succulent and specially seasoned meats. These you can sample
at the IPANEMA Brazilian Grill restaurant, which opened in 2021 at The Ritz-Carlton
Budapest right in the heart of town. You’ll also find rodízio, a fixed-price
grill with a long tradition in Brazil. The beverage range is based on
caipirinhas, Latin soft drinks and artisanal cocktails, South-American coffees,
plus local beers and wines.
6/7
La Movida (Closed)
The cosmopolitan culinary offerings along Dohány utca were enhanced last
year by the Latin fusion cuisine of La Movida.
After the Spanish-inspired La Nube and Fuego restaurants, the owners have now brought
a touch of Latin America to one of the main gastronomic arteries of District
VII. The viability of the concept, based on Mexican, Peruvian, Chilean, Cuban
and Argentine flavours and quality ingredients, is well illustrated by the
proportion of foreign guests to Hungarians. Look out for roast lamb tacos with aubergine and
yoghurt dressing, grilled vegetables, congri (Cuban black bean rice), squid ceviche
and, a real favourite, original Aztec guacamole, prepared à la minute and the
best in Budapest. When the kitchen closes in the evening, the chairs are taken
out, the tables are pushed aside, DJs arrive and the partying begins with cocktails
and dancing.
7/7
Tereza
Tereza is personified by a bohemian, warm-hearted Mexican mamita, always
running around in the kitchen, her name transferred to a cosy restaurant on
Nagymező utca. The menu features iconic Mexican dishes: in addition to the
usual nachos, tacos and quesadillas, there are fajitas, burrito bowls and chili
con carne. Of course, the Mexican atmosphere encompasses the beverages, too:
tequilas, mezcals, cocktails, even Mexican wines. This is a place where you
feel at home – as the sign says, ¡Mi casa es su casa!
