Pepper is a national spice that is extensively used in Hungarian recipes. Hungarians consume too much of it (on average 10 kilograms per person per year). In addition, they grow many unique varieties. It is sold in any grocery store (there are also specialized spice stores), in the markets - from sweet (edesh) to hot (erosh). And the most favorite variety is hot red pepper (csilipaprika). Alternatively, pepper is a major ingredient in many Hungarian foods (such as paprika paste).

Hungary is renowned for its excellent wines. There are 22 wine-growing regions in the country, which produce a variety of wines - red, white, rosé, sparkling. Tokaj, produced in the Tokaj-Hedjalya wine region, is a symbol of Hungary. It is not known when the first wines appeared, historical records show that vineyards in the region were already in the twelfth century. Tokay wines are made from white grape varieties (furmint, harshlevel (lipovina), yellow nutmeg, zeta), touched by noble mold (raisin berries). The "nectar" oozing from Tokaj grapes is mentioned in the Hungarian hymn.

What to bring from Hungary, except for the "cult" paprika and Tokay? The country is famous for its rich traditions of needlework, especially the art of embroidery. Tablecloths, bedspreads, towels, shawls, aprons, blouses, shirts and other garments hand-embroidered with floral patterns in vibrant colors are exceptional gifts for friends. The most famous Hungarian embroidery is from the town of Kalocha, developed in the second half of the 19th century. The patterns and colors of Kalocz's embroidery match the patterns and colors of Kalocz's wall painting. Today Kalocha embroidery uses 27 colors and certain motifs, which makes it a recognizable style and at the same time leaves many opportunities for creating new designs. Traditional colors for embroidery on clothes are selected by age. Red, orange, pink are called "happy" and are perfect for girls and young women. For older women, the color scheme is darker (the combination of blue, purple and green symbolizes sadness).

For the most demanding relatives, it is simply necessary to purchase souvenirs bought in stores selling Herend porcelain- the national pride of Hungary. Herend, located 130 kilometers from Budapest, is world renowned for its long tradition of porcelain production. Founded in 1826, the Herend Porcelain Manufactory specializes in the production of luxury items, hand-painted and gilded. Vases, dishes, sets and the like, decorated with motifs associated with the preferences of European royal houses, are sold in specialized stores in Budapest. Those who want to learn more about the art of porcelain painting can head to Herend. The production complex, in addition to the manufacture itself, includes the Victoria Herend store, a museum, a restaurant and a cafe.

About thirty minutes by commuter train north of Budapest lies the charming small town of Szentendre. It is called the "colony of artists": the city is home to a lot of artists and artisans, as well as many art galleries and museums. Santendre is an ideal place for shopping. Souvenirs and gifts can be bought here at great prices, sometimes 50 percent less than in Budapest. Leather goods, scarves and pashmina shawls, ceramics, carved wooden boxes and toys, dolls in national costumes, embroidered tablecloths, bed linen, clothes, Hungarian wines, Unicum medicinal herbal liqueur, palinka (fruit vodka).

Wonderful (inexpensive) products, created in bright Hungarian traditions, but modern design - the Folqa collection. Figures, accessories, decorative items for the kitchen (napkins, coasters, fridge magnets) are souvenirs that Hungarians can be proud of and recommend to every tourist in the country. Folqa Collection souvenir shops in all major cities of Hungary.

More original souvenirs and gifts from Hungary: mini-cars of the Trabant brand, sports shoes of the iconic Hungarian brand Tisza Cipő, magic cube (Rubik's cube), prints from Printa, large gift shops on Sebastian Rumbach street ( near the Small Synagogue), sets of marzipan sweets, figurines and models of marzipan paste (in the souvenir shop of the Marzipan Museum in Szentendre).

Your vacation in Hungary is coming to a logical conclusion. You are thinking about a set of souvenirs and a memento for relatives, friends and acquaintances. The question is quite complicated - some will like Tokay wine, while others will be indescribably delighted with embroidery.

We will try to please everyone. The specificity of Hungary is such that cheap and high-quality alcohol prevails there, but if you wander around the souvenir shops, you can find a lot of interesting trinkets. We will try to choose the most unusual and interesting gifts, and at the same time we will research the market.

