Hungary and its coffee houses have almost as long a history as in Vienna.
- Thanks to the Turks, coffee making is an integral part of Hungarian culture.
- The first coffee arrived in Buda in 1579, addressed to a Turkish merchant named Behrám.
- The Hungarians called the beverage fekete leves (black soup) – since the middle of the 17th century Kávé.
- Under the influence of Austria during the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy a mature coffee house culture developed.
- From the beginning of the 19th century onwards, intellectuals, artists and, above all, literati resort in the elegant coffee houses.
- In Budapest there were more than 500 cafes per inhabitant – more than in Paris.
- The license to open a coffee house in Budapest was only given to restaurateurs who could prove that they were not running a bordello.
- But they were allowed to open 24/7 and became like a second home for many Budapest.
- Today, the atmosphere of the noble 600 cafes reminds one of the lifestyle of the famously bohemians.
- Unfortunately, only a few originals from the 19th century have survived the change of time or have been revived after a decade-long break.
- For a cozy cup of coffee, a piece of Hungarian Dobos cake or a serving of Somlauer Nockerln can not be missed.
- But also followers of the Third Wave movement are at home in Budapest.
In the summer (2017) the coffee world championships took place here.
☕ Coffee specialties
Fekete/Kávé/Presszókávé
A small black, strong prepared Hungarian coffee
Bécsi kávé
2 scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate pieces, strong coffee of foamed milk and whipped cream in the glass.
Hungarian Melange
Liquid honey, milk froth, mocha, which is layered along a straw in the glass, decorated with whipped cream and a coffee bean.
Here the video.
🏠 Coffee houses in Budapest
- Café New York – golden opulence of the economic epoch, since 1896
- Pilvax-Kaffeehaus – which was scene of the revolution in 1848.
- Café Central – “Grand Café” Character, since 1887
- Café Gerbeaud – confectionery at the highest level, since 1858
- Further addresses are: Artist’s confectionery Müvész Cukrászda, Konditorei Ruszwurm, Café Muzéum, First Strudel House of Pest
If you love Third Wave coffee, you’ll find it here:
- Espresso Embassy – self-roasted coffee in focus with cakes and pastries
- Coffee Shop 64 – organic-certified coffee with freshly baked croissants in a cozy atmosphere.
- Mantra – cold brew, Chemex, Aeropress, Clever Dripper, V60 Fretta, Mizudashi
- My Little Melbourne – Aussie Style incl. Byron Bay Cookies and next door:
- My Little Brew Bar – pour-over only
- Warm Cup – coffee from micro roasters, plus fresh pastries and snacks
- Madál – 3 locations with talented baristas
- Budapest Baristas – La Marzocco GB5 to Kalita, plus pastries and snacks
- Fekete – very small, but fine including handmade sweets, sandwiches and cakes
- Tamp & Pull – The First New Wave Café in Budapest