Ceramics from Hungary. What to bring from Hungary: the best Hungarian souvenirs and gifts

Have you already enjoyed an unforgettable holiday in Hungary and are going to your native land? Be sure to share the joy with your family and friends by choosing for them unique souvenirs that this country is rich in. And the choice here is really great and varied - these are the famous Hungarian delicacies, and drinks, and beautiful clothes with embroidered elements. Let us consider in more detail what is worth bringing from Hungary as a gift.

Alcohol

Hungary is famous all over the world for its alcoholic beverages, which have unique and rich taste properties. The most highly developed winemaking is in three regions - Tokaj, Eger and Lake Balaton.

Hungarian wines are notable for the fact that neither sugar nor alcohol is added during their manufacture. Tokay and Balaton wines are mostly light, white, and Eger, in contrast to them, is red, viscous, with a pronounced spicy-fruity aroma.

But Hungary is not only rich in wines. Liqueurs and fruit vodka leave no one indifferent. But beer, alas, loses somewhat to German and Czech counterparts.

Froccs

One of the most remarkable alcoholic souvenirs is Fröccs (fröch) - a drink of freshness and good mood. The basis of this drink is wine and soda pop. Depending on the proportions of the ingredients, a large and a small frech are distinguished.

The gift set consists of a beautiful painted siphon, a bottle of excellent Tokay wine and a bottle of soda pop. Refreshing and invigorating French is indispensable in the summer heat, besides, the Hungarians assure that it is not only tasty, but also healthy!

Tokay wines

Among all the wine-growing regions of Hungary, the championship belongs to Tokaj - a mountain range where the best varieties of light, golden grapes grow. Because of the luxurious color and the special taste of raisins and honey, Tokay wines are called liquid gold.

The most popular of them are "Native Tokay" from unsorted grapes, "Tokay Essence" made from raisins, as well as "Tokay-Asu" (wine of kings) - dessert wine, which insist up to ten years.

Fruit vodka "Palinka"

"Palinka" is the name of the famous fruit tincture - one of the main national drinks Hungary. It is prepared mainly from apricots, grapes, quince, plums, pears and apples.

All fruits must be thoroughly washed, cut and pitted. In order for "Palinka", which was called "Carpathian brandy" for a reason, to acquire a softer and refined taste, it is aged in strong oak wood barrels.

Balm "Unicum"

The recipe for this unique Hungarian drink was invented back in 1790 and is still kept in the strictest confidence. It is only known that this balm is infused with more than forty types of medicinal herbs.

Balsam "Unicom" is used both as an independent aperitif and in combination with juices of various fruits. As the manufacturers assure, the balm is characterized by a beneficial effect on the respiratory, circulatory and digestive system organism.

Rubik's Cube

A wonderful gift for both children and adults will be the Rubik's Cube - an amazing puzzle for intellectuals. Only in Hungary can you find an original product made decades ago by Erné Rubik. Here this souvenir is presented in the most variety of options!

Marzipans

The famous Hungarian marzipans will certainly please any sweet tooth. Choose any option - bitter or sweet almond kernels in powdered sugar or fragrant syrup in the form of a wide variety of figures.

In supermarkets in Budapest, you can buy not only ready-made sweet products, but also sugar-almond mass by weight in order to create delicious masterpieces on your own.

National clothes

Are you wondering what to bring from Hungary from clothes? Pay attention to the national costumes, which conquer with their beauty and brightness at first sight.

Women will be delighted by puffy multi-layered cropped skirts in combination with vests and shirts with wide, puffed up sleeves just below the elbow, richly decorated with embroidery.

The male version of the costume is more modest and consists of a simple short shirt, canvas trousers, a waistcoat and high boots.

Paprika

One of the gastronomic symbols of Hungary is ground paprika, which is an indispensable component of many national treats. The taste and pungency of this spicy spice depends on its shade.

It is noteworthy that the soft pink color of the paprika actually indicates a burning and rich taste, while the rich red is characteristic of a spice with a mild and delicate taste.

Salami

Would you like to know what to bring from Hungary from products? Of course, the true Hungarian salami. This delicacy is remarkable in that it can be stored for a very long time without loss of quality, so it can become one of the best options gift for any holiday.

