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Must Try Food in Budapest

Must Try Food in Budapest

As the capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a gastronomic heaven that will delight foodies – particularly those with a penchant for meat-heavy dishes. The Hungarians are passionate about their meat stews, casseroles and dishes that include different types of games and poultry. A traditional feature of Hungarian cuisine is the mixing of different kinds of meat. Cold fruit soups are common to the cuisine, as is the heavy usage of paprika to flavour a wide variety of dishes. If you cannot wait to start your food journey in Budapest, kickstart your exploration with our guide below:

1. Breakfast 

Have you heard of the saying, “feast like a king for breakfast, and eat a pauper for dinner”? This phrase certainly holds true for the Hungarians. Breakfast is an important meal for the locals. They usually have an open sandwich packed with a variety of cheeses, salami, sausages, bacon or pickled cabbage. On days in which a light meal will suffice, a morning meal involves a good ol' cup of coffee and pastries, such as a flaky strufel or kifli with jam or honey. 

2. Lunch

An important meal for the Hungarians, lunch is usually made up of a soup, main dish and dessert. Popular choices include veal soup, a clear, refreshing dish made with veal, pickled cucumbers and vegetables. The locals also tuck into sweet yogurt soups, zöldségleves, a vegetable soup made with peas, carrots and parsley, as well as a broccoli and cheese soup. 

In contrast, dinner meals are much simple affairs. The locals tuck into a light cold cut sandwich filled with salamis, pickles or a selection of cold cuts. 

3. Goulash

The goulash is on the most famous dishes in Hungarian cuisine. This hearty stew includes ingredients such as beef, potatoes, carrots, ground paprika and an array of spices. Diners will find different variations of this well-loved dish – it may come in the form of a soup, rather than a stew. In addition, a mixture of meat, such as pork and mutton may be included along with beef. 

4. Chicken Paprikash

Usually eaten as a main course for lunch and dinner, the chicken paprikash gets it robust colour from a generous dose of paprika. Other ingredients include chicken, onions, butter or lard, green peppers, tomatoes, clove garlic, flour and sour cream. The dish is served with boiled egg noodles shaped like dumplings. 

5. Fisherman’s Soup

Spicy, earthy and flavourful, the fisherman's soup is made with heavy dashes of hot paprika, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and fish. Traditionally, this soup was prepared in small kettles, and boiled over the fire by fishermen along the banks of the river after they just had their catch. 

​6. Gundle Crepe

In Hungary, pancakes are regarded as a main course rather than a dessert. The decadent gundle crepe is a thin, crepe-like pancake stuffed with grounded walnuts and sugar, and served with chocolate sauce. 

7. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

A classic Hungarian dish, stuffed cabbage rools is made with ingredients such as rice, cabbage leaves and a variety of meats. The dish is usually baked in a tomato-based sauce, and the rolls may be wrapped in bacon for a savoury, smokey flavour. 

Hungry for a home cooked Hungarian meal in Budapest? Make a stop by Peter's lovely home, for a delightful feast of local fare awaits! Start off the evening with an appetising soup of matzah balls and vegetables, before tucking into well-known mains such as chulet. Of course, a perfect meal always ends on a sweet note – at Peter's, you will round off your meal with a traditional Hungarian Jewish dessert known as Flodni, accompanied by Tokaji wine. Yum!

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Vegetarian Places to Eat in Berlin

Vegetarian Places to Eat in Berlin

Meat is regarded as a staple in German cuisine, but that does not mean that vegetarian travellers will be left with a ravenous appetite as meat-eaters feast on the country's delicacies. In fact, there are plenty of non-meat options available. If you are a veggie-loving holidaymaker and travelling within Berlin, here are some options you may consider: 

1. Markthalle Neun: Street Food Thursdays

This food market in the Kreuzberg neighbourhood is better known for its Street Food Thursdays. This weekly event, which takes place from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M. on Thursdays, features delicacies from countries all over the world, such as Nigeria, Mexico and Korea. There are plenty of vegetarian options available alongside meat-heavy ones, so travellers can be assured that most dietary preferences will be met. If you happen to be in Berlin on a Thursday, be sure not to miss out on this sumptuous event. Take note to arrive early before hordes of eager visitors swamp the market!

2. Sun Day Burgers

Sun Day Burgers occupies a booth at Markthalle Neun. You will find it should you attend its weeky Street Food Thursday event. The good news is that this vegan food stall also operates on other days of the week, such as Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, leaving you with multiple chances to sample its wholesome offerings. The store features a good mix of items on its menu, ranging from hearty burgers, crisp salads and toasty wraps, to decadent cakes and smoothies, allowing vegetarians and vegans to indulge in sweet and savoury treats. Yum!

