Hungarian dolls. Paprika, palinka and wine or what to bring from Hungary? Three unusual Hungarian souvenirs

In the article we will tell you what to bring from Budapest as souvenirs: clothes, food, alcohol, porcelain and a few more ideas. Read before your trip!

From a trip, I want to take with me a piece of the country or city where I managed to visit. Budapest is no exception. In the article I will tell you what they bring from here in addition to standard magnets, postcards and mugs.

What to buy as a gift for friends

In the Hungarian capital you can find gifts for every taste. And this is not a play on words. Let's talk about food first.

Marzipan

Hungarians simply love marzipan desserts. Several museums are dedicated to him in the capital and other cities of the country. There are edible works of art created by professional confectioners.

Each museum has a small shop selling sweets of various forms: from medallions with the sign of the Zodiac to bright cartoon figures.

The main advantage of marzipan is its shelf life. You can safely buy it, throw it in your bag and not worry until the end of the trip. The taste of marzipan will not change. Its second plus is the cost. A small figurine will cost only 150 rubles.

Paprika

National cuisine can't do without paprika. It is added to soups, goulash, salads, meat and fish. Unless desserts have passed the fate of getting acquainted with this seasoning. Paprika is sweet and spicy. For tourists, they sell special sets in beautiful boxes decorated with a bunch of chili peppers. Comes with a small wooden spatula. A small bag of paprika costs 200 rubles.

Salami

The most popular sausage variety is Pick. The plant of this company was built in 1769. To this day
salami is made on it according to recipes of the 19th century. Pick is easy to recognize: the packaging is made in the colors of the national flag. If you buy salami on the market, then 630 rubles will have to be paid for 1 kilogram. The price in the store is the same, but if you look, you can buy a kilogram of salami and rubles for 500.

Alcohol

In addition to gastronomic delights, pay attention to drinks such as Palinka fruit vodka, Tokai Asu wine, whose history dates back to the 16th century, and Unicum healing balm, prepared in oak barrels from forty herbs.

Wine "Tokay asu" is made according to a recipe that is kept in the strictest confidence. Add to drink grape juice, and each batch is assigned a number - puttioni. The higher this figure, the more expensive and sweeter the drink will be. So, "Tokay asu" for 3 puttons can cost 13 euros per bottle. The cost of wine for 5-6 puttones, of course, will be somewhat higher, but true connoisseurs recommend buying it. Balsam "Unicum" can be consumed separately as an aperitif or added to tea and coffee. The cost of a drink starts from 9 euros.

Porcelain and ceramics

Hungarian porcelain has long been ordered for the English royal family. The most famous patterns on the dishes are "Victoria" and "Rothschild". A wide range of porcelain products can be found in antique shops located on Falk Mix Street. Prices here are more humane than in branded stores.

Not less popular among tourists are ceramic dishes and figurines, which in their beauty are not inferior to porcelain. Such souvenirs are also interesting because almost all of them have small hidden places. If you believe the legend, then a wish written on a piece of paper and hidden in such a “hiding place” will surely come true.

Textile

Bring your relatives hand-embroidered napkins, tablecloths or towels. You will notice them by their bright colors, ornaments and patterns. Please note that some tablecloths have pockets made in the form of cups. They contain napkins.

What souvenirs to take as a keepsake

Rubik's Cube

Sculptor Erne Rubik invented the puzzle in 1974. Since then, the cube has successfully conquered most developed countries. The cost of the puzzle: 100 rubles.

T-shirt signed by Puskas

Hungarians idolize the world football star Ferenc Puskas. He played in the "Golden Team". The local stadium is even named after him. Real football fans will appreciate the paraphernalia with his autograph or portrait.

A couple of moments

It is better to buy trinkets at the central city market. It's cheaper and the building is beautiful. The market is open every day except Sunday: on Monday, outlets are open from 06:00 to 17:00, from Tuesday to Friday - until 18:00, and on Saturday - until lunch (14:00).