What tourists usually bring from Hungary

Our compatriots focus on standard “food packages” typical for Hungary. These are liqueurs, wine, paprika and meat products. They get this as a keepsake:

• mother and kalochay embroidery;
• hand-woven products of Sharqeuz;
• porcelain, crystal and ceramics;
• albums of Magyar art;
• wooden dolls;
• ubiquitous magnets.

The alcoholic sphere deserves special attention. Russian tourists are happy to take home sparkling (Hungaria, Terlei) and Tokay (Samorodni, Asu) wines. Increased demand was recorded for Bull's Blood. Among the spirits, the well-deserved fame are the apricot liqueur "Palinka" (there is also its cherry version) and the high-quality liqueur Unicum. Complementing the "gentleman's set" is red paprika - it is sold everywhere in a ground form.

As we have already noted, paprika is sold everywhere in Hungary, but in souvenir shops it is wrapped in colorful packaging. By the way, if you are just thinking about spending a vacation in local resorts, then the information will come in handy.

Note: Typically Hungarian goods are called Hungarikum in the local language. If you remember this word, then you will increase your status in the eyes of the indigenous Hungarians.

Souvenirs from Hungary - what to bring for yourself and your friends

Hungarian souvenirs are sold in supermarkets, specialized souvenir shops, fairs and flea markets. We also recommend visiting the antique quarters - there are many interesting things hidden there.

Hungary is considered a paradise for connoisseurs of handicrafts and antiques. You can get samples of Hungarian art, dishes from famous factories (Pecs, Herend, Zholnaysky), graceful curtains, bookmarks and other entertaining little things. A good souvenir will be a national costume with a characteristic Hungarian ornament.

And here are the options for small trinkets, massively bought up by our tourists:

• decorative panels;
• carvings;
• pens;
• key rings;
• pupae.

Five of the best gift ideas

Buying a bottle of tincture at home is one thing, but planning a gift for a friend or boss is another. What to bring from Hungary as a gift? We have selected the five best gift ideas, taking into account the needs of different groups of "donees". Go:

Hungary is a paradise for connoisseurs of antiques.

Three unusual Hungarian souvenirs

But where is the mystical “Hungarian spirit” hidden? What souvenirs will be the most memorable and will be able to excite the imagination over the years? And what are the most original knick-knacks in Hungary? We have picked up three of these things:

August and the beginning of autumn are the time of massive sales.

You can talk for a long time about Hungarian wines, salami and other "delicacies" - it's better to try them all. Such souvenirs usually do not linger in refrigerators. We also did not mention hand embroidery, Unicum healing balm and many other amazing things that can be purchased in the Hungarian capital. Read about what to bring from Budapest as a gift.

The Pik salami sausage is produced in Szeged - a delicacy even by Hungarian standards. You can buy salami on the market and in supermarkets, and a kilogram of pleasure costs about 10 euros.

All payments are made in the local currency - forints. The exchange rate for 1 euro is about 300 forints. Here are the current prices for the tasty treat:

• beef - 150 rubles / kg;
• chicken - 73 rubles;
• good sausage - 400 rubles.

Salami is not the only tourist alive. The paprika we already know will cost a thousand forints, which corresponds to our 150 rubles. Tokay wines are also inexpensive - you will pay 2500 forints for a bottle of excellent white wine. Palinka fruit vodka, pleasing the soul of our compatriots, costs around 2,000 forints. A bottle of "Unicum" balm is a little more expensive - 3500.

Kids will surely like marzipan sweets - they cost about a thousand forints.

If you wish, you can find a shop where you will be allowed to sculpt any figurine out of marzipan dough on your own. Little travelers love this kind of creativity.

Now let's move on to more serious things. Here is a list of non-stomach souvenirs:

• Rubik's Cube - 700 forints;
• handmade porcelain - 150 thousand forints;
• magnets - about 100 rubles;
• hand-painted wine corks (there is one) - 1-2 euros;
• orchid in a pot (also an interesting souvenir) - 280 rubles;
• cups - 5 euros;
• T-shirts - 8 euros;
• postcards - 0.7 euros.

Summarize. Most tourists consider the bottle of wine to be the main Hungarian souvenir. We hope we have dispelled this myth. Of course, spices, alcohol and salami occupy an important place in traditional Hungarian life, but there are other crafts that deserve the attention of visiting guests.

