Spice & Sizzle: Experience Hungary’s Heritage Through MICHELIN Star Restaurants

With the arrival of next year’s MICHELIN Guide coming soon, now is the perfect time to highlight Hungary’s current spectacular MICHELIN-starred dining spots.

With a rich migratory history in the region, Hungarian cuisine is an incredible fusion of flavors and cultures, creating a cultural blend while maintaining its own unique identity.

Here are some of the country’s top MICHELIN star restaurants:

• Stand (2 stars): Located just a short walk away from the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica, the two-star MICHELIN Restaurant blends contemporary and modern Hungarian gastronomy. Stand offers a pre-fixed 8-course dinner menu meticulously crafted by world-renowned Hungarian chef Tamás Széll, winner of the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition in 2016 and multiple podium places since.

• Platan Gourmet (2 stars): Incredible food in Hungary is not limited only to Budapest; take a 40-minute train out to the beautiful town of Tata and experience Platan Gourmet’s iconic pre-fixed 12-course degustation experience. A two-star MICHELIN restaurant with a modern twist on traditional Hungarian cuisine, Platan is often likened to “the garden and the forest” for its ever-changing menu that makes each visit feel like the first time. The degustation menu is described as “a magical carnival of familiar and unfamiliar flavours,” offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience that visitors will surely never forget.

• 42 (1 star): Take a trip up the Danube River and make your way up to Esztergon for one of Hungary’s most unique restaurants. Hidden inside an inconspicuous townhouse, 42 Restaurant stays true to its roots by nestling itself in the heart of its local community. Head chef Ádám Barna was named “Chef of the Year” by Dining Guide in 2018 and embraces freedom and creativity in his kitchen. 42’s constantly evolving degustation menu is a testament to Ádám’s values. With a wide variety of inviting Hungarian flavors and luxurious rooms to stay in located just above the restaurant, you’ll never want to leave!

• SALT (1 star): While this Budapesti restaurant earned a MICHELIN star for its culinary excellence, it also boasts a prestigious MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. SALT has been named in the Discover section of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants,” along with head chef Szilárd Tóth, named in the 100 Best Chefs in the World list. SALT’s chefs frequently join Tóth on trips to gather indigenous medical plants and herbs for the restaurant in wild areas of Hungary. The restaurant emphasizes the use of locally sourced and organic ingredients making this a perfect place for diners who value top-notch cuisine and environmental responsibility.

• Rumour (1 star): Located in Budapest, this one-star MICHELIN gem crafts a modern and innovative approach to Hungarian cuisine. Head chef Jenő Rácz is celebrated for his creative twists on traditional dishes that blend classic flavors with modern culinary techniques. The restaurant’s decor was inspired by speakeasies in the 1920s, reminiscent of the prohibition era. The kitchen is placed at the center of the dining room, allowing diners to get a peek at their food being carefully prepared. Rumour’s inventive menu often features unexpected flavor combinations, such as the restaurant’s iconic White Chocolate Caviar Cake or the Smoked Onion Soup with Goji Berries.

Each of these restaurants provides a distinct take on Hungarian culinary traditions, blending classic flavors with contemporary techniques for an unforgettable experience