In 1946, the government introduced a new version of the forint to replace the pengő and bring stability back to the economy. That same forint is still in use today.
The price of a bottle of water depends on where you purchase it. From a grocery store, it's about 180-250 Ft, which is about $0.50-0.75, but in cafés or in touristy areas it can be about 500 Ft or $1.50. In general, I tend to drink the tap water, though, as it's perfectly safe and has a good taste!
My favorite meal this week was from a small lunch place called Pepsi which is near my lab. They make kabátos pityóka, which translates to “potato in a coat.” It’s basically a baked potato filled with toppings like cheese, sour cream, beans, fried onions and sausage if you want it. It’s simple but really good, and it only costs around $6–8 for a full meal.
These kinds of ingredients are really common in Hungarian food. Potatoes, dairy, and paprika show up everywhere, partly because they’ve been easy to grow and store for centuries. Hungary’s long winters meant people relied on hearty foods that lasted, like root vegetables, grains, and preserved meats. Even today, most Hungarian dishes are warm, rich, and meant to keep you full.
I’m vegetarian, so I wasn’t sure before moving here if I’d find much to eat, but it hasn’t been a problem at all. Lots of places offer vegetarian options, and dishes like this are easy to make meat-free.
