Budapest: Hungarian Cooking Class & 3-Course Menu with Chef

Summary

Cook goulash soup and classic desserts in a cozy budapest kitchen studio guided by chef marti with stories, laughter and local flavors

You’ll chop onions side by side with locals in Chef Marti’s Budapest kitchen, taste real Hungarian sausage and wine as you cook a full 3-course menu together, laugh over language mix-ups, then sit down for a meal you made yourself. It’s less like a class and more like being welcomed into someone’s home — you’ll leave full in every sense.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter of knives against wooden boards — not loud, just steady, like background music. Chef Marti greeted us with this half-grin and handed me an apron before I could even say “jó napot.” The kitchen smelled like paprika and something sweet I couldn’t place at first (later found out it was apricot jam for the Gerbeaud cake). There were four of us plus Marti, all kind of awkward at the start, but that faded fast when she poured us tiny glasses of palinka. That stuff is stronger than it looks.

We picked Menu C for our Hungarian cooking class because someone in our group had been dreaming about goulash soup since we landed in Budapest. Marti explained every step but didn’t hover — she let me mess up my dumplings before stepping in to show me how to get the dough right. She told stories about her grandmother’s kitchen, how paprika is basically sacred here, and laughed when I tried to pronounce “Hortobágyi palacsinta.” Honestly, it felt more like cooking at a friend’s house than a class. The kitchen windows fogged up from all the steam; outside it was gray but inside felt bright.

I loved tasting bits as we went — slices of sausage from the farmer’s plate, spoonfuls of soup broth to check the seasoning. By the time we sat down together to eat (with a glass of Hungarian wine that tasted almost floral), it felt like we’d known each other longer than just three hours. The Gerbeaud cake was sticky and rich, and I’m still thinking about that first bite. Marti gave us recipes to take home but honestly, I think what stuck most was just how much warmth fit into one afternoon. Maybe that sounds cheesy but… well, you’ll see if you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Hungarian cooking class

• Choose one 3-course menu
• Prepare starter together
• Cook main dish as a team
• Make dessert with chef guidance
• Taste local ingredients during cooking
• Learn about Hungarian food and customs
• Enjoy meal with Hungarian wine
• Receive recipes to take home

Top questions

How long does the Hungarian cooking class last?

The class typically lasts around three hours from start to finish.

Is this Budapest cooking class hands-on?

Yes, everyone participates fully in preparing each dish together.

What dishes can I cook during the class?

You choose one menu from five options; examples include goulash soup, chicken paprikas with dumplings, or Gerbeaud layered cake.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Does the class include drinks?

Yes, palinka (fruit brandy), Hungarian wine, soft drinks and coffee are included.

Where is the cooking class held?

The class takes place in a cozy home-style kitchen studio in central Budapest (not a basement).

Do I get recipes to take home?

Yes, printed recipes for all dishes cooked are provided at the end.

How many people join each session?

A minimum of four participants is required; groups are kept small for a personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on cooking in Chef Marti’s central Budapest kitchen studio (not some basement!), all ingredients and equipment provided, your choice of one full 3-course menu from five options plus starter tastings of local sausage and cheese, guidance from a professional chef throughout, traditional drinks like palinka and Hungarian wine served as you cook and eat together, plus printed recipes to take home after sharing your meal around the table.