The greatest sympathy of tourists from all over the world was won by such types of salami as "Peak" and "Herz". In addition, there are other varieties of this meat treat with the addition of ginger, red hot pepper and other spices.

Foie gras

Another great Hungarian delicacy is Foie Gras. In this country, by the way, it has its own unique name - libamaj, which consists of two words - liba (goose) and maj (liver).

Textile and embroidered products

The famous Hungarian embroidery deserves admiration. The main techniques are called matyo and kalochai.

You cannot confuse matio embroidery with anything - in the very center of the textile product there is a large flower surrounded by small graceful patterns. Such multi-colored patterns richly adorn the Hungarian national clothes.

Embroidered kalochai lace, which is called "Hungarian inlay", first appeared in the ancient town of Kalocsa. They are characterized by a unique color scheme, consisting of 27 shades.

Speaking of textile souvenirs from Hungary, it is impossible not to mention openwork halash lace, the creator of which was the art teacher Arpad Decani from the city of Kiskunhalas.

Crystal, ceramics and porcelain

If you are thinking about what to bring from Hungary as a souvenir, pay attention to crystal, porcelain and ceramic products.

Elite Hungarian crystal "Ajka Crystal" has been known since 1878. It is the choice of bohemians all over the world.

Very interesting is the porcelain produced in the Hungarian village of Herend since the beginning of the century before last. These products were preferred by all noble persons.

In the city of Nadudwara, excellent ceramic dishes are produced, which, thanks to a special firing technology, acquire a deep noble black color.

Cannot be exported

  • any types of weapons and ammunition;
  • more than 2 liters of wine;
  • more than 1 liter of spirits;
  • over 250 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 grams of tobacco.

For the export of historical valuables, jewelry, food and medicines additional permits and checks are required.

What can be brought from Hungary, not limited to the usual tourist souvenirs, such as magnets, mugs, T-shirts, postcards and other tourist paraphernalia?

Tip for independent travelers! In order to purchase truly unique Hungarian gifts, you first need to learn a little about what Hungary is famous for, what is the peculiarity of its culture and way of life.

Products from Hungary are a great gift

Everyone knows the gastronomic passions of the Hungarians. Classical Hungarian cuisine is distinguished by the richness of taste and satiety of dishes, and all because the dish can combine both the first and the second. This is an abundance of vegetables, meat, mainly bacon and pork, and, of course, spices.

The traditional food of the local population is goulash, lecho, various types of roast, perkelt, paprikash. Raw-smoked salami sausages are not just delicacies, but part of the culture. Don't forget about delicious desserts- about marzipan sweets. And, of course, aperitifs: each dish has its own unique drink.

Gift basket worth 22990 Ft, containing the best Hungarian traditional products

It will be difficult for you to tell your friends about the amazing dishes that you had to try during your trip, but you can bring your favorite Hungarian products as a gift - why not souvenirs from Hungary!

Burning Hungarian present

Hungarian housewives do not add spices to a rare dish, paprika is especially popular. To remember at home the world-famous hungarian goulashthick soup from meat, vegetables and hot paprika, bring with you a piece of this spicy and at the same time sweet taste.

All kinds of dried fruits and spices at the Budapest market

As a national present, paprika is just right, by the way. Spicy souvenirs from Hungary for tourists are offered in the following options:

  • a set of spices in glass jars;
  • bright souvenir bags;
  • interesting sets of ceramics;
  • just red pepper pods strung on strings.

All these are excellent decorative elements for decorating the interior of the kitchen.

In ordinary grocery stores, paprika will cost a little less than in special souvenir shops (from 1000 forints), but such a Hungarian souvenir will also be decorated somewhat more modestly. In addition, for lovers of cooking, it would be nice to get a recipe book national cuisine in Russian.

Meat delicacies

Probably, there is not a single tourist who would not try at least one type of sausage in Hungary. These include Pick smoked salami, spicy salami with paprika, ginger and other spices, and Herz Budapest salami. And also Debrecen sausages, Gyulai and Chabai sausages. It turns out a wonderful appetizing gourmet Hungarian gift. Do not worry - many types of sausages will perfectly endure the road and will not deteriorate on the way.

