Where are the best local haunts located which aren't full of tourists? From goulash to chicken paprikash, there are many classic foods to try all around Budapest; however, where do you go when you’re looking for something traditional but a bit healthier?

Well now you can quell any stomach rumblings with the delicious alternative options described for you here.

Quick bites for vegetarians, vegans and foodies on the go
 

While in the midst of all that sightseeing, you may realize that those rumblings are not coming from the Budapest tram but rather your stomach. Where can you go for a quick bite? Better yet, where do you go when you are vegetarian, vegan or have food allergies? Here are some of our favorite places to grab some healthy grub.

Matrojska Khroska

You won’t find any preservatives or additives here, only honest-to-goodness natural, quality ingredients.

This street food joint specializes in vegan burgers made with everything from spinach and garlic to beetroot and oyster mushrooms. Visitors with food allergies are also welcome here!

Address: 1085 Budapest, Baross u. 6.
 

Vegan Garden

This vegan oasis in the Jewish District is the perfect place to come when you are running on fumes and seriously hungry.

This six street-food truck “garden” offers a variety of vegan eats from ice cream to pizza to Mexican dishes and seitan kebabs. You can even grab adult beverages here!

Address:  1072 Budapest, Dob u. 40.

Las Vegan's

With three different locations, including Karaván Street Food, it’s safe to say that people love eating at Las Vegan’s.

If you are craving a vegan burger, you’ll find everything from vegetable to seitan patties at this street food truck. Choose from more exotic options like the Indiana chickpea burger or Thai burger, or just order one of each (we won’t judge!).

Adresses:
1073 Budapest, Dob u. 40. 
1075 Budapest, Kazinczy u. 18. 
1117 Budapest, Váli u. 6.
 

Inez Bagel Shop

If you are craving a freshly baked bagel to start the day off right then head to the cozy Inez Bagel Shop in the heart of the city center for breakfast or lunch.

Among delicious options like the Vega grilled vegetable bagel or the smoked salmon and capers (for you pescatarians), you’ll also find a variety of soups, salads, fresh quiches and frittatas.

Address: 1054 Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 40.
 

Napfényes étterem

If you are dying to enjoy authentic Hungarian dishes that won’t cramp your vegan style then Napfényes Étterem is not to be missed. They boast pure, mostly organic ingredients and dishes that are free of meat, eggs and dairy.

Even their desserts are made with healthier sweeteners like carob and cane sugar. On colder days, the Hungarian bean goulash is sure to warm you, body and soul.

Address: 1053 Budapest, Ferenciek tere 2. 
 

Escape The Hustle And Bustle Of Central Market Hall For Peace & Quiet Of Downtown Market
 

The Central Market Hall is a popular tourist attraction and they have the lines of hungry customers to prove it. So you may wish not to deal with that during a weekly market trip, therefore we recommend another great downtown market which also boasts delicious restaurants but with fewer crowds.

On Hold Street, in the District V, you’ll find the Downtown Market. While you may choose to purchase homemade sausage, fresh produce or cheese to take back home, if you wish to dine at the market you’ll have your choice of epicurean pleasures.
 

Stand25 Bistro

Take the Michelin-starred Stand25, the delicious brainchild of chefs Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll. This cozy bistro dishes out traditional Hungarian fare with an elegant twist such as trout with local asparagus and souse hollandaise.

Try the traditional Somlói sponge cake topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Address: 1054  Budapest, Hold u. 13.
 

A Séf Utcája

This casual rustic eatery also offers both gourmet-style Hungarian and Hungarian-Jewish dishes and four new sandwiches each day (with vegetarian versions, too!).

On Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll also find cholent, a traditional Sabbath stew made from slow-cooked bean, eggs and potatoes.

Address: 1054  Budapest, Hold u. 13.
 

Eat Like A Local: Fixed-Price Daily Lunch Menus
 

Want to know where the locals are dining? We’ll let you in on a little secret. If you live in Budapest you’re taking advantage of some of the amazing fixed-price daily menus offered throughout the city, particularly at lunchtime.

Why pay more for a meal when you can find incredible mouthwatering cuisine at a fraction of the price? Think like a local and your stomach—and wallet—will thank you!
 

Fricska Gastropub

A pinch of Hungarian Nouvelle cuisine, a dash of Italian and a peppering of French fuse together to concoct incredible lunch and dinner options popular amongst the locals.

The dishes also come with recommended pairings from local Hungarian wineries for those looking for a taste of the country’s rich viticulture. Head here on a weekday to take advantage of their three-course prix fixe lunch deals.

Address: 1072 Budapest, Dob u. 56.
 

Kőleves

In the heart of the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find this restaurant that boasts an inexpensive prix fixe lunch menu, and Hungarian-Jewish cuisine with an elevated twist such as the goose broth and matzo ball soup.

You’ll also find some delicious vegetarian-friendly options.

Address: 1075 Budapest, Kazinczy u. 41.
 

Szatyor Bar & Gallery

Cozy up in this bohemian-chic restaurant with high ceilings, colorful murals and eclectic decor.

The floor-to-ceiling windows are great for watching the city go by as you nosh on Hungarian homemade dumplings, warm potato casserole with spicy sausage or the vegetarian garlicky spinach risotto.

Address: 1111 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 36.
 

Most Bistro 

With a name like Most (which means “now” in Hungarian) there’s no better time like the present to enjoy a delicious breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch or dinner at Most Bisztró.

Choose from American classics, English staples like fish & chips, as well as Italian, Hungarian, Asian and Mexican. The lunch menu also offers two or three courses for a steal.

Address: 1066 Budapest, Zichy Jenő u. 17.
 

Go Off-The-Beaten Path To Discover Some Delicious, Non-Touristy Gems
 

We think we know what the poet Robert Frost meant about the road less traveled. After all, going off the beaten path can certainly reward you with surprising and delicious experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise stumbled upon if you were following the throngs of hungry tourists or TripAdvisor reviews.

Be like Alice and jump down the rabbit hole where you’ll discover the ever-evolving and very up-and-coming District VIII. This neighborhood has shed its old reputation and now you’ll find a wonderland of cozy cafes, funky art galleries and these incredible restaurants.
 

Café Csiga

The vine-covered entryway welcomes you to this all-day restaurant and bar where you can cozy up to endearingly mismatched wooden tables surrounded by high ceilings and a variety of greenery.

Choose from a hearty helping of scrambled eggs and bacon, warm traditional goulash, a beef brisket sandwich or main dishes like their grilled beetroot-polenta steak.

Address: 1084 Budapest, Vásár u. 2.
 

Lumen

Escape the tourist-laden streets and you’ll be rewarded with Lumen Café, a sleek modern restaurant serving up delicious egg dishes ‘til noon, a hearty coffee (or refreshing craft beer), great lunch specials and a mix of vegetarian and meat-heavy comfort foods for dinner.

Their adjacent concert hall is also an amazing spot to listen to live jazz, folk and indie music daily.

Address: 1085 Budapest, Horánszky u. 5.
 

Rákóczi Square Market Hall

While this market has received the nickname of “Market Number Two”, since it was established not long after the city’s Great Market Hall, don’t let the nickname fool you.

Visiting this 19th-century indoor will reward you with fewer crowds and just as delicious meats and produce. This is a great place to grab a budget-friendly bite, a traditional Hungarian dish or some ingredients to whip up your own authentic meal at home.

Address: 1084 Budapest, Rákóczi tér
 

Photo courtesy of the venues