3. Goodies Berlin

Bagels, soups, cakes, smoothies and ice cream are some of the vegan delights found at Goodies Berlin. Hot beverage, such as coffee and hot chocolate, are made vegan-friendly as soy milk is used as a substitute. With few vegan-friendly places open in the morning, vegans and vegetarians will be glad to know that the cafe starts operations at 7 A.M. on weekdays and 9 A.M. on weekends. Here's bidding farewell to days of running on an empty stomach till noon!

4. Cafe Morgenrot

Cafe Morgenrot stands out from the crowd with its quirky setting and delectable offerings. Apart from its delicious cakes, soups and salads, the cafe is also known for its weekend buffet brunch. Diners will find a sizable number of vegan fare on the extensive menu. If you have been on the hunt for a vegan-friendly breakfast spot in Berlin, add Cafe Morgenrot to your list, for the cafe dishes out a good selection of wholesome items perfect for starting the day with. 

5. Let It Be

Crepes are a specialty at Let It Be. Here, you can have 'em sweet, salty or gluten-free. If you are not in the mood for crepes, the eatery offers a good selection of alternative options, such as satisfying burgers, toasty sandwiches and crisp salads. Operations start at 3 P.M. on the weekdays, so make this your go-to spot when the mid-afternoon sugar cravings hit. 

 

If you do not quite fancy eating out, why not try out a home dining experience? Get in touch with one of our friendly hosts in Berlin, for they will be more than happy to customise their menu to meet your dietary needs. Be sure to inform us of your dietary preferences when you book a dining experience!

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Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence

As a vegetarian, it can be a hassle to find good restaurants to dine at during your travels. Unlike your meat-loving friends, you cannot take the easy option of getting a burger takeout. More often than not, you are left in the situation of watching on by the side, as your friends feast on a series of meaty delicacies. However, this will not be a problem anymore – not when you have our top five picks for vegetarian restaurants in Florence:

1. Brac 

If you like a cosy ambience, an engaging book to read while you eat, affordable meals and a fine selection of flavourful dishes, this is definitely the place to go. The piatta unico, consisting of a main dish, salad and bread with fillings, comes at an affordable price of €12. The generous portions of the dishes is icing on the cake.

Round off your meal with an aromatic coffee. Choose from one fo the many books available in the restaurant, and settle snugly into your seat for an afternoon of reading.

Note: The restaurant is open for reservations only.

Address: Via dei Vagellai, 18, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Phone:+39 055 094 4877

2. Il Vegetariano

Located in the heart of Florence, Il Vegetariano commenced its operations in 1981. The restaurant offers a different selection of items on its menu each day. Inspired by a relative’s experience managing a list of non gamstop sites, the owner ensures that each dish served is of the highest quality, placing great emphasis on sourcing fresh ingredients. Vegetariano also features a well-stocked salad bar filled with a mix of raw and steamed ingredients. A dining experience at this restaurant is highly economical—main courses are priced at €7.50–€9, and starters have an average price of €5.

Address: via delle Ruote, 30r
Phone: 055 47 50 30

3. La Raccolta

La Raccolta started off as a grocery shop specialising in selling organic produce in 1985. The restuarant was set up fifteen years later, and boasts a menu featuring a wide range of wholesome organic dishes. A selection of vegetarian, gluten free and raw items are also available, making this an excellent dining spot for diners with food allergies. La Raccolta is known for dishing out unique dishes, such as an intrigung ravioli of red beets, oranges with cashew cream and melon.

Address: via G. Leopardi, 2r
Phone: 055 24 79 068

4. Dolce Vegan

Perfect for health-conscious foodies, Dolce Vegan offers only vegan and organic items on their extensive menu. All starters and mains are priced below €10, making it an ideal stopover for budget travellers. An indulgent treat await dessert-lovers, for the restaurant offers a selection of tasty treats, such as the well-loved tiramisu and a decadent cheesecake with coconut and chocolate. These desserts are given a healthy twist, as no eggs, milk and honey are used. Be sure to give this eatery a go if you are travelling in Florence!

Address: Via San Gallow, 92r. Firenze, Italy
Phone: +39 055 019 5437

5. Sedano Allegro

Sedano Allegro’s menu starts off on a promising note, offering a series of unique entrées such as the fried pumpkin flower with cream cheese, and baked aubergine stuffed with mushrooms. The rest of the menu is equally delightful – diners will find intriguing-sounding main courses such as the seitan escalopes with apples or mushrooms and vegetarian skewer. End of a scrumptious meal with one of their homemade desserts, or enjoy a fine glass of Tuscan of Italian wine. Mmm…perfect!

