One of the wonders of fall in Budapest is enjoying a kürtőskalács, or, chimney cake. Of course, you can snag one of these any time of the year, but I think they taste best just as the weather starts to turn chilly. The steam from a freshly made kürtőskalács can keep your hands warm as you stroll along with your little edible chimney. Want to try it for yourself? I’ve put together this list of some of the best chimney cakes in Budapest! Enjoy!
What is a chimney cake?
This sweet dough coiled in a chimney shape and rolled in toppings will quickly become one of your favorite Hungarian desserts! When it’s fresh, steam pours out of the top, making it look like–you guessed it–a chimney! You’ll see them around the city, and you’ll definitely see them around the Budapest Christmas markets. Some of the classic toppings are:
- cinnamon
- walnut
- vanilla
- coconut
- cocoa
Craving one already? Here are places to snag some of the best chimney cakes in Budapest.
The Kürtőskalács Bar (Király Utca 8)
If you spend enough time in downtown Budapest you’ll probably come across the Chimney Cake Shop. This is the place to go if you like to be a little * extra *. Not only do they have the classic chimney cakes, but they’ll also sweeten the deal by filling them with ice cream, rolling the rims in chocolate and toppings, adding oreos or nutella…you get the idea. Sounds like heaven for your sweet tooth!
Édes Mackó (the Sweet Teddy Bear)
If you’re already taking a relaxing autumn walk in City Park, then you must stop by for a chimney cake at Édes Mackó. Built next to an old riding school, you can enjoy your sweet treat with a view of gentle horses and other animals. Aside from the classics, they offer deconstructed chimney cakes, pulled apart and ready to be dipped in chocolately goodness. And there are gluten free and dairy free options as well!
Hoppáscka
Seeing as its a restaurant, Hoppácska gives you the chance to experience savory chimney cakes as well as sweet ones. Here, they turn the chimney cake into a kind of open faced sandwich, and then fill it with anything from sauerkraut and sausage to whipped cream and chocolate. You’ll have to try it for yourself!
Local Stands
Of course, you could always live like a Budapest local and grab a chimney cake from one of the small stands around the city. Expert tip? Whichever flavor you get, make sure you can see the steam fogging up the plastic wrapper–then you’ll know for sure that your chimney cake is fresh!
Find these stands at
-Nyugati (across from the tram stop)
-Jaszai Mari Tér (across from the tram stop)
-Nagyvárad metro station
-and more all over the city!
Kürtőskalács Fesztival
If you’re in Budapest in September, make sure you don’t miss the chimney cake festival in City Park! It’s a wonderful way to find kürtőskalács from classic to gourmet–and everything in between! Pick your topping, stroll around the park, and enjoy the live music and the sights!
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