On Vaci Street, you will find numerous kiosks and shops selling small things: magnets, key rings, dolls in national costumes, jugs, leather wallets and bags. Prices here are lower than in Duty Free. An adequate magnet can be found for 2 euros. If you want to buy old trinkets or antiques, then head to the Bolhapiac Petofi Csarnok flea market.

What clothes to buy while traveling

At times Soviet Union Hungary was the main supplier of clothing and footwear. Things differed in quality and reasonable prices. Cotton men's shirts, children's knitwear, bathrobes, Tisza Cipő tracksuits and shoes, as well as hand-made products made from tapestry fabrics are now worth buying.

Clothing prices here are practically the same as those offered by other European shopping centers. They fluctuate in a wide range, and you can find both very expensive and fairly cheap products. good quality. If you want to buy a dress by a famous designer, you should go to Andrássy Avenue, where there are boutiques of the most famous and expensive brands. But on Vaci Street there are shops where you can buy clothes at quite reasonable prices.

You need to go shopping in shopping malls. Not far from the Western railway station is the West End. More than 400 establishments operate here, which represent popular mass brands and Hungarian trade marks. Polus Center is the oldest shopping complex in the city. This is the only center that operates around the clock.

It is best to go shopping in the summer or during the Christmas holidays. There are sales going on at this time. Discounts reach 50%.

• All large and branded stores accept bank cards. Cash is useful for going to the market or small souvenir shops.
• Supermarkets are open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturday. Sunday is a day off. Shopping centers, as a rule, work longer - until 20:00 or until 22:00. There are few 24-hour establishments, but they do exist. Both in the center and on the outskirts. Find their addresses in advance so as not to waste time searching.
• Bargaining is not accepted here. The only place where tourists occasionally get a discount is trade and souvenir shops in the market.
• If you are looking for branded items, then you have a direct road to stores marked "butik" or "ruha bolt". Behind shoes - in "cipo bolt".

Every traveler in Hungary thinks about what to bring from Budapest as a gift to friends and family? What souvenirs will be affordable and will become a sign of care and attention? The streets of the old city are filled with various "knick-knacks", goodies and original presents. The main thing is to enjoy shopping and enjoy the amazing local flavor.

Andrey Pshenichny / flickr.com

With the development of the tourism industry, the role of souvenir and gift products is growing. The Hungarian capital offers a lot of products that you should definitely bring home, try or examine in detail with your family. These are antiques, delicious food, handicrafts, national drinks. Souvenir shops and large supermarkets are ready to please the guests of the city with their "treasures".

The best places for shopping

Those who are thinking about what to bring from need to know where the most inexpensive outlets with a wide range of national gifts are located. long time You don't need to look for souvenir shops. It is better to go straight to the central market of the city of Nagyvásárcsarnok, where they sell the best products at affordable prices:

• traditional costumes;
• embroidery;
• hungarian dolls;
• textile;
• alcoholic drinks;
• porcelain;
• ceramics.

Christine und Hagen Graf / flickr.com

This amazing place has a lively atmosphere and is definitely worth haggling. Many antique shops and galleries are located on Max Falk Street. Printed fabrics, figurines, wooden dolls, cutlery are brought from there. Worthy things are presented in large supermarkets of the country:

1. arena plaza.
2. mammut.
3. Allee.
4. Premier Outlet Center.
5. M.O.M Park.
6. West End City Center.
7. Polus Center.
8. Campona.

Rich souvenir departments and boutiques with popular European brands in these shopping centers are adjacent to cozy cafes and restaurants where you can relax, aquariums and cinemas, ice arenas and bowling centers. The sales season in Hungary is August-September and December-January. Specialized points of sale of the best Hungarian wines are open on Vaci Street, there are large bookstores, luxury boutiques.

For lovers of delicious food

The Hungarian capital has its own delicious symbols. These include:

• raw smoked sausages;
• marzipans;
• Magyar paprika;
• foie gras.

