Held at its traditional venue – Millenáris – on the last weekend of May, the festival invites lovers of gastronomy, culinary explorers, and conscious hedonists alike.
This year the festival opens its gates already on Thursday afternoon, May 22, allowing guests to dive right into this open-air walk-around tasting packed with exciting new foods and drinks, where the main theme is “favorites”.
“Gourmet’s mission is to offer an authentic snapshot of Hungary’s contemporary gastronomy, which continues to evolve each year. Our lineup reflects this dynamism. We aim to preserve both diversity and quality – that’s what makes this event so unique and singular in its nature. This year was no exception; so many exciting new places have opened recently, many of whom will be participating,” said Richárd Nemes, chief organizer of the festival.
This year’s newcomers include BiBo Budapest, brought by world-renowned chef Dani García, the creative fine bistro Bilanx, and Ypsilon, the soon-to-open lakeside restaurant from Jenő Rácz. Also joining are Fiktív, known for its food and wine pairings, Teyföl from Szentendre, and returning favorites like the Michelin starred Essencia and Szaletly, famous for its contemporary Hungarian cuisine. Asian flavors will be well-represented with first-time appearances by Ramenka, Quí, Sáo, Tokio, and Monokini Kantin, the Buda-based sister of Arquitecto Pitpit, led by chef Ádám Garai. Lebanese specialties will be offered by Leila’s, while classic Hungarian pasta dishes come from Cvekedli Tésztabárin Nyíregyháza. Also featured: Petrol Barbeque, Tuning Burger, top-quality cured meats from Szatmár Dry Cured (founded by this year’s ambassador, chef Szilárd Tóth), exquisite wagyu dishes from Original Wagyu, exotic fruits by Pilpel Hungary, and international delicacies from Bocca gourmet stories. The new dessert lineup includes Jardin from Debrecen, chocoMe (famed for its bean-to-bar concept), and Gelateria Pomo d’Oro.
New wineries will also debut, craft beer will be provided by Zenta Kraft, and alcohol-free options also expand: premium syrups from Mayer, fermented drinks by Fruzsina Farkas – this year’s ambassador, known as The Green Sommelier – and excellent coffee from Herz Coffee Roasters.
With nearly 100 exhibitors and more than 200 items on the festival menu, guests can enjoy a seemingly endless variety of beverages. The menu also includes budget-friendly dishes, all priced under HUF 2,500.
The diversity extends to the programs as well. From Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, Gourmet Academy offers free workshops and presentations for those eager to learn and be entertained – with tastings included! Chefs such as István Akács (Pajta, 1 Michelin star), Dávid Rózsa (1910 Gourmet by Hausers, Switzerland, 1 Michelin star), Szilárd Tóth (Salt, 1 Michelin star), and István Pesti (Platán, 2 Michelin stars) will showcase their talents.
In a unique highlight, visitors will have a chance to meet Dani García, one of Spain and the world’s most acclaimed chefs, known for earning 3 Michelin stars in a short time for his Marbella restaurant – a first in the festival’s history. The complete list of programs is available here.
Sunday, May 25, is dedicated to families and children. Beatrix Harrer-Abosi, Gianni Annoni, and our ambassador Szabi the Pék will host fun, kid-friendly workshops. The day concludes with Judit Stahl’s highly successful Flódni improvisational gastro-theater, featuring actors Péter Kálloy Molnár, Nóra Parti, Győző Szabó, and Judit Schell.
On this day, admission is free for visitors under 18, and families can enjoy a dedicated play area, children’s programs, and free surprises from various patisseries.
“MBH Bank is proud to support the Gourmet Festival for the third consecutive year, where talented chefs and gastronomy professionals present their favorite creations. Each year, the festival celebrates respect for tradition, openness to innovation, creativity, and community experiences – values that we deeply share. Just as classic flavors are reborn in new forms in the kitchen, we believe that a strong foundation combined with constant renewal leads to success – whether in business or in shaping the future of a community,” said István Kutas, executive director of Communications at MBH Bank.
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