The greatest variety of souvenirs is observed in Budapest, but other regions of Hungary (including) are able to satisfy your craving for the beautiful and tasty.

Be sure to pay attention to wickerwork - among the Hungarians there are enough craftsmen specializing in baskets, hats and other amusing things. Enjoy your shopping!

You can find more information on the topic in the section.

If you have read our article on Hungarian souvenirs, then you managed to form a definite opinion about the products of this country. There are not so many funny trinkets here, but there are enough original alcoholic drinks and various "goodies".

Now we will penetrate the streets of old Budapest and fill our suitcase to capacity with local delicacies and souvenirs. You will find out where to shop for trinkets, touch on Hungarian culinary traditions and learn about the preferences of other tourists.

Where to go for souvenirs if you come to Budapest

Knowledgeable people recommend not to waste time looking for lost souvenir shops, but to go straight to the Central Market. This place is localized in Ferencvaros. What souvenirs can you bring from Budapest by visiting this place? And you can buy almost everything there:

• porcelain and crystal products;
• ceramics;
• floral embroidery;
• textile;
• Hungarian dolls;
• traditional costumes.

The atmosphere in the market is lively. The hustle and bustle, noise, pickpockets - in general, a common place for ripping off tourists. If the hustle and bustle does not appeal to you, you should think about quiet antique shops and a flea market called Exeri.

Look for Max Falk Street on the city map - there are many galleries and antique shops concentrated there. There you will find toy figurines, wooden dolls, printed fabrics, ceramics, porcelain and many other things, the purpose of which is not always clear.

Vaci Street is home to a number of boutiques, department stores and tiny shops that occasionally display decent items. Also take a look at Arena Plaza - the largest shopping center in Budapest, attached to the Keleti train station. There are boutiques of popular world brands, as well as souvenir products. We invite our visitors who are just going to relax in Hungary to familiarize themselves.

Let's list a few more outlets that deserve attention:

• Shopping center Campona (there are not only cinemas and restaurants with an aquarium, but also rich souvenir departments);
• Premier Outlets Center (to get here, you need to go to the suburbs);
• Mammut (two docked shopping malls spread over Moscow Square);
• Westend City Center.

An important point: if you have spent more than 48,000 forints, get ready for a VAT refund. That's 18 percent of your purchases, so don’t skimp on gifts! The main thing is to find a sales outlet marked tax-free, have a passport and issue a check.

What travelers bring from Budapest

Some tourists who came to Budapest after or from other places tend to get to Szentendre - a tiny town, stretching 20 kilometers from the Hungarian capital. You can get here by public transport or a rented car. Rental offices and car rental conditions in Budapest.

In Szentendre you will not find iconic landmarks, but the place is not famous for them at all. The unique vintage flavor is what distinguishes the town from other places in Hungary. For the abundance of shops, Szentendre is called a "souvenir city".
Tourists bring a bunch of things from there:

• "Palinka";
• paprika;
• Hungarian cosmetics;
• guilt;
• leather accessories (wallets, gloves, bags);
• Babok-Jozhek (Hungarian dolls).

In Szentendre there is a marzipan museum, where you can buy a figurine you like, as well as a wine cellar, where you can taste and buy a bottle of good Tokaj. However, we do not recommend buying wine in the town - the prices are substantially overpriced.

Szentendre is called a "souvenir city".

From Budapest, you must definitely bring a product of the local handicraft. Our compatriots carry the following household items:

• Herend crystal and porcelain;
• black ceramics of Nadudvar;
• matøy textiles;
• printed Sharkuze fabrics;
• jugs-mugs with a secret;
• lace from Halash;
• T-shirts with the symbols of the country;
• CDs with Hungarian national music.

If you prefer alcoholic drinks (the same "Palinka"), you can supplement the bottle of fruit moonshine with specific glasses. Following this principle, you can create a beautiful gift set.

Three of the best souvenirs from Budapest

What can you bring from Budapest as a souvenir? We have compiled a "souvenir top", without which a trip to Hungary would be considered incomplete. Go:

• Ceramic souvenirs... In Budapest, there is a multitude of ceramic crafts - painted dishes, mugs with surprises, dolls, figurines, medallions.
• Small trinkets... These include key rings, magnets and figurines depicting Hungarian landmarks.
• Hungarian salami... This gift will be appreciated by gourmets - delicious salami serve as a real decoration of the festive table. Preference should be given to the products of the "Pik" factory.
• T-shirts autographed by Puskas... Puskash's signature is highly regarded by football fans.