Warm memories of the Hungarian Pick brand salami have been kept since the Soviet times. The famous factory produces dried, smoked, semi-smoked varieties of sausages, seasoned with fragrant natural supplements, garlic and hot paprika.

mararie/flickr.com

The respect and love of foreigners also won meat products from Herz, especially the Téliszalami (Winter Salami) sausage covered with a white layer of mold. It's not only hearty breakfast and a snack, but also a real decoration of any holiday table.

Paprika is an indispensable element of national Hungarian cuisine. It will certainly take its rightful place among the souvenirs brought from Budapest. The spice is sold in beautiful gift boxes, canvas bags decorated with chili peppers or other spices. The decoration of the kitchen will be ceramic pots or glass jars with fragrant seasoning Some of them are painted by hand.

A tasty and sweet gift option is Hungarian marzipan sweets. Products are highly valued chocolate factory ChocoMe, which also makes sweets with pepper, spices, rose petals. Almond confectionery is usually brought in for New Year, Christmas or Easter. As well as marzipan sweets packed in beautiful boxes. The most delicious and inexpensive ones are sold in the Szamos confectionery.

Dimitris Kamaras / flickr.com

An expensive and elite gift from the Hungarian capital will certainly be a jar of the famous foie gras liver paste. This is a local gastronomic pride and national wealth. The Hungarians are still arguing with the French and claim that it was they who came up with this delicious product.

The famous liver pate is canned and sold in supermarkets and markets. It is easy to transport over long distances and even store at home until the right occasion.

The best Hungarian spirits

The Hungarian capital also boasts unique brands of strong drinks. Souvenirs from Budapest are complemented with a bottle:

1. Palinka fruit brandy.
2. Tokay white wine "Tokay Asu".
3. Liquor Hubertus or Mecseki.
4. Healing balm Unicum.

Top Budapest / flickr.com

The history of winemaking in Hungary goes back centuries. Local craftsmen have accumulated vast experience in the production of alcohol. It is not a shame to bring such a present to friends and business partners, to surprise guests and loved ones at any festive feast.

A state secret is the recipe for the Unicum herbal balm. It contains more than 40 medicinal herbs that strengthen immune forces, heal cardiovascular system, improve digestion.

Fruit Palinka is made with the addition of organic local berries and fruits - quince, apples, pears, mulberries, cherries, plums, grapes and even hazelnuts. The best-selling apricot Palinka from Kecskemét is considered. This and other branded drinks listed above are consumed as an aperitif or added to tea or coffee.

Luxurious Hungarian porcelain and ceramics - symbols of aristocracy and luxury

Edible gifts are short-lived and to complement them, they are worth those products that are stored for years and even decades. This is the famous Hungarian porcelain and ceramic products. Cutlery from Herend and Zsolnay, as well as sculptures, crystal vases and tableware with fine patterns from Ajka Kristály, are of particular quality and decorativeness. They are sold in all corners of the capital, both large souvenir shops and small antique shops.

Housing Works Thrift Shops / flickr.com

If there are no goals to decorate a living room or kitchen in a royal style, more affordable souvenirs are suitable - ceramic figurines depicting national musicians, noble ladies, children, animals, peasants, dancers. It is easy to find the right option in every souvenir shop. Other folk crafts are also represented there - clay, stone, wood, Leather Products.

Buso folklore masks, clay smoking pipes, wooden flasks trimmed with fur and leather are in great demand among tourists. Black pottery from Nadudvar looks good as a gift from Europe. Avid collectors of old antiques should visit the Echeri Flea Market. Its counters amaze the imagination and literally beckon to acquire another inexpensive artifact.

Embroidered lace, tablecloths and napkins

National textiles from Budapest will certainly be remembered as a necessary and important gift, especially for the representatives of the weaker half of humanity.

m-louis.® / flickr.com

They love hand embroidery, which they decorate with:

• towels;
• kitchen utensils;
• tunics and skirts;
• belts and vests;
• blouses and dresses.

