Ernő Rubik is a Hungarian inventor and architect from Budapest, who is known best for his invention of the confounding and colorful Rubik’s cube. He created a wooden prototype in the 18th century and became the first person to solve it after a month of trying out potential solutions. You cannot leave Hungary without a Rubik’s cube bought from a toy store or shopping center in the city of its birth. As you look around for other souvenirs from your holiday in Hungary, you’ll likely come across many traditional and contemporary items of interest unique to Hungary. Whether you are looking for something of aesthetic or cultural significance, you’d be glad to read this curated list of what to buy in Hungary.
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1. Tisza shoes
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Tisza Cipő (Tisza Shoe) is a brand of Hungarian sports shoes. Named after a river, the trademark shoes were resurrected for the hip crowd in a daring move. In its early days, the brand won many awards, and the gym shoes and other design varieties specific to various sport were commonplace in the Communist era. The hip crowd now enjoys the colors and comforts of Tisza shoes, thanks to the business acumen of László Vidák, a Hungarian entrepreneur. You can purchase a pair of two of Tisza shoes from The Clash Kft outlets and the flagship store in Budapest.
Tisza shoes
Address: Budapest, Károly krt. 1, 1075 Hungary
Website: Tisza shoes
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
2. Palinka
Pálinka is the national drink of Hungary that is fermented from fresh fruits, dried fruits, or concentrates. Its potency should not be underestimated. At 37.5% and 86% ABV (alcohol by volume), you could topple down if you drink too much. You’re likely to do so because it is a delicious drink. Go to any bar in Hungary, and they’ll serve you palinka happily. Take note that the palinka served in bars are around 40% ABV. The drink comes in various flavors and mixes, so ask a local for the best distilleries in town.
House of Hungarian Palinka (A Magyar Pálinka Háza)
Address: Budapest Rákóczi út 17. (Szentkirályi u.) 1088 Hungary
Website: A Magyar Pálinka Háza
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 9am - 2pm
Tip from tour guide
In Hungary, pálinka has an important role in family celebrations and social occasions. A widely used Hungarian greeting is “Pálinkás jó reggelt!” meaning “Good morning with pálinka!“.
The most popular pálinkas are made from apricots, pears, apples and plums. But one can make it of sweet and sour cherries, elderberries, strawberries and grapes too.
3. Air from Budapest souvenirs
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Certain museums, souvenir shops, and designer stores have “Air from Budapest” souvenirs on display. The inventor of this memento, Róbert Katona said the inspiration came way back when he was a child and saw a sardine tin packed with “Parisian air.” What’s contained in the trendy canister? You guessed it right — it’s air from Budapest. The gas canisters come in five hues and are quite stylish. If you can get past the silliness (or is it a private joke, Mr. Katona), this quirky invention is one of the most iconic souvenirs to bring home from Hungary.
Air from Budapest souvenirs
Website: Air from Budapest souvenirs
4. Hungarian paprika
Capsicum annum varietals are dried and ground to make paprika, the zesty universal seasoning rich in ascorbic acid and anti-oxidants. Paprika is crimson red and lends color to food. Since the spice is usually made from sweet and hot peppers, its use as a flavor and garnish are limitless. Seasoned cooks would know which variety of paprika suits a particular dish. We suggest ordering a meal called “Paprikas Csirke” (Chicken with Paprika) when dining out. Your immediate response could be to head out to a store afterward to hoard some local spices. Hungarian paprika is available from the central market in Budapest and various specialty shops on Váci Street.
Hungarian paprika
Website: Hungarian paprika
Hungary Tour Guide
Ildiko Varga
I have been a certified guide for more than two decades now. I love my work, love to show my beloved city and country to my guests! I am interested of course in travelling, architecture, arts, cooking and reading.