Summarize. Regions of Hungary specialize in various fisheries. It is worth going to some places for the sake of fine wines, in others - for the sake of porcelain. But most of the souvenirs can be purchased without any problems in Budapest.

You can find more information on the topic in the section.

A place where not only locals flock for purchases, but also tourists to take a look at what the Hungarians live and produce. In my humble opinion, the Central Market is the best place to shop for souvenirs and goodies for which the country is famous.

More than 10 thousand sq. meters and two floors of the building are reserved for grocery and souvenir shops, as well as for small eateries for snacks and restaurants. If you have ever wondered about the idea of ​​buying something memorable home for loved ones and friends from Budapest, then you are unlikely to miss the building of the Central Market. This is because the market is located at the end of the longest shopping street in Budapest - Vaci street. It is unlikely that you will pass by the building noticeable in terms of architecture with a colored tiled roof, even if you plunge completely into shopping.

Budapest Central Market Address: near Fevam Square, Customs Boulevard 1-3 (Vámház krt. 1-3). For convenience, see the label on the map.

Market hours: Monday - from 6 to 17 hours, Tuesday-Friday - from 6 to 18, Saturday - from 6 to 15. Sunday is a day off.

Where to stay in Budapest:

• the best hostel in Budapest: Maverick City Lodge;
• Best Budget Hotel: Expo Congress Hotel
• best mid-value hotel: Roombach Hotel Budapest Center;
• Best Luxury Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest.

Also check the Airbnb listing of Budapest apartments. Click here to get a € 34 discount on your first Airbnb booking.

It looks like the building of the Central Market

Are you familiar with the concept hungaricum? Translated from English, this is a fusion of two words: Hungary- Hungary and unicum- unique. Simply put, it is about something special that can only be bought or gained through experience in Hungary. As in every country, Hungary has its own list of cultural heritage, which includes all Hungarikums. For example, recently on the list is the famous Hungarian goulash soup and a special kind of pottery.

The Central Market of the capital offers to stock up on Hungaricum. To acquaint you with national products, I will go through the main ones that will not leave anyone indifferent.

The market inside

Alcohol

One of the treasures of Hungary is wine, but the most famous of all is known by everyone - Tokaj. Produced in the region of the same name with a unique climate and weather conditions, Tokaj wine is what even Europeans themselves come to Hungary for. Look for labeled wine bottles on the shelves Tokaji, this is the same. Prices start at 2600 Hungarian Forints (8.5 euros).

Also in Hungary, herbal liqueurs, various tinctures are produced, but moonshine is a traditional strong drink, as in many countries. In Hungary, fruit moonshine is called Palinka ( Palinka) and you can buy it at almost every counter on the market. Take in a souvenir bottle or in a regular bottle - it depends on your goals;)

Variety of Palinka

In the foreground is herbal liqueur
Tokay wine, for example

Paprika

One of the most significant national products is the paprika seasoning. Red peppers can be bought in different variations - both dried on a string, with which many market stalls hang, and in canned form and in the form of beautiful gift sets, which most often include dried paprika in tin cans or painted bags with the inscription Budapest. A tiny wooden measuring spoon must also be included in the set for the convenience of adding spice to dishes. Prices are different, but, for example, a small gift bag of spice can be bought for 350 HUF (1.2 EUR).

Paprika in cans

Cute paprika bags
Functional decoration

Also, paprika can be found in a bottle with vegetable oil and it will be called “oil with paprika”. We have not tried this, but I think this oil has some special aroma. A small bottle of paprika oil will cost you 980 forints (3.2 euros).

And remember, any seasoning for your future culinary masterpiece should be added at the end of cooking in order to preserve the aroma of the spice and not spoil its taste.

Paprika oil

Sausage

As strange as it may sound, Hungarian salami sausage is sold out instantly. The taste is meaty, there is a kind of sausage with paprika and even different sizes - for every wallet. I would say that salami is already "festively" packed and ready for transportation (smoked sausage does not spoil for a long time) and hand over to loved ones as an overseas delicacy.

