With meat becoming universally more unfashionable, there are ever more vegan and vegetarian choices among places to eat in Budapest. Another huge plus is that the dishes they create cover the globe – the favourites we list here showcase specialities from the Middle East to India and beyond.
1/5
hummusbar
Wherever you are in
Budapest, you’re never too far away from a hummusbar. The first opened in 2005,
providing Hungarians with their first authentic taste of the Middle East, and
its popularity allowed the chain to spread across the city. Now there are 13
outlets in all, at key tourist locations, where superb and super healthy falafel
is prepared fresh and quick, ideal for an affordable lunch or dinner, or even
as a takeaway option. The namesake hummus is smooth and creamy, while shakshukas
and laffa sandwiches offer quality and equally authentic alternatives. Among
the vegan desserts, you can choose from the classic plant-based milk pudding
malibi, the tahini mousse topped with buckwheat, or the light chocolate mousse.
You can also now use an app for pre-ordering the dishes you desire. (x)
2/5
Curry House
Long-term residents and lovers of Indian flavours should be familiar
with Curry House by now, although this revered eatery moved from Pest to a leafy
garden in Buda in 2020. Although the menu is not specifically meat-free, there are
plenty of vegetarian options listed in the traditional Indian menu, from dips to
curries to rice dishes. Many are vegan, too.
3/5
Jimmy’z Vegan Burger
Although there’s a burger in the name, Jimmy’Z Vegan knows a lot more
than most about providing hamburgers free of meat. Their sandwiches are
especially creative, taking care not only of the meat substitute patty, but
also of getting as many and as varied crispy vegetables as possible between the
buns, topped with a nice serving of homemade sauce. The menu also includes
exciting vegan toasts, breakfasts and vegan versions of one of Vietnam’s favourite
street foods, the bánh mì sandwich. Although you’ll find only vegan dishes at
Jimmy’Z, carnivores should appreciate the experience, too.
4/5
Ropogó
Right on downtown Múzeum körút, 'Crispy’ is just
that, an eatery where vegans and carnivores can choose between a wealth of
fried delights, prepared in as healthy a way as possible. In addition to fried
meat and fish, there also plenty of vegetables and cheese in breadcrumbs on
offer. Garnishes are distinctly creative and unique, Ropogó showing that there is life
beyond French fries and rice. The potato salad, for example, is turbo-charged with
goats’ cheese and Dijon mustard, while the cucumber salad comes with romaine
lettuce, peanuts and miso sauce.
5/5
Vegan Love
This pioneer of artisanal
vegan burgers has two locations in town, one on trendy Bartók Béla út
restaurant, and base camp in the city centre, a much larger place (V.Vitkovics Mihály utca 8). There is,
however no difference in quality. At Vegan Love on Bartók, in addition to the usual burgers, vegan
hot dogs, sandwiches and kebabs also await, while in Pest, the burger offer is more
finely tuned, with a few novelties among the sandwiches. Snacks include vegan
chicken nuggets and even vegan buffalo wings and crab tails.
