In fact, I should do another post about all the world markets we have visited in addition to the Turkish pazarphotos that I regularly share.
Last weekend, while my husband worked in Budapest, I explored the city and re-visited the 117-year-old Great Market Hall (K�zponti V�s�rcsarnok). This three-storied market, located on Fov�m T�r in the 9th district, is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. The brick building was designed and built by Hungarian architect Samu Pecz around 1896.
Many of the stalls were filled with spring produce such as asparagus in white and green colors, strawberries, green and red onions, rhubarb, greenhouse tomatoes and bright red cherries. I also found bags of spicy and sweet paprika, jars of local honey, tins of goose liver, barrels of pickles, bottles of Palinka (Hungarian fire water or fruit-flavored brandy) and lots of links of Hungarian sausage. (I certainly have moved to a pork-centric part of the world!)
I weaved in and out of the bustling afternoon crowds, taking photos as I went along. I tried to stop by one of the l�ngosstands (a deep-fried flat bread made of potato-based dough) for a late lunch, but the crowds were too pushy at 1:30 p.m. At least, I enjoyed one of these Hungarian specialties in February when we first visited Budapest. If you go, go early!
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| Here's the Hungarian l�ngos I ate back in February. Delicious! |
Last time, I stocked up on bags of morel and oyster mushrooms (so cheap), both versions of ground paprika, a jar of chestnut honey, as well as Pick (brand) csipos (spicy) sausage and jars of Eros Piszta - a super spicy paprika spread, which goes great in soups.
If you are a local Hungarian, the market is also THE place where you would buy freshly baked breads, local cheeses, cured meats, chicken, fish, beef and pork.
But as a tourist at the Great Market Hall, I recommend simply savoring all the sights, smells and sounds. And just remember, drinking is allowed as early as 10 a.m. here as I saw many people doing last time.
J� �tv�gyat! (Bon app�tit in Hungarian)
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| Last but not least, you gotta have a photo of the pork butcher! |