Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Frici Papa is a tourist-heavy restaurant in Budapest favored by visitors and locals looking for low-priced Hungarian food and old-school vibes. Prices are truly rock-bottom, even by local standards. The humble two-story interior features cheap wood paneling, tablecloths covered with sticky plastic, and waiters dressed as if parachuted here from the '80s.

The extensive menu comprises Hungarian classics — beef stew with egg dumplings; stuffed cabbage; chicken paprikash — most of which are average at best. Among the better options are the cottage cheese-based túrós csusza noodle dish sprinkled with pork fat, the mákos guba dessert blanketed in poppy seeds, and the Hungarian crepes (palacsinta).

To remain unbiased, I visit all places incognito and pay for my own meals and drinks. If you're enjoying this article, please consider supporting me by making a one-time payment (PayPal, Venmo).