As we move westward from Vietnam, the influence of Chinese culture becomes less prominent, Indian culture gaining more ground as it reaches closer to its shores. Thai and Malay cultures are also strongly influenced by their India origins. The Indochinese influence is also reflected in the region’s cuisine. Although not as well-known as the cuisines of East-Asian countries, they are becoming increasingly popular overseas with more and more restaurants opening world-wide including in Hungary, and particularly in Budapest.

Édenkert - The Garden of Eden
Could anyone find a more appealing name for a restaurant than that? This inpiring name is justified because it offers probably the best Vietnamese foods in Budapest. Hidden away in the suburbs, Rákóczi Street in District XIV houses this beautiful restaurant. ‘Beautiful’ may even be too inadequate a word to describe it. After admiring the exterior and its breathtaking garden, its interior won’t disappoint either.

OK, so this is not the type of restaurant you would go to after work or after sitting through university lectures without a suit and tie as you would quickly feel out of place! The style of the interior is a mixture of European and Asian and the music adds to the ambience of the atmosphere. The restaurant also acts as a cultural centre so you will find many Vietnamese people here. With a gastronomy here to impress, there are a large variety of authentic Vietnamese meals to choose from. Being an elegant and exclusive restaurant, one might find the prices a little high though.

Address: XVI. District, Rákóczi Street 162. Budapest

Quan Hoa Sen
A smaller counterpart of the fabulous Édenkert is the Hoa Sen, not as grandiose but with exactly the same level of authenticity and at a more wallet-friendly price range. Although the place pales in comparison to the Édenkert - perhaps it would be better to call the Hoa Sen a bar rather than a restaurant - there is good reason for it to be included among one of the must visit eating spots.

This establishment is rumoured to serve the best Vietnamese “pó” soup in town. The “pó” here is really delicious and rich, equalling those you can buy on the streets of Hanoi according to the local Vietnamese. Making yourself familiar with Vietnamese cuisine before you go is advised, as there are no menu cards in the Restaurant. However the staff are friendly and ready to help you make the right choice. It is definitely worth travelling to District XVIII in Budapest to experience the best in Vietnamese soup.

XVIII. District, Sárkány Center Building 29. Gyömrői Street 79-83.

Kaeng Som Tom Yum
As is the case with most Asian restaurants, it is hard enough to memorize, let alone pronounce the name of each establishment. So, if for no other reason, you should revisit each restaurant just to remember its name. Kaneg Som Tom Yum is a restaurant named after the Tom Yum soup of the Thai cuisine. It is a place you will definitely want to visit again and not just because of its name. At first glance, it might seem that it is a small restaurant but, even if the ground floor seems to be full, the second floor can easily seat around 40. The interior decor is really compelling: the leather seats inviting yet comfortable.

The wall decorations are adorned with elephants and other Thai motifs, simplistic but beautiful. Although the menu might look smaller than in other restaurants, in truth there is a much wide variety to choose from as you can customize the food to your own personal preferences. For example, soups can be complemented with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or squid, the final price dependent on the ingredients chosen. As for value, even with a three course meal of soup, main course and a very delicious dessert, you will leave with a bill for no more than HUF 3000. A bargain for such a memorable Thai meal.

Address: VI. District, Andrássy Street 2. Budapest

Parázs Presszó
Run by a really nice mixed-race couple in the heart of Budapest, this Thai wife and Hungarian husband team opened the restaurant in 2007, hoping to introduce Thai cuisine and to endear it to the Hungarians. Their objective is more of a sacred mission rather than an enterprise setting out to acquire huge sums of money. They really love what they do and care deeply about their customers.

The wife makes a point of going round to talk to the customers to ascertain their satisfaction. This level of customer care is evident throughout the whole meal. Portions are large, the flavours superb. The outstanding design of the restaurant with its Buddha statues that change colour, brown, red and green, definitely conjure up a feeling of being in Thailand. The prices are similar to Kaeng Som Tum Yum, so you can satisfy your hunger and your wallet for between HUF 3-4000.

Address: VI. District, Jókai Street 8. Budapest

For a comprehensive list of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, take a look at the Xpat info list and watch out for a review on the Budapest Chinese and Japanese restaurants to come out shortly.

By László Kelemen

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of this portal, your opinion is welcome too via info@xpatloop.com

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Paul St Pierre.