The current food prices are well above tolerance levels, but if you don't want to dig deep into your pockets, read on. Whenever you are in the mood for a quick lunch, snack, or dinner, you can count on the fast-prepared but tasty and filling street food, including specialities for HUF 2,000 and less. We have now collected our favourites, but the hunt was harder than we first thought.
1/8
Amazy Burger
We recently visited Amazy for a major burger test and were pleased to discover that if you want a quick, tasty, and fairly-priced lunch, this is the place to go. They have six burgers; the 100 g meat version is under HUF 2,000. We recommend the Spicy with jalapeño, or the Basic burger with extra sauce of your choice, which is still within your budget.
More details here.
2/8
Tepsis
Breaded lasagne? Excuse me?! In the restaurant on Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, the guys not only make great pizza (one slice is enough to fill you up) but also this extra and unique snack. It’s not the usual stuff. It’s delicious, and filling, and although it’s not exactly a light treat, it’s a must-try. 4 cubes make a serving at Tepsis.
More details here.
3/8
Eggi
Eggi was the top discovery of the summer. Even though we didn’t exactly crave the gooey cheese-wrapped toasts in 36 degrees, now, with a more temperate Indian summer kicking in, we are all in for it. Most of their sandwiches are over the price limit, but we can get the simpler Korean-style ham and cheese toast for a two-thousand-forint bill.
More details here.
4/8
Bangla Bufe Premium
The good old Bangla is no longer the shabby, panelled little bistro, but a much bigger and more compact concept. However, the prices are still not sky-high. Chicken curry or a veggie-based dish can be purchased for HUF 2,000 or less. For something spicier but heart-warming, the Bangladeshi canteen is a good choice.
5/8
Simon’s Burger – Astoria
A Gen Z burger place that got famous as the Hungarian Five Guys back in March, now has two restaurants. We really like their vibe and the food, their fries are rustic and home-style (the large portion is relatively filling), and come in at well under HUF 2,000. And our new favourite is the cheese fries, a one-pot dish topped with cheese, their secret sauce, and caramelised onions. It’s delicious, vegetarian, and gluten-free at the same time.
More details here.
6/8
Arancini Beneditti
You gotta love the golden rice balls from Sicily: they are filling, delicious, and appealing to the Hungarian spirit. Another bonus of the little street food place on Frankel Leó út is that – taking food allergies into account – there are several gluten– and lactose-free versions of the little balls. A portion of both the savoury and sweet versions costs HUF 1,150, with a sauce on the side for HUF 550, and you’re still under the HUF 2,000 threshold. Our favourites include the classico and porcini versions.
More details here.
7/8
Bors GasztroBár
Bors has been a solid reference point in the city for ages (over 10 years). Fans of their divine soups and baguettes are setting off on a pilgrimage from other districts, which speaks for itself. The guys are customer-focused, frequently assessing what they like. The soups by the cup are definitely under HUF 2,000, but if you’d prefer something solid rather than sweet or savoury soups, a small baguette costs under HUF 1,500.
8/8
Tökmag Vegan Street Food
We’ve been fans of Tökmag since the beginning, because they are both advocates of clean eating and they themselves could promote veganism with their rich flavours and authenticity, using only plant-based ingredients. We can get fantastic sandwiches from this little street food place on Hollán Ernő utca for under HUF 2,000, and we’ll definitely get full. All fresh and nice ingredients and good flavours are combined in the sandwiches, and their walnut and lentil pâté is the best!
More details here.