Tours by Ildiko
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5. Hand-painted porcelain
Hand-painted porcelain from Hungary is cherished by royalty and handed down generations as heirlooms. Crafting porcelain by hand is a centuries-old tradition in Hungary. Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt. (Herend Porcelain Manufactory) is a luxury brand that is known for its hand-painted porcelain products. It has catered to many prominent figures, including Victoria, the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. They continue to create many notable products to this day. Herend showrooms in Budapest are worth visiting, so you’ll see the quality of craftsmanship in creating exquisite vases and bowls by mixing quartz, feldspar, and kaolin in high heat. The Herend factory is situated outside the city.
Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt.
Address: Budapest, József nádor tér 11, 1051 Hungary
Website: Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt.
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
6. Mangalica salami
Mangalica pork is an eatable national treasure, comparable to Iberico meat from Spain and Portugal. Hungarians celebrate an annual festival in honor of the Mangalica pig, a protected species. This wooly pig that resembles a sheep in appearance is a local species raised in the plains of the river Donau. Mangalica pigs eat what they find, feasting mostly on acorn, beet, and pumpkin. These shaggy treasures roam freely in the hot and dry summers, as well as in snowy winters. The excellent marbling renders the meat succulent but not too heavy. You can buy Mangalica sausage and salami in Budapest.
7. Tokaji Aszú
Tokaji Aszú is the most famous variant of Tokaji, an elegant type of wine grown in Tokaj, an area that has a rich volcanic soil. Six types of grapes are used to make Tokaji, but the most favored for Tokaji Aszú are the Hungarian Furmint or Hárslevelű vines. The grapes are late-ripened and are especially sweet from the concentration of sugars by the action of the Botrytis cinerea mold. Tokaji Aszú is a light-colored, honey-sweet dessert wine with 120 grams per liter of residual sugar. In days of yore, Emperor Franz Josef of Austria sent a yearly celebratory gift of Tokaji to Queen Victoria on her birthday. Fit for royalty, this wine would delight friends and relatives. It is a lovely souvenir that is truly a representative of Hungary.
8. Matyó embroidery
Matyó embroidery belongs to the Roman Catholic Matyó community from the Mezőkövesd town in northeast Hungary. Their folk art is included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list by UNESCO. It is an exquisite, detailed and straight type of embroidery that is also applied in ornamental textiles and interior decoration. The people of this region wear traditional dress during festivals and important events. Masters of this folk art are actively teaching the skill to the younger generation, wherein they instill the value of folk embroidery as a communal activity. You can buy a traditional garment with Matyo embroidery or look for table linen to redress the dining set at home upon your return.
9. Traditional Hungarian dolls
The folk dances of Hungary are more vibrant because of the detailed and colorful traditional costumes. The costumes stand out among the Eastern European countries. Traditional Hungarian dolls are created with delicate costumes that elicit admiration wherever in the world they are exhibited. Perhaps one of the most compelling and memorable souvenirs you can buy in Hungary is a six-inch doll that you can place on the mantle at home. A pair of those would look quite good at home or on your shelf of travel memento. If you have space and inclination, there are medium and large-sized national costume dolls available for tourists at Nagycsarnok (Central Market Hall).
Traditional Hungarian dolls at the Central Market Hall
Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
10. Hungarian secret box
A hand-carved wooden box with detailed figures and inlaid patterns from Hungary is not an ordinary box. You can place jewelry and keepsakes in their inner chambers, but you will realize they’re a kind apart. These boxes have hidden compartments and locks that you need to look for to open. These secret boxes are also called puzzle boxes and come in a variety of sizes. They are excellent gift ideas for friends and family back home, especially the amateur sleuths and amateur puzzlers. You’ll find them everywhere in Hungary, but it’s always advisable to start looking for souvenirs at Nagycsarnok (Vasarcsarnok), the great market hall.
Hungarian secret box at the Central Market Hall
Address: Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093, Budapest, Hungary
Remember fondly the Pearl of Danube
Matyó embroidery, Hungarian paprika, Tisza Shoes, Mangalica salami, Tokaji Aszú are all unique to Hungary. After immersing in the country’s bountiful cultural heritage and historical attractions, it is only fitting that you bring home remarkable souvenirs to remind you of the Heart of Europe.
History
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