Sausages cost differently, but you can always find a package for every wallet and taste. Experienced travelers advise buying sausages at the Central Market of Budapest, where you can bargain, taste the sausages, and, at the request of the buyer, cut them into pieces.

Cheeses at the Budapest Central Market

What else to bring from Hungary from products? You need to taste yourself and treat loved ones to another delicacy of local cuisine. This dish is from goose liver, in Hungarian - "liba mai". Canned goose liver in the form of a pate is sold in stores in metal packages that carry long-term storage product.

Sweet souvenirs from Hungary

Sweet gift options that will delight children and those with a sweet tooth are marzipan figurines made from almonds and sugar. The peculiarity of the figurines is that they can be eaten and left as a keepsake, as they can be stored for a long time.

Sweets from the marzipan museum in Szentendre

Hungarians are very fond of marzipan, be sure to visit the marzipan museum. You can buy such sweets quite inexpensively, there are a lot of them not only in special shops at museums, but also in ordinary souvenir stalls.

Alcoholic souvenirs - wine, liqueurs, balm

No one will believe that you have been to the famous Tokay vineyards and did not bother to bring from Hungary alcoholic gift. Wines on Hungarian soil are made extraordinary, mostly sweet wines. Yes, Tokay wine is considered the most popular - after the name of the Tokay region, where it has been produced since the 16th century. From the city of Eger, travelers usually bring viscous red wines "Bull's Blood" - wonderful souvenirs from Hungary.

What else can be alcoholic Hungarian gifts? Throughout Europe, vodka with various fruity flavors "Palinka" is valued. Extraordinary liqueurs are no less famous, especially popular is Hubertus - dark in color, with a citrus flavor.

Hungarian liqueurs based on herbs and roots

A special Hungarian national product (“ungarikum”) is considered to be the Zwak Unikum balm. This bitter liqueur, in a characteristic round bottle, is infused for 40 medicinal herbs ah, made according to a secret recipe, is considered literally a panacea for many diseases. The cost of one bottle of this healing drink starts from 3500 forints.

Hungarian national crafts

The country is famous for its various crafts. And if you are on Hungarian soil, choose gifts made by true craftsmen, and such souvenirs from Hungary cannot be cheap. And there is also the opportunity to bring a real Hungarian Rubik's cube as a gift, without fear of running into a cheap fake.

An excellent gift for loved ones will be the famous Magyar embroideries - handmade fabrics decorated with such embroideries, national costumes, homespun cloth, things made of blue dyed material with white patterns.

Gifts from Hungary for children

A lot of pottery will not leave you indifferent: painted glazed dishes, Hungarian black ceramics, ceramic tableware and figurines, porcelain and wooden dolls in folk costumes. Leather products are also highly valued, especially handbags. All this is easily bought at the Central Market of Budapest and in shops located on the Budapest pedestrian Vaci street.

It is difficult, but it is worth bringing a real national brand from Hungary - branded porcelain products. The best Hungarian porcelain is made at the Herend and Zsolnay factories. In Budapest, porcelain is usually purchased at Andrássy Street 16.

It should be noted that the price for such a Hungarian souvenir can exceed all your expectations, but for a true connoisseur of art, you will not find a better find.

Hungary is a shepherd's country, so a folklore lover will be especially pleased with souvenirs - elements of shepherd life: camping shepherd's flasks, an original whip, a clay musical instrument, horn jewelry and funny goulash cauldrons.

Where to buy souvenirs in Budapest?

There are many private shops and supermarkets in the capital, where you can find excellent souvenirs from Hungary. Souvenir shops and trade pavilions, markets and shopping centers throughout the country resemble museums and exhibitions. Shops open quite early, from 7 in the morning and work until late, and some even around the clock. National holidays are days off for most stores.

Address and map of Budapest Central Market:

If you have the opportunity and enough time, then you just need to visit these places in Budapest:

  • Central market;
  • Vaci pedestrian street;
  • trade pavilion "Westland";
  • shopping centers "Kampona" and "Arcade";
  • Miksha Falk Street - a place for lovers of antiques;
  • chocolate house "Gourmet Samosh";
  • Sugar store;
  • Marzipan Museum at the Hilton Hotel.