Address: Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 1, 50121 Firenze, Italy
Phone: +39 055 234 4020

6. Ristorante Le Fate

Le Fate is a newly opened restaurant, but it also has the most innovative dining concept in this list. Although the price range falls closer to that of a fine dining restaurant, rest assured that this place serves more than the typical vegetarian or vegan fare. From the colour of the food to the serving plates used, each and every aspect of the dining experience is specially crafted to align with the twelve astrological signs. Wine lovers will be delighted to know that Le Fate’s wine list is curated to match the characteristics of each astrological sign.

Do not miss out on engaging in fascinating conversations with the owner, Serenella. An expert is astrology, it is likely that you will gain intriguing insights into the undiscovered traits of your star sign.

Address: Via San Zanobi, 126r 50129 Florence Italy
Phone: +39 055 3841998 

7. Join A Cooking Class in Florence

If you are an adventurer who loves to explore beyond guidebooks, why not join a culinary class in Florence? From choosing seasonal ingredients with a local, to cooking in the comforts of his/her home, this hands-on experience is truly one of a kind. For those with strict dietary restrictions, cooking your own food from scratch ensures that you are aware of all ingredients that make up your dish, allowing you to enjoy your meals with ease.

If culinary pursuits do not float your boat, tucking into a sumptuous home-cooked meal definitely will. Feast on an amazing view of Florence as you dine alfresco, or tuck into a variety of traditional Tuscan delights in a cosy farmhouse.

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Travel Guide: Breakfast Spots in Florence

Travel Guide: Breakfast Spots in Florence

Rise up folks, and make time to enjoy the best meal of the day. In Florence, this means letting a cup of well-made coffee warm you up on a cold morning, and sinking your teeth into an enticing pastry… 

Cantinetta Verrazzano

Cantinetta Verrazzano is a heaven for bread and pastry lovers. Step into the bakery, and you will find a lengthy display filled with a diverse variety of baked goodies. Those who like it sweet will dive straight in for the flaky cornetti or buttery crostata, while the tasty focaccia will please visitors with a taste for savoury delights. 

Pasticceria Nencioni

Cosy Pasticceria Nencioni dishes up a delightful selection of sweets and pastries. Stop by on a cold morning, and warm yourself up with a frothy cappuccino. Next, decide on your breakfast pastry for the day – if you are in the mood for something sweet, a tantalising tart will suffice. Vacation makers with a savoury palate will be keen on tucking into one of the puff pastries available. Takeaways are advised, as there is little seating space in this compact cafe. 

Gelateria Carabè

A good selection of intensely-falvoured gelatos at Gelateria Carabè leaves visitors making rave reviews and yearning for more. Traditional Sicilian flavours inspire the creation of the gelato flavours at this gelateria. The creamy ricotta-based gelato, studded with candied orange peel and citron is an innovative spin on the Neapolitan ricotta cake. Traditionalists will want to stick to a good ol' favourites, like the pistachio gelato. Stop by at breakfast time, and do as the locals do – order a refreshing breakfast granita made from almonds, mulberries and lemons. Mhmm.

News Cafe

Coffee and art merges together in a seamless combination at News Cafe. Here, you will never fail to order a picture-perfect cappuccino, with its froth presenting an intricate design by the baristas. The beverage may look too pretty to drink, but when you finally take a sip, you will be captivated by its strong aromas. Apart from dishing out cups of well-made coffee, News Cafe also offers a selection of buttery croissants, pastries and sandwiches. 

Caffe Scudieri Firenzi

Coffee drinking at Cafe Scudieri is a grand affair. Its well-decorated interiors and beautiful glassware creates an atmospheric setting, putting you in a luxurious mood as you take sips of your coffee. Place an order for the Tuscan-style espresso dolce, for it is a beverage worth savouring. One will discern a milky sweetness and nutty aroma, and enjoy itsbuttery-smooth texture. A lengthy pastry case reveals rows of beautifully-made pastries, leaving you fighting hard to resist the urge of ordering one (or many more). 

Caffe Donnini

Excellent coffee, amazing tasting pastries, and a gorgeous setting featuring rich colours and hanging chandeliers. 'Nuff said. 

Now that you have ironed out issues of where to go for breakfast, it is time to start planning your meals for the rest of your day. Why not try out a home-dining experience in Florence?

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