Hey, it’s still summer, and you can still get the best out of Balaton and its gastro scene if you pay contactless. There are plenty of places around Hungary’s favourite getaway where you can sit down and tuck into something special – then get the bill sorted with just a bleep, quick, safe and secure. Here are a few great tips!
After our initial suggestions of fantastic dining destinations around Balaton with contactless payment, here is another selection of top destinations offering hands-free transactions. Credit-card payments are faster, more convenient and very secure. As you always keep your phone with you when you’re on holiday, paying by a mobile wallet is always a handy solution. Popular Hungarian gastroblogger Fördős Zé continues his presentation in our continuing series.
La Tène Desszertműhely
One great suggestion is the La Tène Dessert Workshop in Badacsony, which we popped into recently, and is operated by a lovely young couple, Lili Szalma and Bálint Hájos. This café/confectionery showcases their own handiwork, and that of their colleagues, located in the Post Office building near Badacsony harbour. We can certainly testify that the pâtisserie with the divine croissants already has its own dedicated followers.
Kő Fagyi?
Kő Fagyi? in Mindszentkálla recently made the news by opening an outlet on trendy Bartók Béla út in Buda, so that their imaginative treats can also be sampled in the Hungarian capital. In Ferenc Biszku’s cute little ice-cream parlour, you can choose between the whole range, from rosé to real pistachio, and is a must-stop on any bike ride around Káli-medence.
Party Csóka
This wittily-named spot (‘Party Kiss’) by the waterfront in Balatongyörök is where you can relax over beach food, cocktails and their nationally famed lángos which can fill your belly in satisfying fashion. It is also sometimes worth investigating Party Csóka as famous figures take over the kitchen, such as BBQ Tsar Tamás Németh.
Port Étterem & Panzió
Finally, an option on the south shore: drive to the centre of Balatonmáriafürdő, where the Port Restaurant & Pension stands on the bank of the Western Belt Canal, close to the estuary. As luck would have it, they won the Beach Food of the Year competition, after last year’s silver medal, with a dish called BalaToros. It’s a special combination of sausage and blood sausage, with an imaginative but traditional cabbage garnish. The other popular dishes on the menu are equally decent, and certainly worth a try.
