Hungary’s regional gastronomy will take centre stage at this year’s Gourmet Festival, which will feature around 100 exhibitors, dozens of programmes and tasting events between 4 and 7 June at Millenáris Park.
Speaking at a press conference in Budapest on Thursday, chief organizer Richárd Nemes said that while Asian comfort food has become increasingly dominant both in Hungarian gastronomy and at the Gourmet Festival itself in recent years, this year’s event aims to redirect attention toward the flavours of the Hungarian countryside.
He noted that dishes from 21 rural restaurants will be available for tasting, meaning roughly one-third of all exhibitors will come from outside the capital.
Alongside returning regional restaurants such as Kistücsök, Anyukám Mondta, Platán Tata, Casa Christa and Villa Kabala, exhibitors will also arrive from several Hungarian regions.
The two-Michelin-starred Platán Gourmet will participate, while Babel Budapest is set to present its recently opened countryside sister restaurant, Papi. Dereszla Winery will attend with its bistro concept, and Mihályi Patisserie—widely regarded as one of Hungary’s top pastry shops—will exhibit for the first time.
Among the festival’s new attractions is a dedicated Made in Vidék area, where visitors can sample contemporary goulash by Kovács Renátó of Hilda, Baja-style fish soup by Lajos Bíró, the well-known mutton stew of Nimród Restaurant and rooster stew prepared by Ádám Barna.
Richárd Nemes also stressed that the festival will continue offering more affordable options, with around 30 to 40 dishes available at a price of 2,500 forints.
This year’s Gourmet Festival will take place one week later than usual because of the UEFA Champions League final being hosted in Budapest.
Programme manager Veronika Horváth said the Gourmet Academy would once again provide free lectures, workshops and tasting sessions for visitors interested in culinary education and professional expertise.
Sunday will again serve as family day, with free admission for visitors under 18 years old.
Communications Director of Millenáris Park Máté Szentirmai Zöld said the festival has successfully found its ideal setting within the park’s community spaces over many years.
István Kutas, communications executive director of main sponsor MBH Bank, said the bank recognizes the importance of rural hospitality not only for gastronomy, but also for the economy, tourism and culture, given its leading role in financing Hungary’s agricultural and food industries.
The festival’s full programme and exhibitor list are available on the Gourmet Festival official website.
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