Having got acquainted with Hungary, having visited different parts of this Eastern European country, wandering through its streets, you will forever grow in your heart to these wonderful places. And buying a Hungarian souvenir as a keepsake, you want to keep forever a piece of one of the most amazing countries in the world, a part of its soul. Therefore, it is worth taking with you not the usual tourist souvenirs from Hungary, but the “ungarikum” - a unique work of original Hungarian masters.

A trip to Budapest can certainly become a bright tourist adventure. Memories of this ancient European city with amazing story and unique architecture will remain in the memory of any traveler who visited the Hungarian pearl for a long time. However, the guests of the city face a difficult task: how to have time to buy souvenirs from Budapest in between tasting local cuisine and visiting numerous sights? What to choose as a gift to friends or relatives? You can, of course, go the simplest way and fill your travel bags with colorful magnets, posters and other trinkets with the inscription "Budapest". Meanwhile, in this city you can buy a lot of truly unique things that have a true Hungarian flavor. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to please yourself and loved ones with outstanding "foreign" presents. So, what to bring from Budapest as a gift to relatives, friends, colleagues or yourself as a keepsake of the delightful “Pearl of the Danube”?

Alcoholic drinks

One of the leaders in the souvenir market is Bulgarian wines and spirits. A real work of art - the Hungarian Unikum balm liqueur - is recommended to be bought by all city guests. The drink is known as a powerful healing agent that has a beneficial effect on the circulatory, digestive, nervous, respiratory systems, gives strength and strengthens the immune system. The Unicum recipe has existed for several centuries and is kept in the strictest confidence. The only thing that is known is that in the manufacture of liquor, no less than forty medicinal herbs are used.

Another well-known gift from Hungary is the vigorous local drink palinka, an analogue of vodka or vodka. It is made from a variety of fruits and berries: plums, apricots, pears, mountain ash, cherries and others. Despite the decent strength of palinka, 43 degrees, the drink is famous for its mild pleasant taste.

And, of course, the main thing that you can and should bring from Budapest is Hungarian wines. Various varieties of the world-famous Tokay white wine, exquisite Riesling, sweet red wines from local vineyards - all this can be found in Budapest shops in in large numbers and in the most unusual bottles and gift boxes.

Paprika

Another equally popular souvenir from the Hungarian capital is paprika, the main spice of the national traditional cuisine. Sometimes it seems that in Budapest there is a real cult of this amazing spice. Dried, whole, fresh, ground, pickled, or processed paprika paste different varieties, delivered from different parts of the country - it is quite easy to get confused by the variety of choices. You can buy paprika by weight, but it is best to buy spices in bright unusual packages: branded jars, kegs, canvas bags. A “garland” of dried paprika peppers strung on a string will also look very beautiful - both seasoning and decoration for the interior of the kitchen. As a rule, sellers can offer other agricultural delicacies to accompany a bag or bunch of paprika: fragrant honey, fruits, the freshest local cheeses, greens and beautiful bunches of fragrant local garlic.

Meat delicacies

A visit to the Hungarian capital is a chance to surprise your guests with amazingly delicious meat delicacies. A truly legendary cervelat "Peak" produced by the factory of the same name (the town of Szeged), especially the branded "winter" salami, is something that is simply a must to bring from Budapest. In addition, the delicate Hungarian liver pate and sausage Csabay and Gyula are in great demand.

Clothing, textiles, embroidery

In the shops and markets of Budapest, there is a huge selection of textile products. The main souvenir that is invariably in demand among tourists is items embroidered in the traditional Hungarian style "Matio" and "Kalochai": scarves, tablecloths, curtains, towels, bedspreads, and more. You can also bring high-quality knitwear, delicate lace and high-quality printed fabrics from Budapest.

An excellent gift for adults and children can be national clothes from Budapest, sewn exclusively from natural fabrics and decorated with elegant embroidery. Blouses, vests, scarves, shirts, scarves, dresses in the Hungarian style are worn by modern fashionistas with pleasure.

