As the year winds down, St Martin's Day marks the final hurrah before the long, lean Advent fasting. Hungarian tradition dictates a hearty goose dinner to ward off hunger for the coming months. So, let's dive into the delectable details and discover where to indulge in this age-old ritual.

SIMALIBA: A Goose lover's paradise – 8-17 November

Downtown SIMALIBA is a haven for traditional Hungarian cuisine, and during St Martin's Day, it transforms into a goose lover's paradise. From the light and airy cold foie gras to the rich and comforting foie gras stew, every dish is a testament to culinary excellence. But the festivities don't stop there! This November, SIMALIBA is rolling out a special St Martin's Day menu featuring goose soup, crispy foie gras, rosé goose breast, and the pièce de résistance: cholent with stuffed geese and a boiled egg. To cap off this gastronomic journey, indulge in the decadent goose leg cake (basically a delicious chocolate cake named after the shape of a goose's leg). To complement your meal, savour a selection of fine Hungarian wines and pálinka, all while enjoying live music on the weekends. 

Reservations are recommended here.

St Martin’s Goose Days in Pasarét – from 1 November until the end of the season

Calling all goose enthusiasts! Pasarét Bistro, a beloved local staple housed in the iconic Bauhaus building, has already kicked off its St Martin's Goose Days extravaganza. You can dive into a symphony of goosey goodness until stocks last. Sink your spoon into the comforting goose soup with Matzah balls, savour the richness of fried goose liver with beetroot salad, or go for the classic roast goose legs with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and a touch of quince. Craving something smoky? Opt for the classic cholent with smoked meat and eggs. Feeling adventurous? Try the duck liver as a topping for that extra flavour punch. And the feast doesn't end there! No St Martin's Day celebration is complete without the iconic goose leg cake, a delightful dessert with a hint of amarena sour cherry. To elevate the experience, Pasarét Bistro will be showcasing a selection of new wines. Wine tastings and live music will further enhance your culinary journey.

Reservations are recommended at (30) 790 5931 or pasaretbisztro@pasaretbisztro.hu.

Vadrózsa Restaurant – a little luxury for every day

Discover the elegance of Vadrózsa Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Rózsadomb at 15 Pentelei Molnár utca. This historic baroque villa, reopened in 2016, enchants visitors with its timeless charm and legendary goose dishes, available year-round. The oven-baked cholent is served with goose sausage and fried egg, and can also be ordered with crispy goose thighs or smoked goose breast. From November 9th to 17th, Chef Gergely Kiss presents a special Goose Days menu. Indulge in a culinary journey featuring dried cranberry stuffed goose with tangerine dressing mushroom salad, or goose soup with thyme potato dumplings. The main courses include confit goose legs with walnuts, sautéed cabbage and pumpkin, dried plum jus, and rosé goose breast with ludaskása (goose risotto) and orange carrot. The dessert will be goose leg cake, made even more special with ginger cherry ice cream.

Reservations are recommended on +36 1 326 5809 and +36 20 44 222 45 or at vadrozsa@vadrozsa.hu.

TATI – Goose Days from 7 to 14 November

Since its opening in 2022, TATI has been committed to bringing you the freshest, most local flavours through a farm to table concept. By sourcing ingredients from Hungarian producers, including their own farm near Biatorbágy, they ensure an authentic dining experience. This St Martin's Day, TATI is celebrating tradition with a special goose dinner. From November 7th to 14th, indulge in a feast fit for a king. The menu features a delectable starter of porridge with goose, followed by a hearty soup with smoked goose and egg. To conclude this culinary journey, savour the unique dessert of Mespilus germanica (a delightful apple-like fruit), honey, and goose rind.

Reservations are recommended here .

Getaway from Budapest: Andrássy Kúria & Spa and Bobajka Restaurant – 8-10 November

Join a festive culinary journey featuring goose and goose bacon on November 8th and 9th! The event will be hosted by the Michelin-recommended Andrássy Kúria & Spa and Bobajka Restaurant, located in the famous Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region in North-East Hungary. Indulge in the delightful flavours of celery and pear starters, a comforting goose soup, and a truly exquisite pasta dish. Experience the perfect blend of simple, homey flavours, modern culinary techniques, and a high-end gastronomic experience. Elevate your evening with live music performances! On Friday, November 8th, be captivated by the saxophone recital of Ferenc Sándor, leader of the Miskolc Big Band. On Saturday, November 9th, immerse yourself in the enchanting piano performance of Valencia Bodovics. Join the Goose Run on November 9th, at 11 AM at the nearby Patrícius Wine House! If you're seeking relaxation, our cosy wellness area and rejuvenating grape essence treatments are the perfect escape. Book a room this weekend and enjoy a 10% discount on your stay.

Reservations are recommended here.

What should we toast with?

Choosing the perfect wine to complement your autumnal dishes can be a delightful challenge. Thankfully, the Wines of Hungary agency is here to guide you. A Portugieser from Villány is the ideal companion to the rich flavours of goose. A Riesling from the Badacsony wine region is the perfect match for the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. And don't limit sparkling wine to special occasions! A glass of local bubbly can transform a simple weeknight dinner into a festive affair – a great way to celebrate the end of the day with friends. St Martin's Day is also the perfect time to explore the latest vintages. Discover the freshness and vibrancy of newly bottled wines by visiting wineries during the Libabőr Festival (until November 17th) or purchasing online.

(Cover photo: Getty Images)

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