Hungarian cuisine is famously meat-heavy, featuring iconic dishes like hearty beef goulash, creamy chicken paprikash, and smoky sausages. Vegetarians, beware! Even dishes that sound vegetarian—like stuffed cabbage—is traditionally filled with ground pork or beef!

Despite this, there is a variety of Vegetarian Food in Budapest, full of authentic Hungarian flavours.

Here are my top 3 vegetarian foods in Budapest that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Lángos

Lángos is a traditional Hungarian street food. It is a deep-fried savoury flatbread with a crisp outside and a doughnutty soft centre. Traditionally, it’s served warm with sour cream and cheese. However, you can customise it with almost any topping you like. These include garlic butter, grated cheese, ham, or sweet options like Nutella!

During my visit, I tried lángos twice, opting both times for the classic sour cream and cheese!

• The first was from the Budapest Christmas Market in Vörösmarty tér, and it was huge! It was almost too much for two people to share. This cost us £6.26 (3,100 HUF).

• The second was from Karaván Street Food Market in the Jewish Quarter. This one was my favourite as I suspect it may have been fresher! —the bread was lighter and less greasy, with a better balance of toppings. This cost us £6.32 (3,127 HUF).
  
• Other popular options for Langos include Retro Langos starting at HUF 2,700 HUF.

2. Chimney Cake

Before visiting Budapest, I had read about the Hungarian delight known as chimney cake—a doughy bread rolled out and wrapped around a metal roller, giving it its iconic chimney shape. What I wasn’t expecting was the magical moment when you’re handed a freshly made chimney cake – the warm dough releases steam, creating a little “chimney” effect right before your eyes!

These sweet, freshly baked treats are perfect for warming your hands on crisp evenings as you wander the Christmas markets.

Quick tip: many chimney cakes are pre-made and may not always be served warm, so try to find a stall making them on the spot!

• My favourite chimney cake by far was made at a pop up stall run by Vitéz Kürtős in the Christmas market right opposite Deák Ferenc tér. It was made over hot coal.

• The raspberry-flavored chimney cake at City Park Ice Rink was absolutely delicious and a close second! There’s something special about enjoying it right on the ice rink.

3. Mushroom Goulash/Paprikash

Hungarian cuisine is widely known for its use of paprika, a sweet smoky spicy made from dried peppers. It’s a key ingredient in traditional chicken paprikash, which features chicken in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce. Fortunately, mushroom paprikash—a hearty, plant-based twist on the classic—is a popular option at restaurants across Budapest.

Again, I tried this dish twice:

• Drum Cafe – Our first taste of mushroom paprikash was at Drum Cafe, a cozy spot with heated outdoor seating perfect for a chilly Budapest evening. The dish was very tasty, but I found myself wanting a bit more food. Next time, I’d pair it with a side of lángos for a heartier meal. For two main courses and sides of pickled vegetables and cabbage, our total came to £20.46 (10,080 HUF).
• Frici Papa – On our second night, we headed to Frici Papa, a budget-friendly favourite with a line of diners outside. Fortunately, the line moved fast and we were seated within 10 minutes. Known for its generous portions, Frici Papa didn’t disappoint. The food was filling and flavourful, and the restaurants had a lovely atmosphere. For two main dishes, two alcoholic drinks, and two measures of pálinka (a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy), we paid just £23.43 (11,600 HUF). I would definitely return here.

Vegetarian Dishes to Try on My Next Visit to Budapest

For my next visit, I’ll be seeking out Vegetarian food in Budapest such as Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage and Root Vegetable Goulash.

One spot already on my list is Kozmosz Vegan Restaurant, known for its delicious Bean Goulash. I can’t wait to explore more vegetarian takes on these iconic meals and share my discoveries with you!