This walk will take you through several neighborhoods in central Pest, in which you will be thoroughly immersed in two themes that pair very well together: Hungarian sweets and traditional coffeehouses.
Cafés were hubs of Hungarian literary and artistic life in 20th century Budapest. They are deeply intertwined with Hungary’s history and were vital to the city’s artistic and political circles. Though most of them were shut down during Communism, a few remain. The stories behind Hungary’s patisseries are also fascinating, and you’ll learn about the techniques used in the Hungarian pastry kitchen and the flavors and ingredients that show up again and again in many forms. You will discuss the people and stories behind some of Hungary’s most famous sweets and cafés.
Hungarian kitchen has been heavily influenced by other cultures over the centuries (and continues to be), and desserts are no exception. You’ll see (and taste) examples of how Hungarian desserts are continuing to evolve while continuing to value the old traditions. There is so much more, however, than fancy desserts. There are countless types of pancakes and strudel; Jewish-Hungarian sweets; fabulous creations made from marzipan; colorfully-decorated honey cakes; delicious sweet wines; and many new chocolatiers producing fine chocolates in some very Hungarian flavors. In addition to the long-time favorites, you will experience some of the more innovative sweets being made today by talented local chefs and entrepreneurs. You’ll visit elegant cafés where influential literary reviews were edited and where some of Hungary’s greatest contemporary writers labored. You will see a Communist-era ‘presszó-style café’ (more of a social club than a traditional café), as well as a contemporary café for an artisan coffee prepared by a passionate barista. By the end of this tour you will have seen some of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings, and tasted some of the best cakes (and coffee) in town.
Cakes, coffee and a glass of Tokaji wine
