XpatLoop Interview: Csanád Bánhegyi
- 5 Jun 2011 12:00 PM

After many years at agencies, he found new assignments on the advertisers’ side. He got familiar with deeper inbound marketing techniques and the conversion rate optimization aspect as eBusiness director in the travel industry.
Meanwhile he founded his mobile development task force, focusing on project-based implementation of fresh digital ideas.
As a design enthusiast, he launched www.narvalmarket.hu a webshop and a design management initiative, providing a helping hand and business mentorship for young Hungarian designers.
He played rugby for the Budapest Exiles for long years. He’s a passionate traveler with serious plans to spend a month in Siberia on his own.
1. Where did you grow up?
In the green suburbs of Buda, mixed with many adventurous summers on the countryside.
2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I used to work in Hamburg some years ago. I’d be glad to get back there and exploit all the possibilities the city offers. Additionally; as I’m a Nordic character, I’d be glad to settle down in Iceland for a while. Been there as a tourist and keen to visit again.
3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
Considering every pros and cons I believe Budapest is the most fantastic city of all (visited 45 countries). So, beside the capital I’d miss everything in Hungary; the scenic views, the dishes, the language, Balaton and the summer evenings in Budapest.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
I’d recommend a breakfast in Szendzso, after some strolls in the Buda Castle and also on Gellérthegy, some relaxing hours in one of our famous spas (Széchenyi, Rudas, Lukács or Gellért). Before diving into the vibrant nightlife of the Király utca and Kazinczy utca area, I’d recommend a big, wholesome lunch in Kispiac.
The next day I’d suggest getting a bike and cycling round the city visiting Vásárcsarnok for some curing breakfast, completed with a coffee in Tamp&Pull before heading to Szépművészeti Múzeum. After some bites in Spíler for instance I’d recommend to visit MüPa for the current actual program.
5. What is your favourite food?
Mostly I prefer spicy dishes, what Mexican and Thai cuisine offers. As well as fish.
6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
I used to play rugby for the Budapest Exiles for years. I couldn’t mention any better team sport, which trains not only your body but your mind too.
7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
Budapest, the Káli-basin and the marvelous Zemplén.
8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I’d love to be an interior designer, with a load of minimalist, Scandinavian references.
9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
Anything around narcissist celebrities.
10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I spent some lovely days in Stockholm. Highly recommended, with outstanding restaurants.
11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
The flights are already booked for a Thai-Cambodian round-trip.
12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
My hobby was playing basketball. I listened to some terrible hip-hop music, but in my defense; I red nearly all the titles of Jules Verne and P.G. Wodehouse.
13. Apart of temptation what can’t you resist?
Scandinavian interior design, Nordic landscapes and the constant urge to travel.
14. Red wine or white?
Full-bodied reds
15. Book or movie?
It depends on the given mood.
16. Morning person or night person?
Both. Unfortunately I sleep pretty little.
17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Disabled people and any form of segregation.
18. Buda or Pest side?
Living on Buda side, going out on Pest.
19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
Launching www.narvalmarket.hu a webshop featuring contemporary Hungarian design, clothes, accessories and setting up the surrounding services to support and manage young, talented, Hungarian designers.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable. Seneca