On the market, the most popular companies that produce salami are seen two - the manufacturer Pick and Herz... Prices depend on the length of a stick of salami, the shortest will cost from 1800 forints per piece (5.8 euros).

Also very functional

Sweets

Hungary is one of the European countries that is considered marzipan. Marzipan is a confection made from almond flour and sugar. For lovers of sweets - a paradise product.

Also on the market there is a huge counter with a variety of chocolates that are perfect for gifts. The chocolates look very festive, since all the filling (nuts, berries) is visible through the packaging and attracts attention.

There are small and large packages of chocolate. Its prices are 1390 (5 euros) and 2490 forints (9 euros), respectively.

Lavender products

Lavender is also a hot commodity in Hungary! Syrup, tea, honey, all sorts of oils are made from it and, of course, are used in cosmetic products in the form of shampoos, soaps, body oils and shower gels.

A lavender scent bag can be a nice trinket for a gift. The prices are as follows: for a small jar of honey, pay 700 forints (2.3 euros), for lavender tea - 800 forints (2.6 euros), and for aromatic oil - 1600 forints (5.2 euros).

Lavender products

Homemade jam

Here are the sellers, like real artists, designed their counters like canvases, covering them completely with cute colored jars with a huge variety of homemade jams. In addition to the usual raspberry, strawberry and apricot combinations, there are also quite interesting combinations, for example:

• pumpkin jam with orange and ginger;
• apricot or strawberry jam with lavender;
• chestnut jam;
• cherry jam with rum and chocolate;
• blueberry jam with chili (wow, fire, I guess!);
• walnut jam.

For a 200 ml jar, they ask for 1300 forints (4.2 euros). Quite cheap for the opportunity to stay vigorous and healthy for long winters :) I would try everything! And you?

Variety of jams

Handicrafts and souvenirs

Counters with handicrafts and souvenirs are located on the second floor. And to be honest, they didn't really impress me. They sell the usual mauvais ton in the form of magnets, cups and T-shirts with the inscription "I love Budapest".

Crocheted napkins

And the only thing worth paying attention to are handicrafts in the form of knitted napkins, which our grandmothers used to decorate old TVs, pianos and the center of the table with. Of course, there is a demand for them, otherwise there would not be so many offers! For example, such napkins can be bought by people who love vintage.

A parting word at the end, as always, will be a reminder of such a small suitcase of yours and such a wide variety of delicious Hungarian products!

Traveling around Hungary, every tourist will surely fall in love with the multifaceted and delicious local cuisine and fine wines. But then it's time to go home.

At this moment, the question usually arises of what to bring from Hungary from food as a souvenir. For those who do not yet know which products should be preferred and which tasty gift can be called truly Hungarian, this review will be especially useful.

Hungary is one of the world's largest suppliers of foie gras. In the country, this national food is considered cult and is called "libamai". You can try it in almost everyone. Therefore, if you are thinking about what to bring from Hungary from the products, first of all, pay attention to this delicacy.

In stores, goose liver is sold canned. A jar of foie gras in its own juice (145 grams) costs from Ft 5,000, and goose liver pate will cost from Ft 3,500-4,000. You can buy the product in any of the Hungarian supermarkets (Tesco, Lidl, CBA).

Salami Pick

Another good option for what to bring from Budapest from food is salami, the famous Hungarian sausage, produced using a special technology. The most famous and popular product in this category is Pick, to which a special composition of spices and their optimal ratio gives an original taste. This type of salami is produced in Szeged, a city in the south of the country, and is considered a delicacy even by Hungarian standards.

You can buy a delicious souvenir covered with a layer of noble white mold in the market, in supermarkets or in specialized stores, for example, in Szalámibolt (Ráday u. 24a). Salami weighing 400 grams costs about 2,000 Ft.

Marzipans

Another “visiting card” of Hungary is one of them - marzipan. This is an almond-sugar mass, from which funny figurines and whole sculptural compositions are made, real wonders of confectionery art! They can be brought as a gift for both children and adults.

There are many recipes for making marzipans in Hungary, but they must include sweet almond kernels and bitter almonds - this is how the taste of the delicacy is revealed especially brightly. The small, colorful figurine can be purchased for between Ft 300 and 1,000. Sweet gifts are sold in every pastry shop, and they can be stored for a very long time.