Budapest Restaurant Tales

2D Beloved Cafe:

So, Japanese fluffy pancakes have been on my radar since before my trip to Japan last year, but neither was it convenient nor did I want to stand in a line. So I never had them.

When I walked past and realized this cafe 2 blocks from my apartment on Szent Istvan ut. served them, I made a date with myself for breakfast and they didn’t disappoint. Basically they are like soufflé pancakes: made with whipped egg whites and cake flour, among a few other ingredients. Each pancake starts as a giant mound of beaten egg white, cooked slowly, and a plate is 2 pancakes (that have flattened slightly) and the topping of your choice. They have savory or sweet. My strawberry pancakes were completely covered in a very lightly sweetened whipped cream and decorated with strawberry syrup and a few well-placed sliced strawberries. It was a perfect light breakfast - not too heavy and not too sweet, but absolutely delicious.

I ordered and paid at the counter as I walked in (no wait) and received a buzzer, which went off when my order was ready by the cash register. My pancakes and a cup of coffee ran $14. The staff was all Japanese, also, which helped create the ambiance.

I will definitely go back at some point.

My thread died on the vine. Answer this one.

Nothing to add but bookmarking this one as I will be in Budapest for first time in September!

Looking forward to watching this for ideas, as there are no shortage of options for great food in Budapest. I'd like to try some new places from your other list and your new Tales will be fun for inspiration!

Cork Breakfast and Wine: Such an odd name - and I have only ever eaten dinner here. Ha! But it sits on my list of some of my favorite Budapest restaurants (that I have tried). Many thanks to Mr. É for this one. I had the duck breast with creamy polenta and sour cherry sauce last year and I saw no need to mess up a marvelous thing so I had that again. I am not 100% certain of the cost - but the duck with 2 glasses of a white wine was @ $40. I think the duck alone was @ $23. So it’s not exactly a cheap place but neither is it expensive for a nice restaurant - and it is really good.

There are tables outside and inside. The inside has a beautiful arched brick ceiling - I have a real weakness for this architecture. And the location simply can’t be beat. It sits a couple of blocks off Andrassy on a pedestrian street behind the Opera House. Obviously I will be back at some point in the future - maybe I will try something else on the menu. Ha!

@Joy, there are so many good places to eat that it’s hard to choose whether to repeat wonderful previous experiences or go for a new one.

@CW, lots of options! Your research is always good!

@ Mr. É, you are always coming up with new good places to try.

Next week. I am in Rome today and tomorrow.

But Cork is among my favorites. You will find me there once or twice a week. Few places have as consistently good of a menu. Quality is high, service is remarkable. Alway check for special nights. Sometimes designed around a holiday, one weekend French (the pheasant was very good), one weekend about every other month they bring in incrediabe fresh oysters ..... And I love the accent of the staff ... good memories.