The main motif of national embroidery is the famous little peppers. Male tourists like felt hats with wide brim, shirts made of natural linen, dolman vests inlaid with stones and trimmed with embroidery and gilded buttons.

Children's gifts and souvenirs

In addition to delicious gastronomic and confectionery products, famous dolls are brought from Hungary for children. And adults will also be happy with an unusual and bright toy that will decorate the interior. Traditional dolls are made by experienced craftsmen from fabric, wood, porcelain.

PIX COLLECTOR / flickr.com

Usually they are dressed in national costumes with embroidery and are intended more for home decoration than for games. Cute children's gifts are offered by Marbushka, Eperfa and Kattuska. Their assortment includes the famous Rubik's Cube, as well as board games, cute dolls and wooden play sets for boys.

Little football fans will certainly appreciate such a gift as a T-shirt with a portrait or autograph of Ferenc Puskas. This star is idolized not only by Hungarians, but also by fans around the world. And if you are lucky enough to buy a ball with the signature of an idol, then there will be no limit to the delight of the child.

Books by Hungarian authors - great choice for older students and teenagers. Many of them have been translated into Russian, for example, "The Boys from Pala Street" by the writer F. Molnar, more serious stories by P. Esterhazy, T. Deri, P. Nadash, I. Kertes.

Video: shopping in Budapest.

Presents for beloved women

Fashionable shoes, accessories and clothes, jewelry and high-quality cosmetics are always long-awaited gifts for ladies. different ages. They were brought to large shopping centers in a wide range. Boutiques of such European brands as Bulgari work there, legendary Bretling and Breget watches are sold.

Women who love to take care of themselves should definitely have the Hungarian cosmetic products Pandhy's, Helia D and Omorovicza. Elite tonics, tonal foundations, creams, sunscreens do not contain any chemical additives, but only healing oils, minerals and vitamins.

Gifts and souvenirs from Budapest are a pleasant surprise for friends, relatives and loved ones. Walking along the streets of the European capital, the main thing is to buy something for yourself, so that even the smallest thing reminds you of the trip and evokes warm memories and pleasant emotions.

Ask any of your acquaintances about what Hungary is famous for. Most likely, they will answer you that with wines and paprika. This is a true opinion, but still, each of us wants to buy the most original and unusual souvenirs while traveling. What do tourists bring from Hungary and what local products are the real symbol of this state?

Porcelain and ceramics

In Hungary, there are two large factories at once, manufacturing porcelain, ceramics and glass. These are Herend and Zsolnay. Many products of these brands, as before, are hand-painted. If you are still thinking about what to bring from Hungary as a gift to a lover of original and beautiful dishes, choose national porcelain or crystal. Among the assortment of both factories, one can find both traditional products (jugs in the form of girls in national clothes, shepherds and flower-painted services), as well as modern stylish table setting sets. The most Hungarian souvenir is deservedly considered miskakancs - a vessel in the form of a brave hussar. In porcelain souvenir shops you can find very beautiful dolls.

In addition to branded porcelain? Pay attention to traditional black ceramics. Another "trick" of local craftsmen is jugs and other utensils with secrets. Any vase can have a small built-in casket, disguised from prying eyes, to contain love letters.

Embroidery and lace

Hungarian textiles will delight lovers home comfort and original handmade clothes. Local craftswomen embroider wonderful tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases for decorative pillows and whole bedspreads. Fashionistas who respect ethnic style will be interested in shirts, blouses and other wardrobe items with national embroidery. The most popular are floral motifs that turn any product into a fragrant meadow. Today only 27 colors are used in embroidery. The most popular types of this fabric decoration are called matyo and kalochai.