Crystal, porcelain, ceramic products

When it comes to porcelain, the first thing that all tourists are told about is the Hungarian " White gold» - Herend. The factory for the production of this famous porcelain begins its history in the middle of the 19th century. Services, utensils, figurines of this brand to this day are completely, from beginning to end, made by hand. Thin graceful milky porcelain is painted by professional artists. Such a souvenir is very expensive. Products from Herend are often bought by very wealthy people: millionaires, successful businessmen, members of European royal families.

Another porcelain manufacturer, no less famous in European countries, is the Hungarian Zsolnay factory. The products of this brand have repeatedly received recognition at international exhibitions. Founded, like Herend, two centuries ago, the factory produces no less high-quality, but more affordable porcelain, as well as incredibly beautiful painted tiles - majolica.

Ringing Hungarian crystal is much more affordable, but such a souvenir can also become a real family heirloom. But the main thing that even a tourist with a small budget can bring from Budapest is amazingly beautiful and diverse Hungarian ceramics: bright painted jugs, plates, mugs, medallions, bells and much, much more. Very original gift from Hungary will be mugs "with a secret", figurines with national flavor, utensils with the image of paprika and unusual pottery from Nadudvár in black.

Hungarian dolls

Do not think long about what to bring from Budapest little child. Bright unusual toy will be an ideal gift for a baby. And adults will certainly be happy to receive national dolls from Hungary as a souvenir. They are made of porcelain, wood, fabric, doll clothes are often decorated with traditional Hungarian embroidery. Particularly popular are dolls in national Hungarian costumes and funny dolls - "witches", which our compatriots jokingly call "Babka - Yozhka".

Folk crafts

It is worth paying attention to the products of original Hungarian folk crafts. In the markets and in souvenir shops, all sorts of things are more than found: leather goods, wood, stone, clay. Braided leather belts and whips, bags and wallets made of the same material, traditional “peasant” flasks made of wood trimmed with leather and fur, clay smoking pipes, Buso folklore masks, small wooden utensils and more are in great demand.

Sweets, candies

An ideal sweet gift - delicious sweets and confectionery figures made of marzipan. Marzipan sweets are not only colorful and have excellent taste. Confectioners create real works of art from this malleable material. The inhabitants of the Hungarian capital themselves consider these sweets to be one of the symbols of the country and are proud that such a variety of marzipan figurines cannot be found anywhere else. In addition to marzipan, you can buy chocolates made by hand in small pastry shops.

Cosmetics

Excellent investment of money - natural cosmetics from Budapest. The most famous Hungarian cosmetology products:

  • Elite cosmetics Omorovicza based on thermal water from mineral springs. Under this name, skin care products, men's shaving cosmetics, sunscreens, correctors and foundations are produced.
  • Classics of Hungarian cosmetology - Helia D, natural products based on valuable oils and mineral components.
  • Pandhy's natural cosmetics.
  • Cosmetics for children "Gabi", "Kaomila".
  • Lavender soap.

Fashion clothes and shoes

The capital's Vaci Street and the largest shopping center called Arena Plaza are the places where the maximum number of branded stores of the most popular brands is concentrated. Fashionable clothes and shoes from Budapest are much cheaper than in similar boutiques in Russian cities.

Separately, it is worth mentioning jewelry and accessories. The Hungarian capital is the place where you can easily buy a souvenir in the form of watches or jewelry from the most famous European companies. In Budapest, shops of the legendary Swiss watch brands Breguet and Bretling, jewelry boutiques of the French houses Boucheron and Sartier, and the elegant Italian brand Bulgari successfully operate and are in demand.

Antiques, antiques, art

Europe's largest and most famous "flea market" Echeri on Nagykörösi street, like a magnet attracts to Budapest true connoisseurs antique items. The range of goods on the local shelves is amazing: they sell everything from vintage toys and clothes to military orders and antique furniture.

It is especially important that all sorts of things bought for relatively little money can later turn out to be an expensive artifact. Antiques can also be found in specialized shops in Budapest, but shopping on Echeri, according to avid collectors, is much cheaper and more exciting.

