Stand (Budapest)

This was the final meal during our October trip and it was such a great time. It spanned over four hours and the experience this felt deeply Hungarian in a way that’s modern, elevated, and very complete. Two things that truly “stand” out are the service and the storytelling. The staff is incredibly attentive, refilling our glasses after each sip. As for the dishes, each one has a clear purpose and incorporates a lot of cultural details. I loved that the local flavors we tried (làngos, gulyás, túró) made appearances and we got to taste their most refined forms.

Starts off with a couple of gorgeous bites and beautiful soups. A chilled golden beetroot with tiny apple balls, then a “lecsó” of smoked tomato consommé. Then comes my favorite part, the individual bread baskets!!! Paired with brown butter and paprika spread. So indulgent.

There were so many standouts it’s hard to pick one. The liver bonbon, sitting on duck rillette and topped with shaved liver, was rich yet delicate. Followed by the award-winning sterlet & langoustine swirl. This was full of flavor with the dill & caviar clam sauce. The main genuinely impressed me (rly rare imo). Venison was tender, lightly gamey, and completed the meal

And for the ultimate highlight, their “apple a day” dessert. It was originally created for Bocuse d’Or’s “Feed the Children” theme and now we get to feast on it. The apple shaped vanilla mousse is filled with passion fruit and raspberry and topped with “earth” made of hazelnut and popping candy. There is so much happening but everything comes together perfectly. It’s delicate, sweet, sour, and such a bright ending. Brings out the child in you.