Be careful when choosing gifts for women, each shade has its own mystical meaning. What can be brought from Hungary to a young girl? Choose embroidery in happy colors: pink, red, orange - they are associated with youth. For mature women, it is better to purchase products designed in a calmer and darker range: blue, green, purple. Folk laces look no less impressive, airy and openwork, they surprise with color transitions and a pleasant combination of different shades.

Leather products for every taste and budget

What to bring from Hungary as a souvenir? If you don't like porcelain and textiles, take a look at handmade leather goods. They are sold in any souvenir shop and street markets. Hungarian craftsmen make everything from genuine leather: from bracelets and small accessories to jackets and shoes. If you wish, you can also find a real exclusive: leather products with national embroidery or painting with resistant paints. If you prefer a classic style - feel free to purchase factory-made accessories. These are quite modern, “most ordinary” wallets, bags, belts. They differ only in high quality workmanship and extraordinary softness.

Toys for children and adults

Did you know that the famous Rubik's Cube was invented by the Hungarian Erno Rubik? So why not bring this particular puzzle from Hungary? It is believed that only a very smart and quick-witted person can assemble a toy. Test yourself and surprise your loved ones with a useful and entertaining gift!

What do tourists bring from Hungary as a gift to their children? Dolls in national clothes are popular. These are both inexpensive figurines intended for the game, and real works of art - souvenir figurines. Parents of boys should look for Trabant miniature cars. Such a gift may be of interest to adult collectors. For children, they make a variety of painted in the spirit of national color. Hungary even has its own analogue of the Russian matryoshka. This doll differs from its Russian "sister" in decorative painting and altered facial features.

The most popular souvenirs

One of the most popular types of tourist souvenirs is folk costumes and their individual elements. Only a person who is very much in love with this country can wish to have a complete Hungarian national outfit in his wardrobe. But why not buy some individual elements of the costume as a gift or for yourself? Women's jewelry, belts and stylization of ordinary clothes with folk lace and embroidery - all this looks appropriate with a variety of clothes. Souvenirs in a provincial style look unusual and interesting. Wicker baskets, a shepherd's whip, a bogr bowler hat or horn items - such gifts will surprise anyone!

paprika and other spices

The most popular from Hungary is paprika. This spice can be found in local markets in any form: ground spices, dried pods, and even pickled. The cheapest option is factory-made powder, packed in sealed bags. From street vendors, you can buy your own hand-picked paprika, according to many tourists, it is much tastier and more fragrant. Be sure to sample a few varieties. Don't be afraid to miscalculate, any local is a true paprika expert. Merchants will be happy to name you the hottest and sweetest varieties.

What do people who can't cook bring back from Hungary? Of course, cookbooks with national recipes. In tourist shops you can find publications in various languages, including Russian. The Hungarian city of Mako is considered the state capital of the onion. Various varieties of this vegetable are grown here, as an addition to the main gifts, you can bring an onion for friends.

Alcoholic drinks

The favorable conditions of the Hungarian climate make it possible to grow grapes on an industrial scale. Today, there are 22 wine-growing regions on the territory of this relatively small country. Each region pleases with its own palette of tastes and shades. What wine to bring from Hungary to Russia? The most famous drink is Tokay, produced in the area of ​​​​Tokay-Hegyalya. These wines are made from white grape varieties, insisting on noble mold (they use grapes that have begun their transformation into raisins). Red lovers will definitely like Egri Bikaver, the drink is produced according to old recipes in the city of Eger.

What souvenirs to bring from Hungary to lovers of Russian cuisine? Vodka "Palenka" is a strong alcoholic drink which will certainly please our compatriots. The uniqueness of this alcohol lies in the combination of high degree and various fruit flavors. Vodka is insisted on various berries and fruits. The most popular flavors are grape, plum, cherry, pear. For tourists, Palenque is sold in beautiful souvenir bottles. Liqueurs and medicinal herbal tinctures are also considered specialty drinks in Hungary.