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

At this point, 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 a cult and is called "libamay". You can try it in almost everyone. Therefore, if you are considering what to bring from Hungary from products, first of all, pay attention to this delicacy.

In stores, goose liver is sold in canned form. Jar of foie gras own juice(145 grams) costs from 5,000 Ft, and goose liver pate will cost 3,500-4,000 Ft. 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 the Pick, which original taste gives a special composition of spices and their optimal ratio. This type of salami is produced in Szeged, a city in the south of the country, and even by Hungarian standards is considered a delicacy.

You can buy a delicious souvenir covered with a layer of noble white mold in the market, in supermarkets or in specialized shops, 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 - marzipan. This is an almond-sugar mass, from which funny figurines and whole sculptural compositions are made, real miracles. confectionery art! They can be brought as a gift to 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. A small colorful figurine can be purchased for between Ft 300 and Ft 1,000. Sweet gifts are sold in every confectionery, and they can be stored for a very long time.

A large selection of marzipan souvenirs is available at the Szabó Marcipán Shop located in Budapest (Hess András tér 3).

Tokay wines

Even those tourists who are indifferent to alcohol probably know what wine is best to bring from Hungary. The country can boast of being rich, and Tokay wine, known far beyond its borders, is considered a win-win option for a chic national gift.

Legend says that Goethe, Voltaire and Haydn were among the connoisseurs of noble and refined Tokay wines.

Produce the famous wine in the Tokaj region from grapes ripened and dried in vivo. Berries are harvested only after they turn into raisins under the rays of the sun. That is why the drink, which is often called the "wine of kings", has a characteristic aftertaste of raisins with specific honey notes.

In Budapest, Tokay wine costs from 1,000 Ft, depending on the volume and variety. For example, a large selection is presented in, such as Bortársaság (Lanchid utca 5), ​​- the cost of Tokay wine in it starts from 2,250 Ft.

palinka

Palinka is another national product of Hungary, for the production of which the country has exclusive rights. This strong alcohol made by distillation from a variety of fruits or berries (plums, pears, apples, cherries, apricots, grapes, currants) without the use of artificial ingredients. As a result, the palinka turns out to be natural and very strong (from 40%). As a rule, it is served after a meal, when it's time for dessert.

You can buy an authentic product in large supermarkets and small shops, both grocery and souvenir. The cost of one bottle, depending on the volume, ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 Ft. At Hunny Palinka & Gift in Budapest (Országház u. 15) you can try different types palinki and buy the variety you like.

Balm "Unicum"

Bitter liquor infused with medicinal herbs is one of the most famous. Produced by the Zwack family company old recipe, which is kept in the strictest confidence and passed down by the family from generation to generation for over 200 years.

In the production of balm, more than 40 types of medicinal herbs are used and special technology. The result is a strong alcoholic drink of rich brown color and thick consistency with medicinal herbal notes and a pleasant burning taste. It can be drunk before and after meals, as well as added to drinks.

"Unicum" is available in original round bottles of different sizes and costs from 1,000 to 5,600 Ft. You can buy it in any store or supermarket.

In the specialized shop at the Zwack Unicum Museum in Budapest (Dandar utca 1), the prices for the balm are lower than in other places. In addition, museum visitors with a ticket are given a pleasant bonus in the form of a 5 percent discount on products.

Paprika

Paprika completes the list of popular Hungarian souvenirs. Perhaps this is the most famous "hungarikum" - this term refers to traditional products, objects of special pride of the people and peculiar symbols of the country. Kalochay paprika (kalocsa paprika) and Szeged paprika (szegedi paprika) are considered especially valuable in Hungary. She attaches national food a truly unique taste.

You can buy seasoning everywhere - from a grocery store to the Central Market of Budapest (Vámház krt. 1-3). As a gift, it is better to choose paprika in a beautiful package: a cloth bag, a porcelain container or a gift box.

When buying, be sure to pay attention to the degree of spiciness of the spice: it can be different. Depending on the pungency of paprika, its color also differs.

Dry ground paprika can be brought as a gift to connoisseurs delicious cuisine and also to all those who love to cook. The famous seasoning costs from 350 to 1,700 Ft.

