While Asian comfort food has recently dominated both the local culinary scene and past festival lineups, the focus this year is shifting back to local roots.

The festival aims to spotlight the distinct flavors of the Hungarian countryside, according to chief organizer Richárd Nemes, who spoke at the event's recent press conference.

Expats looking to explore Hungary's regional dining scene without leaving the capital will have a prime opportunity to do so, as a third of this year's food exhibitors are traveling from outside Budapest.

A total of 21 rural restaurants will be showcasing their signature dishes.

A Map of Regional Gastronomy

The lineup features a mix of returning regional favorites and highly anticipated newcomers.

Visitors can look forward to dishes from established names such as:

Kistücsök (Balatonszemes)
A Konyhám (Balatonfenyves)
Horgonyzó (Tiszalök)
Next Bistro (Debrecen)
Sparhelt (Balatonfüred)
Panificio Il Basilico
Teyföl

The festival will also host representatives from various other regions, including the renowned Anyukám mondta, the two-Michelin-starred Platán Tata, Casa Christa, Mede by Adam Mede, Villa Kabala, Lokal at the Lake, La Vie Gourmet, and A. Gere Restaurant from the Villány wine region.

Several new participants are also making their debut this year. Babel Budapest, a Michelin-starred staple in the capital, is introducing its recently opened rural sister restaurant, Papi.

The Tokaj-based Dereszla Winery will be participating with its bistro format, while Iszkor will showcase its new venue, Gajdó.

Additionally, the celebrated Mihályi Patisserie from Vác, widely regarded as one of Hungary's finest pastry shops, will be exhibiting at the festival for the very first time.

Traditional Staples and Budget-Friendly Options

A key highlight for this edition is a dedicated new venue called “Made in Vidék” (Made in the Countryside). This area will focus on authentic, traditional Hungarian dishes prepared by notable chefs.

The menu includes:

Contemporary goulash by Renátó Kovács (Hilda)
Baja-style fish soup by Lajos Bíró
The traditional mutton stew from the Nimród restaurant in Karcag
Rooster stew by Ádám Barna

For those looking to sample widely without overspending, the festival is bringing back budget-friendly options. Visitors will find between 30 and 40 different dishes priced at 2,500 forints (approximately €6.50) each.

Key Details and Programming

Regular attendees should note the calendar shift: due to Budapest hosting the Champions League final, the Gourmet Festival will take place one week later than its traditional dates.

Beyond the food stalls, the Gourmet Academy returns to offer educational content for food enthusiasts. The academy will host free lectures, practical workshops, and themed tastings throughout the four-day event.

Families planning their weekend will want to look at Sunday, which is designated as Family Day. Program manager Veronika Horváth confirmed that visitors under the age of 18 can enter the festival free of charge on this day.

Commenting on the venue, Máté Zöld Szentirmai, communications director at Millenáris Park, emphasized that the park’s community spaces continue to serve as an ideal backdrop for hosting the country's premium culinary events.

The complete schedule of events and the full list of participating exhibitors can be found on the official Gourmet Festival website.

*********************************************************************************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.