Destination: Budapest
Eat & Drink Buda Pest	Prices Though prices are steadily increasing, eating out in Budapest is, by western standards, relatively inexpensive. Prices are approximate based upon an average three-course meal for one, without drinks or service (a bottle of wine will make little difference to the bill, and service is sometimes included) - otherwise tip to 10-15 per cent: Spoilt for Choice With increasing numbers of foreign visitors, there is a corresponding diversity of places to eat in the city. There are over 1,000 restaurants in Budapest, offering a varied range of traditional Hungarian and international cuisines at a wide range of prices. Among these are Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indian, Iranian, Italian, Tex-Mex and a growing number of familiar fast-food outlets. You will also find a selection of vegetarian and even kosher places. What to Eat The most familiar Hungarian dish is, of course, goulash - a thick, substantial soup (not stew), based on beef, potatoes and onions, flavoured with the all-important paprika. You should also try the local pörkölt (stew) and goose liver - fried or grilled, hot or cold. Other specialities include sweet and salty pasta, with unusual offerings such as tùrós csùsza (pasta with curd and sour cream). A Quiet Table Many restaurants frequented by visitors have live gypsy bands where the musicians approach the tables to play a song on request, in return for a gratuity. If you don't want to be disturbed during your meal, avoid this type of venue or ask for a table away from the band. Restaurant Tips When eating out, be wary of accepting the waiter's offer of the speciality of the house without checking the price. Study the menu for hidden extras such as the price of garnishes and always ask for an itemised bill. Drinks also tend to be pricey in good restaurants. Where service is not included, waiters usually expect a tip of 10-20 per cent. Café Society Cafés held a unique place in Budapest life from the mid-19th century, when they were fashionable meeting places among the city's intellectual, artistic and social circles. They opened round the clock and became breeding grounds for a range of activities: one was the editorial office of the first Central European cinema weekly, inspiring the famous film producer Sir Alexander Korda. The vibrant café society dwindled after World War II, but a few places still offer glimpses into the past.	COUNTRY Hungary REGION CITIES Budapest   Viewing   Top Ten   What To See   Where To ...     Eat & Drink     Stay     Shop     Take The Kids     Be Entertained     What's On When   Practical Matters MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK Book Info Order Online