What to bring from Hungary: souvenirs, unusual gifts that you can eat

One of the Hungarian-made products that definitely deserves your attention is salami sausage. The Pik factory is considered the best producer, and Téliszalámi (“winter salami”) is recognized as its signature sausage variety. Those who categorically do not like the variety of sausages mentioned above should try meat products from Gyula. These sausages are no less refined and do not look like salami at all.

Delicious and very unusual snack- palpustai cheese. It has a strong salty-spicy taste. Be sure to try it during your stay in Hungary. If you like this appetizer, buy a few pieces as souvenirs. But be careful: the product smells too strong and needs extra packaging.

Those with a sweet tooth will definitely like sweet figurines made according to old recipes. An excellent tourist souvenir - mzeskalcs, is a gingerbread in the shape of a heart, symbolizing the kindest thoughts and wishes. Another tasty Hungarian brand is pickles and pickled snacks. special attention deserves a shawanushag, it's a pickled appetizer from different varieties pepper.

Where to buy souvenirs at the best prices?

Souvenir shops are available in the center of any tourist city in Hungary. As in any other country, the prices in popular stores designed for visitors are somewhat overpriced. If you have enough free time and want to save on buying gifts, head to Szentendre. This is a small town, which can be reached from Budapest in just 30 minutes. Since time immemorial, artists and masters of applied crafts have settled here. The town will please not only with a cozy provincial atmosphere, but also with a variety of products of local craftsmen. Here you can buy any national souvenirs. You know what to bring from Hungary thanks to our article, so why not buy everything in one place at competitive prices?

Do you know what “hungarikum” is? This word denotes everything truly Hungarian, national, genuine. What to bring from Hungary is a must. In another country, this is not found at all, or found, but not in such an assortment. Hearing the word "hungarikum", the Hungarian seller will imbue you with respect and advise what is best to buy. And then we will briefly introduce the reader what souvenirs can be brought from Hungary.

You will find everything you need in the shops and markets of the capital. But if you are relaxing in Heviz or on Lake Balaton, then you can buy the thing you like there too - prices in Budapest are unlikely to be lower. For example, a plastic doll in a traditional costume in Heviz costs 3-5 thousand forints, in souvenir shops in Budapest - from 3.5 thousand.

In the markets, which are called Piac in Hungarian, the products are not cheaper than in regular stores. In Nagyvásárcsarnok, the main Budapest market, everything is designed for tourists and is more expensive than others, but when you only have a couple of hours to buy souvenirs, you can quickly choose what you need here.

What to bring from Hungary as a gift: national souvenirs

There is such a strange souvenir in Hungary, which, according to legend, brings well-being - a figurine of a shaggy Hungarian pig - mangalica. Farmers of the country breed mangalits, their meat is not as fatty as that of an ordinary pig. Animal images of steel popular souvenir like elephants in Asian countries.

Valuable things - Kolochay embroidery, self-woven canvases from Sharkez can be found in expensive stores. Real hand-embroidered napkins, tablecloths, national costumes, cotton clothes are not cheap. What is offered on the street is often made in China.

Many people bring the creator of the Rubik's cube intellectual toy from their homeland.

Good quality products made of genuine leather - wallets, cases for mobile phones and glasses, belts, bags. An excellent souvenir with a national character - ceramic dishes, clay figurines.

Products from Hungary - 5 traditional "goodies"

Paprika

In the first place of the ranking - paprika - Hungarian dried pepper sweet and sharp varieties. You can buy it everywhere - from street stalls near attractions to duty-free departments at the airport. In stores, the product is cheaper and fresher, in souvenir shops it is beautifully packaged.

If you are not afraid to crush the pods in your luggage, then you can also buy spectacular “necklaces” of red peppers, they are usually freshly harvested. The best varieties of paprika are Kalochayskaya (kalocsa) and Szegedskaya (szegedi). Hot peppers called edes paprika.

