Tera Magyar Konyhája

Tera Magyar Konyhája ("Tera's Hungarian Kitchen") is an affordable self-service eatery in Újlipótváros, a chic residential neighborhood near the Parliament building. At lunchtime, a cross section of local residents show up here, including 80+ senior citizens and trendy hipsters. What brings them together are the low price points and the reliable homestyle dishes.

This is the drill: pick up a tray and dishware, get in line, start scanning the ready-made dishes stacked behind the glass so you're ready when it's your turn to order. Then proceed to the cashier; by the time you've paid for your meal, a tray piled with Hungarian classics will be handed to you. Expect to share a table with other customers.

Tera's strongest suit is the fried dishes, both in meats (cutlets, liver) and vegetables (mushrooms, cauliflowers). The desserts, including a notably solid somlói galuska sponge cake soaked in chocolate and whipped cream, are placed in the refrigerator. For the fullest experience and longest lines, go during lunchtime.