In the shops of the Hungarian capital they sell very original things, and at much lower prices than in neighboring European countries. We will start with the most general recommendations, look for exact tips below. So, for high-quality clothes and shoes, you should go to the boutiques on Andrássy Avenue, you should look for locally produced goods in small retail outlets on the street. Vaci, for souvenirs, tourists usually come to the Central Market, and for antiques and other exclusives - to Eskeri Piak.

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Clothing and textiles

Items created according to national motives are very popular among foreigners. Of course, it is unlikely that a tourist, returning from Budapest, will walk around in an embroidered surcoat, a fragrant sheepskin coat or a felt hat - elements of the traditional Hungarian costume, but a cute vest, shirt or blouse with wide sleeves made of natural fabric with a fancy ornament will easily complement the wardrobe . In the summer, a colored sun skirt will look very cool on girls - an invariable component of a women's folk costume.

You should also pay attention to home textiles: bedspreads, tablecloths, napkins and towels embroidered with a characteristic eye-catching floral pattern. In stores, the price range is very wide - for a quality item made of good material, they will ask for 150-200 EUR, and an inexpensive Hungarian-style shirt will cost 20-40 EUR (there are also very simple products for 8-9 EUR).

Alcohol

Each European country (except, perhaps, Monaco - and that's not a fact) has unique brands of alcoholic beverages that are produced only here according to old recipes passed down from generation to generation according to a terrible secret. In Hungary, this is the famous Tokay wine, appreciated by lucky outbound tourists back in the days Soviet Union, Unicum balm and Palinka brandy. The less popular liqueurs Mecseki and Hubertus are also worth trying.

Bought in Budapest "Tokaj" (even the most inexpensive, costing a few euros) is guaranteed to be delicious. It is not a shame to present such a gift to friends or colleagues. But keep in mind that this is a sweet variety of wine that is not suitable for everyone. If you prefer strong "Palinka", then it is better to take varieties of the drink made on the basis of apricots or prunes - they are considered the most delicious.

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Food

Hungarian cuisine can hardly be called too refined and refined. Some gourmets may even find it too simple, too high in calories - and even rough. But everyone else will like rich goulash and paprikash with the same paprika - the main spice on the table of the Magyars. This seasoning can be bought almost everywhere in Hungary: in a store, in a small souvenir shop, and in a supermarket. For tourists, they make special sets in beautiful packaging (bags or jars) of hot and sweet varieties, where they put wooden spoons. And if the wrapper is not so important, excellent quality paprika can be bought in the grocery section of any supermarket for a penny.

Pick brand sausage is another popular Hungarian brand that has won the love of foreigners. This delicacy will decorate any festive table But be warned, it won't be long!

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Hungarian marzipan desserts and the Dobos striped biscuit-chocolate-caramel cake. Speaking of marzipans: this pastry with one of the simplest, at first glance, recipes: crushed sweet almond kernels, crushed bitter almond kernels, sugar syrup or powder. Everything. But the devil, as usual, lies in the details, or rather, in exact proportions. Hungarian confectioners have found a recipe that is close to ideal, and their marzipans turn out to be devilishly delicious. Be sure to bring it. A surefire way to get the best marzipans for a good price is to graze a bit in the supermarket's pastry section and see what the locals are getting.

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Porcelain

Hungarian porcelain, which is made at the Herend and Zsolnay factories, has been decorating sideboards and tables at Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace in England for decades. In Budapest, there are several branded stores selling fine tableware with fine workmanship patterns. There are quite a few such sets, frankly speaking, more affordable prices should be sought in small antique shops.

If your plans do not include decorating the kitchen and living room in the royal style, as well as spending hundreds of euros on purchases, then you can limit yourself to porcelain figurines of children, animals, peasants in national clothes, noble ladies, ballerinas and musicians. They are in every gift shop.

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Other souvenirs

And if you want something special, handmade-ethnic, then a shepherd's whistle, a whip or a bowl for cooking goulash will become very original purchases. By the way, in some outlets, the old generation of sellers speak a little Russian - a pleasant surprise, given that Hungary has long said goodbye to the socialist past.

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