For long-term storage, it is better to buy not a powder, but a paste in jars - a very high-quality product that does not run out of steam, unlike dried peppers. Goulash with Erős Pista seasoning is especially tasty.

Marzipans

Delicious treat from Hungary "for everyone" - marzipan figurines. You can buy marzipan in the museums of marzipan in Budapest, Santendre or in a regular store. If you are preparing a gift from Hungary for children, then in addition to edible cartoon characters, animals, medals, you can purchase a mixture for such marzipan plasticine from almonds, sugar and flour to sculpt marzipan toys. You can find it in regular supermarkets.

Hungarian wines

Wine of Hungarian production is sold in any city in Russia. But such a variety of Tokay whites, reds, sparkling wines– only in the home country of the product – in Hungary. Wines are cheaper in big grocery stores. If you are traveling without luggage (with hand luggage), then you can buy the most popular brands of Hungarian wines in the duty free of the Budapest airport.

Palinka and balm "Unicum"

Figured bottles from 100 grams to a liter or more with fruit vodka flaunt in all showcases of souvenir shops. Plum, grape, cherry, pear palinka - national product, which is prepared at home and in factories. Palinka - strong drink, and not to everyone's taste, but many will be happy with such a souvenir. According to tradition, apricot palinka is considered the best. On such a bottle, apricots are drawn and it is written - “Kecskeméti barack pálinka”.

At least 40 degrees of strength and the Unicum balm, which is infused with 40 herbs and is considered a healing drink. They sell it everywhere, but it is better to buy it in supermarkets or pharmacies.

Salami and other products

Meat-eaters in Hungary are a real paradise - hundreds of types of natural sausages, sausages, hams can be tasted endlessly. The most famous salami is "Pick", which is prepared according to recipes of the century before last in Szeged. Sausage wrapped in the colors of the Hungarian flag.

Clothes and shoes in Hungary stores

In Budapest, large shopping centers differ little in assortment from shops in other European countries. Same brands, same prices.

What to bring from Hungary from branded clothes or shoes? Go to where the goods are genuine, and discounts reach 70%.

Retro-style lovers will certainly bring leather sneakers and sneakers from Tisza Cipő from Budapest. Vintage shoes in the style of the 70s, as well as T-shirts from the same company, are all sold in several stores in Budapest, for example, near the Astoria metro station at Károly körút 1.

Hungarian cosmetics and health products

Hungary has slightly lost its former glory of the European capital of perfumes, unable to withstand the pressure of international perfume corporations, but you can find interesting perfumes of local and licensed brands.

Hungarian cosmetics of some companies are brought home by tourists from all over the world:

• Helia-D and PANDHY'S (based on natural oils, salts and therapeutic mud);
• Caomilla, Gaby (children's series);
• Kallos (skin and hair care products).

Like olive soap in Greece, so lavender soap - in Hungary you can safely buy as a gift, the naturalness of lavender is the “trick” of this cosmetic product.

The medicinal mud of Lake Heviz is also sold in packages; it is used for various cosmetic and health purposes. There are options for dry composition, which is lighter and more convenient to transport than paste.

Solid purchases: what you can bring from Hungary

Hungarian Herend porcelain was bought by the English royal family, it is also collected by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Porcelain is produced by hand: they not only draw patterns, but also make a form not on a conveyor.

The price of high-end porcelain makes visitors to branded stores walk around the windows more often, like in a museum, than to buy. For example, the price of one porcelain bunny, which Schwarzenegger brings for the collection, is about 600 euros. You can navigate the cost of elegant unique gizmos at.

In Budapest, Herend porcelain shop is located at Kossuth Lajos utca 135, Kispest metro stop. In Hévíz, the company store is located at: Rákóczi utca 13.

In the shops of the Hungarian capital they sell very original things, and at much lower prices than in neighboring European countries. We will start with the most general recommendations, look for exact tips below. So, for high-quality clothes and shoes, you should go to boutiques on Andrássy Avenue, you should look for locally produced goods in small outlets on st. Vaci, for souvenirs, tourists usually come to the Central Market, and for antiques and other exclusives - to Eskeri Piak.

