Lu Boyin, Co-Owner, 101Bistro Budapest

  • 19 Dec 2022 6:26 PM
Lu Boyin, Co-Owner, 101Bistro Budapest
Boyin Lu, born Chinese but raised Hungarian is a third culture kid living in Hungary.

After finishing his college studies he decided to enter the restaurant business and opened Ramenka and the 101Bistro in Budapest.

One of his goals is to become a bridge of two cultures and let local people taste a bit of Asia.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

My Dad came here first, to study at Liszt Ferenc Academy, and he decided to stay. Then I came with my Mum in 1996, so 26 years ago by now when I was 10.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

In the U.S. for a year, and also in China for three years - I felt like an expat when I went back there.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Well Hungary as a whole I don’t know too much about to be honest, but I am familiar with Budapest, which is totally different I think. Budapest surprised me as people here really accept diversity in my experience. I have had lots of positive experiences, people are helpful and kind. The city is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, with the river, hills, and all the beautiful buildings.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

The views from Gellért Hill, the Parliament, and local restaurants. They have to try the local dishes in the typical Hungarian restaurant , for example Kétszerecsen. Also the local clubs to party, for example A38 Ship, or Ponton in the summer. Summer is much better regarding parties, Sziget and the others festival are great. Actually lots of friends and relatives come to visit during the summer and we see and do those things.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Fish soup – the spicy version.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Beer, I like Soproni IPA and Guinness. I also love Unicum, which we always have at home. Bread too, as I really love the handmade one from the small shop at Ménesi út.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Haver (mate in English) – I use it a lot.

8. What do you miss most from home? 

The food, as Chinese cuisine is so diverse and complex.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I always wanted to be a fashion designer, or play base guitar in a band. I played in a punk rock band when I was a teenager. Ironically my younger brother plays the drums and studies fashion design, while I am in the restaurant business.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Anything monotonous, like being an admin in a bank.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Mallorca. Actually two weeks ago we went to Őrség in Hungary, we stayed in a house in the forest and it was really nice.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

As I really like to see different cultures and people, I would like to go to Bhutan. I read a lot about that place, people there seem very happy, so I am waiting to the opportunity to be able to experience that feeling there.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Pálinka, when going to visit my parents.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I listened to punk, rock, and electronic. Movie: a Korean one – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring and Matrix. Hobby: playing the guitar.

15. Red wine or white?

White. I really like Irsai Olivér.

16. Book or movie?

Both.

17. Morning person or night person?

Night, I simply cannot wake up in the morning.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Population decline in Hungary, and the subsequent lack of competition in work force which makes it hard for employers to find great staff.  

19. Buda or Pest side?

Buda, I live in the twelfth and work in the second district.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Be positive and optimistic. Have faith in living positive!

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