A visit to Hungary isn’t complete without trying chimney cake (literally translated as “kurtoskalacs” in Hungarian), and there’s no better place to get chimney cake than in Budapest.
This sweet treat caught my attention when researching the most popular dishes and desserts in Hungary. Given my sweet tooth, especially for pastries, it was something I knew I needed to try at least once. Plus, they’re just irresistible!
However, it was more of a struggle to find chimney cake in Budapest than I thought. Looking back, I wish I had done more research on where to find the best chimney cakes before visiting Budapest. I had to do a good bit of Googling while wandering around.
With that said, continue reading to discover where you can find the best chimney cakes in Budapest.
What Is Chimney Cake?
It’s nice to know what you’re eating before you indulge in it, especially when it comes to slightly obscure international food like chimney cake.
Chimney cake is a traditional Hungarian dessert, made by cooking sweet yeast dough over an open fire, wrapping it around a spit to make it a cylinder, and coating it with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
Where to Get Chimney Cake in Budapest
Since chimney cake is a traditional street food, you won’t find this dessert at most restaurants in Budapest. Rather, they can be found at markets, dedicated chimney cake shops, street vendors, or stores that sell them pre-made.
Some of the more well-known places to find chimney cake in Budapest include:
- Sweet Hungary Chimney Cake
- Molnar’s Kurtoskalacs
- Gelateria Pichler Fagyizo
Many chimney cake stands and vendors in Budapest can be found by Tram 4 and Tram 6 stops. Look for “Fitzkey Chimney Cake” signs next to tram stops and streets such as:
- Oktagon
- Boraros Ter
- Jasai Marie Ter
I found a solid chimney cake stand within Varosliget, which is one of my favorite non-touristy attractions in Budapest.
There are commonly vendors selling chimney cakes around some of the more touristy areas in the Castle District and within Szent Istvan Square. There’s also a shop that sells them on Castle Hill at Fisherman’s Bastion (this one is hard to miss). The Budapest Zoo is also home to Vitez Kurtos, a chimney cake shop.
Best Chimney Cake in Budapest
There’s no point in going out of your way to eat chimney cake only for it to be underwhelming. Stale chimney cakes can leave a bad taste in your mouth (literally), while fresh chimney cakes are unbeatable.
Below are some of the best chimney cake places in Budapest and where to find them:
Fitzkey Kurtoskalacs
Chimney cake shops labeled “Fitzkey” are dotted throughout Budapest, often around busy intersections and near metro and tram stops.
Chimney cakes are made fresh, right in front of you at Fitzkey stands. Often, the best chimney cake in Budapest can be found at these small street vendor stands, because they’re made fresh right in front of you. However, if you come across them, target the ones labeled “Fitzkey.” They even make vegan chimney cakes!
Molnar’s Kurtoskalacs
Molnar’s Kurtoskalacs is a more upscale chimney cake shop in the heart of the central business district (District V) on Vaci Street, just east of Erszebet Bridge.
The menu features an abundance of flavored chimney cakes, from vanilla to cinnamon to chocolate to almond. You can also pair them with ice cream and a cup of fresh coffee. Molnar’s is a bit more expensive than the average basic chimney cake vendor, but they’re reliably good.
- Instagram: @molnarskurtoskalacs
- Address: 1052 Budapest, Váci str. 31.
- Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm
Gelateria Pichler Fagyizo
Gelateria Pichler Fagyizo is another well-known place to get chimney cake in Budapest. They specialize in offering a plethora of unique flavors, such as hot fruit, coconut, and pistachio chimney cakes. Gelateria Pichler Fagyizo is conveniently located in the center of the city, just near the Ferenciek Ter stop on the M1, three blocks east of Erszebet Bridge and the Danube River.
- Instagram: @gelatariapichler
- Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos u. 4, 1053 Hungary
- Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Kató Néni Finomságai
OK, admittedly, I’d never heard of this place or tried its chimney cakes myself. However, a Budapest local acknowledged this as one of the best places to get chimney cake in Budapest, so I feel inclined to include it on this list! They have a viral Dubai Chocolate Chimney Cake that looks like an absolute delight. You can also get a fresh cup of coffee to go with it!
The owner, a woman named Kato, routinely attends festivals and events with a chimney cake food truck. Her two brick and mortar locations, however, can be found next to St. Stephen’s Basilica and next to Szechenyi Bath within Varosliget (City Park). She has a wide range of options in these two shops, including the ability to stuff your cake with ice cream!
If you’re visiting Budapest with kids, Kato’s chimney cake workshop is a perfect family-friendly activity. You and the kids can learn how to make these tasty treats with Grandma Kato’s daughter!
Related: What to Do in Budapest With Kids
- Instagram: @katonenifinomsagai
- Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 6, 1051 Hungary
- Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Vitéz Kürtős (Sekler Cake)
This chimney cake shop in Budapest Zoo is known for doing an “old-school” version of the cakes. Meaning, they’re extra big, fluffy, and are charcoal-baked, a traditional style.
- Instagram: @vitezkurtos
- Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12, 1146 Hungary (Budapest Zoo)
- Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In-Summary: Finding the Best Chimney Cake in Budapest
As long as your chimney cake is freshly made, it’s hard to go wrong. Avoid packaged chimney cake, because the warm, buttery dough is what makes this dessert so irresistible!
There are plenty of places in Budapest to find taste chimney cake, you just need to know where to look. Rest assured, you won’t need to go too far out of your way to find them.
Hopefully, this guide will help you indulge conveniently!
Budapest Chimney Cake FAQs
How much does a chimney cake cost in Budapest?
On average, chimney cakes in Budapest range from €2.50 to €8, depending on size and toppings.
Where can I find vegan chimney cake in Budapest?
Some chimney cake shops (like Pichler Gelateria) offer vegan kürtőskalács as a base option. Also, certain Fitzkey street‑vendor locations are known to make vegan versions.
Are there hands‑on chimney‑cake cooking workshops in Budapest?
Yes! You can take a 1‑hour workshop, such as at Kato Neni Finomsagai, to bake your own kürtőskalács. It’s a great activity to do with kids, and you can choose your flavor coatings like cinnamon, coconut, or sugar.
Can you get chimney cake at Budapest Christmas markets?
Definitely — kürtőskalács is a staple at the Christmas markets. Prices there are a bit higher (around €4), but it’s a very atmospheric place to try chimney cake.
Is there a place that still bakes chimney cake over charcoal (old‑school style)?
Yes — some traditional chimney cake vendors (especially in more artisan or seasonal stalls) roast kürtőskalács over real charcoal for that authentic flavor.