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Clothing and textiles

Items created according to national motives are very popular among foreigners. Of course, it is unlikely that a tourist, returning from Budapest, will walk around in an embroidered surcoat, a fragrant sheepskin coat or a felt hat - elements of the traditional Hungarian costume, but a cute vest, shirt or blouse with wide sleeves made of natural fabric with a fancy ornament will easily complement the wardrobe . In the summer, a colored sun skirt will look very cool on girls - an invariable component of a women's folk costume.

You should also pay attention to home textiles: bedspreads, tablecloths, napkins and towels embroidered with a characteristic eye-catching floral pattern. In stores, the price range is very wide - for a quality item made of good material, they will ask for 150-200 EUR, and an inexpensive Hungarian-style shirt will cost 20-40 EUR (there are also very simple products for 8-9 EUR).

Alcohol

Each European country (except, perhaps, Monaco - and that's not a fact) has unique brands of alcoholic beverages, which are produced only here according to old recipes passed down from generation to generation according to a terrible secret. In Hungary, this is the famous Tokay wine, appreciated by lucky outbound tourists back in the days of the Soviet Union, Unicum balm and Palinka brandy. The less popular liqueurs Mecseki and Hubertus are also worth trying.

Bought in Budapest "Tokaj" (even the most inexpensive, costing a few euros) is guaranteed to be delicious. It is not a shame to present such a gift to friends or colleagues. But it must be taken into account that this sweet variety Wine not for everyone. If you prefer strong "Palinka", then it is better to take varieties of the drink made on the basis of apricots or prunes - they are considered the most delicious.

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Food

Hungarian cuisine can hardly be called too refined and sophisticated. Some gourmets may even find it too simple, too high in calories - and even rough. But everyone else will like rich goulash and paprikash with the same paprika - the main spice on the table of the Magyars. This seasoning can be bought almost everywhere in Hungary: in a store, in a small souvenir shop, and in a supermarket. For tourists, they make special sets in beautiful packaging (bags or jars) of hot and sweet varieties, where they put wooden spoons. And if the wrapper is not so important, excellent quality paprika can be bought in the grocery section of any supermarket for a penny.

Pick brand sausage is another popular Hungarian brand that has won the love of foreigners. This delicacy will decorate any festive table - but, we warn you, not for long!

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Hungarian marzipan desserts and the Dobos striped biscuit-chocolate-caramel cake. Speaking of marzipans: this pastry with one of the simplest, at first glance, recipes: crushed sweet almond kernels, crushed bitter almond kernels, sugar syrup or powder. All. But the devil, as usual, lies in the details, or rather, in exact proportions. Hungarian confectioners have found a recipe that is close to ideal, and their marzipans turn out to be devilishly delicious. Be sure to bring it. The right way buy marzipans the best variety at a good price - graze a little in the confectionery department of the supermarket and peep what exactly the locals take.

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Porcelain

Hungarian porcelain, which is made at the Herend and Zsolnay factories, has been decorating cupboards and tables at Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace in England for decades. In Budapest, there are several branded stores selling fine tableware with fine workmanship patterns. There are quite a few such sets, frankly speaking, more affordable prices should be sought in small antique shops.

If your plans do not include decorating the kitchen and living room in the royal style, as well as spending hundreds of euros on purchases, then you can limit yourself to porcelain figurines of children, animals, peasants in national dress, noble ladies, ballerinas and musicians. They are in every gift shop.

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Other souvenirs

And if you want something special, handmade-ethnic, then a shepherd's whistle, a whip or a bowl for cooking goulash will become very original purchases. By the way, in some retail outlets, sellers of the old generation speak a little Russian - a pleasant surprise, given that Hungary has long said goodbye to the socialist past.

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