Hungary’s Top Ice Creams of 2025 Shine at Annual Competition
- 28 May 2025 3:06 PM
Hungary’s passion for artisanal ice cream took center stage at the 2025 “Év Fagylaltja” (Ice Cream of the Year) competition, held in the vibrant spa town of Hajdúszoboszló.
Organized by the Hungarian Confectioners’ Guild, this beloved event united the nation’s finest ice cream artisans to showcase their skill, creativity, and dedication to tradition and innovation.
A Joyful Celebration of Frozen Delights
This year’s competition coincided with the 100th anniversary of Hajdúszoboszló’s renowned thermal waters, adding a festive flair.
To mark the milestone, a new “Pávai’s Favourite” category was introduced, inspired by Dr. Ferenc Pávai Vajna, the geologist who discovered the town’s thermal springs and adored apple pie, according to the Guild’s Facebook post.
Competitors crafted imaginative apple-infused ice creams, some featuring bold twists like apple brandy or cider.
A Record-Breaking Array of Flavors
Over 100 ice creams competed across five categories, with more than 130 unique flavors available for tasting. A professional jury and enthusiastic public sampled everything from timeless classics to daring innovations.
Trending flavors included vibrant berries like raspberry, currant, jostaberry, and chokeberry, alongside creative combinations such as orange-caramel brown butter, spiced masala tea, and malted pecan. Exotic spices like wild Madagascan pepper and timur pepper also spiced up the entries.
2025 Ice Cream Champions
The prestigious “Ice Cream of the Year” title in the artisan category went to Sándor Márton of Bagaméri Fagylaltozó in Balatonfüred for his “Dörgicsei mandulás” (Dörgicse Almond).
In the “Free-From” category—featuring sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free creations—Ágnes Böröczky-Asztalos of Margaréta Fagyizó in Balatonszemes claimed victory with her “Salted Pistachio Sorbet with Blackcurrant Blueberry.”
Sándor Márton also dominated the “Pávai’s Favourite” category with his enchanting “Tündérpite” (Fairy Pie), an apple-inspired masterpiece.
Special honors included the public’s favorite, Pistachio with Candied Citrus, and a nod to tradition with “Balatoni mámoros csokoládé” (Balaton Chocolate Delight).
The event not only celebrated Hungary’s thriving ice cream culture but also invited locals and visitors alike to indulge in the nation’s ever-evolving artisanal gelato scene.
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