Top Places to Eat & Drink Local Specialties in Szeged, Hungary
Szeged is home to a number of unique Hungarian culinary specialties, with its own version of Hungary’s popular fish soup – Szögedi Halászlé – and local paprika, to name a few. Restaurants, bakeries, lángos stands and museums across the city offer the perfect place to enjoy the local cuisine. These are some of the finest in Szeged.
Jobb Mint Otthon Kisvendéglő
Restaurant, Hungarian
For authentic Hungarian food served up in a cosy, traditional setting this lakeside restaurant is a great option. As well as cooking up a mean Szegedi Halászlé, the menu focuses on comforting home-style cuisine. Jobb Mint Otthon Kisvendéglő translates as “better than at home” and that’s the key principle here. Hearty local dishes, generous portions and a picturesque location all contribute to its appeal and popularity with both locals and visitors.
Vendéglő A Régi Hídhoz
Fish and Chip Shop, Restaurant, Hungarian
The Restaurant by the Old Bridge – so called thanks to its proximity to Szeged’s Belvárosi Bridge – focuses on offering Hungarian cuisine in a cosy environment. Portions are large, with fresh local fish and classic dishes such as goulash on the menu; service is friendly and the food is traditional making this the perfect place to enjoy authentic Hungarian cuisine in Szeged.
Pick Salami and Szeged Paprika Museum
Deli, Restaurant, Hungarian
One of Hungary’s largest meat producers, Pick Szeged is famous for its salami. So much so, in fact, that there’s an entire museum dedicated to its history. Visitors can sample the salami and learn about its production, while the museum also shares space with Szegedi Paprika which occupies the upper floor. Enjoying a reputation as Hungary’s favourite spice, exhibitions offer an insight into how paprika is grown in the region.
Kiskőrössy Halászcsárda
Restaurant, Fish and Chip Shop, Hungarian
A Hungarian specialty, Halászlé is a hot and spicy fish soup traditionally made using fish from one of Hungary’s rivers. Plenty of paprika is always a feature of the recipe, however Szeged has its own version which contains four different types of fish: carp, catfish, sturgeon and pike or perch. There are plenty of places to try the dish in the city, but for the best in town head to Kiskőrössy Halászcsárda, a popular restaurant with views over the Tisza River.
Hatos Rétes
Bakery, Dessert Shop, Hungarian, Dessert, European
This centrally located bakery is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. As well as freshly made rétes – a Hungarian strudel which is typically served sweet – there are also a variety of other cakes and desserts, including ice cream for those warm summer days. The café overlooks the city’s charming Klauzál Tér and is a great place to kick back and relax over a coffee and a traditional Hungarian pastry or two, while watching the world go by.
Rétesbolt
Bakery, Hungarian
One of Hungary’s most popular sweet treats, krémes is a classic Hungarian dessert made up of two layers of crisp, well baked pastry and delicious, thick vanilla custard. A delicacy filled with nostalgia for many, its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Rétesbolt, a cake shop in the centre of Szeged, bakes them fresh every day and is arguably the best place in the city to try the traditional dessert.
Sörfaló Söröző és Lángosozó
Bar, Fast Food, Hungarian, Street Food
Possibly Hungary’s most popular street food, lángos is a fried dough traditionally topped with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese. As in any Hungarian city, there are a number of places to enjoy this local specialty and Sörfaló Söröző és Lángosozó is one of the best in Szeged. Found on the same square as Szeged’s water tower, a popular sight in the city, this bustling eatery is popular with locals – and for good reason. As well as the traditonal lángos toppings, there’s also bacon, ketchup and more to choose from – as well as stuffed lángos, for an even more indulgent option.