Vegan Food Guide: Budapest
Updated: Sep 19
I was really worried about heading to Budapest as a vegan, as all of the traditional Hungarian food is very meat-focused. But I didn’t need to worry for a second! Budapest had so many options available and I definitely did not go hungry. What’s more is that so many places were offering a veganised version of typical Hungarian dishes, which meant I could still get a taste of the local culture. Here is a vegan food guide to Budapest, including all the best places to get vegan food.
Need a three day Budapest itinerary? Check out my post here.
The Best Vegan Food in Budapest
Retro Langós: Pest side
Langós, deep fried flatbread usually topped with sour cream and cheese, is a popular meal that I was desperate to try. I read about a restaurant called Retro Langós and saw that it offered two vegan options on the menu. With vegan sour cream and vegan cheese, this one was just as good as the regular langós. I added some veggies as extra toppings and absolutely loved it. It was one of the best meals I had in Budapest and I highly recommend heading there if you get the chance.
Central Market Hall: Pest side
The Central Market Hall’s second floor was full of food stands, and here was another place where I got a vegan langós. This one didn’t have the vegan sour cream or cheese, but used tomato paste as a base and then added some veggies too. They had plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu, and you could add as many extra toppings as you liked (for a charge, though - beware!).
Edeni Vegan: Buda side
I stumbled across this restaurant completely by accident, and it was a hidden gem. With a little terrace outside to eat, surrounded by other cafés and beautiful buildings, this was a great find, and all the food was vegan. I went inside and was met with so many options, from moussaka and curries to seitan with ratatouille (a take on a classic Hungarian dish). It felt so much like a home cooked meal and was absolutely delicious. The two people working inside were lovely and made me feel really welcome. I would highly recommend stopping by if you’re around Fisherman’s Bastion!
Best Bagel Basilica: Pest Side
Located right next to St Stephen’s Basilica, this tiny little bagel restaurant has so many delicious options for vegans. I had a bagel with vegan feta, avocado, and tomatoes, and absolutely loved it. The views from the patio outside were also stunning and this is the perfect place for a quick and tasty lunch.
Hummus Bar: All over
The Hummus Bar is a chain of restaurants throughout Budapest that specialises in, yes, hummus. As such, it is very vegan-friendly! They have an overwhelming choice of food on their menu, including falafel, babaganoush, salads, pita bread, and so much more. I loved it here!
Las Vegans: Pest side
Las Vegans is a vegan burger place that has a restaurant right opposite the Ruin bar Szimpla Kert, and also has a stand in Karavan, the street food market next door to Szimpla Kert. With around 10 different burgers to choose from, and loads of other side dishes, you will not be disappointed! I can say with all honesty that this is one of the best vegan burgers I have ever had.
A note on chimney cakes
Chimney cakes are very popular in Budapest, and you’ll find a load of vendors selling them from stands all around the city. The main chimney cake is vegan most of the time, and so you just have to check which fillings to add! I asked for the apple pie filling at one stand in the city centre, but without the whipped cream. I got a bit of a strange look from the woman selling them, but she didn’t add the cream and it was delicious!
I am certain there are dozens of other vegan-friendly restaurants in Budapest, I heard of loads when I was doing my research. If you are vegan and apprehensive about heading over to Hungary, all I can say is: don’t be! I ate so well and am sure you will too.
Looking for more vegan food in Europe? See my other posts here:
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