Looking for some healthy and tasty vegan, vegetarian our even ‘meaty’ dishes in Budapest restaurants? Hungary’s capital has a surprising number of wholesome places for you to dine. Here’s our editor’s choice of Budapest’s Best Health Food restaurants.
Hungary has long been a meat-lover’s paradise, but ongoing research into how diet affects health has resulted in a sea-change in the restaurants of Budapest. More and more restaurants are opening to serve health-conscious diners.
A surprising number of them mix traditional dishes prepared with healthy ingredients to satisfy the needs and tastes of today’s vigorous lifestyles. Here, in alphabetical order, are 11 of the best and most reasonable healthy restaurants to visit.
Apologies if your favorite health food place is not on this list – there are so many good ones!
Bangla Büfé
Akácfa u. 40, Zsidónegyed
Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Bangla Büfé Indian Restaurant boasts some of the tastiest mango lassi and vegetable curry in the city. Servings are generous and the menu includes tasty samosas and pakora, with chapati on the side.
Basil Ica Salad and Pancake Bar
Révay köz 2 (at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky road)
One of Budapest’s Hidden Gems, it’s a friendly deli with great service and ambiance to boot. It’s a cozy little place with not many seats, but offers some of the best health food in town, including fresh salads, delicious pancakes, creamy coffee, very good breakfasts and nice sandwiches. Tip: try the hazelnut pancake!
Ecocafe
Andrássy út 68. (at Izabella u.)
A small coffee shop just outside the Körút, Ecocafe offers wonderful, always fresh organic food along with friendly service. The almond cake, brownie and cappuccino are to die for and there’s also Latte for those who don’t or can’t drink milk.
Fruccola
Kristóf tér 3, Belváros
A true paradise for fruit lovers, Fruccola proves that quick and healthy dishes are still possible. Along with the welcoming staff, there are world-class juices, smoothies, frappes, bio drinks, salads, vegetarian dishes, and various coffees. Tip: try the well-spiced salmon dish.
Hummus Bar
Október 6. u. 19. (at Arany János u.) Lipótváros
This standard falafel restaurant includes a complimentary tea and offers superb falafel and hummus, great for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The carrot-apple juice will set you free!
Macska
Bérkocsis u. 23. Józsefváros
A cozy, funky vegetarian pub: what could be more Hungarian? The owner’s collection of cat statues dominates the décor and the menu changes daily. There are craft beers, a wide range of pálinkas, organic Hungarian wines, juices, home-made syrups, a vegetarian kitchen, funky design and the famous, incomparable Hungarian hospitality. You must try this one.
Napfényes Étterem és Pizzéria
Rózsa u. 39. (at Jósika u.) Erzsébetváros
Excellent and tasty vegetarian and vegan food in a relaxed, peaceful environment. The menu has a wide variety of healthy foods and the prices are just right.
Padthai Wokbar
Október 6. u. 4. (at Mérleg u.) Lipótváros
Thai restaurants are springing up all over Budapest, and the Padthai Wokbars are among the most popular. The gluten-free menu offers a basic dish (rice, noodles, etc) onto which you can add toppings, such as chicken, beef, etc., along with various sauces. Very speedy service with a take-away option available. The egg noodles with tofu and lemongrass/lime are a house specialty.
VegaCity
Múzeum krt. 23-25. Józsefváros ·
Another specialty vegetarian/vegan restaurant offers fantastic vegan dishes for very reasonable prices. The staff may be a touch on the low side with their English-language skills, but the food is super yummy and nutritious; the Gyro is awesome!
Vegan Love – Vegan Street Food
Bartók Béla út 9. Újbuda ·
One of the very few vegan fast-food spots in Budapest, patrons rave about the various vegan burgers, including the sweet potato burger and the shiitake burger. The awesome salad bar with yummy roasted veggies and sauces is also a house favorite.