Called Chimney Cake or ‘Kürtőskalács’ in Hungarian, you’ll find this culinary specialty on every street corner in central Budapest. What are the best places to try it? Which one to choose? What pitfalls to avoid?
We’ll answer all your questions so you can make the most of discovering Budapest Chimney Cake, this delicious Hungarian cake!
The origins of Chimney Cake
The Chimney Cake has its roots in the Transylvanian region, now located in Romania, but historically linked to Hungary. Appearing as early as the 12th century, this cake was originally prepared for celebrations and special occasions.
The Hungarian name ‘Kürtőskalács‘ comes from the shape of the cake, which resembles a chimney. The baking method is equally distinctive: the dough is wrapped around a wooden cylinder, then roasted over embers or in a special oven. It is precisely this technique that gives it its characteristic texture, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The recipe for this delicious cake:
The traditional Chimney Cake recipe is simple, but making it requires precise know-how. Here are the key steps:
The dough is made from flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs and yeast. It is kneaded to a smooth, elastic consistency. The dough is then rolled out into thin strips, which are wrapped around a wooden or metal cylinder. This cylinder gives the cake its characteristic shape.
The pastry-covered cylinder is roasted over coals or in a special oven. During baking, the cake is regularly brushed with butter to ensure even browning. This technique gives them a crisp, caramelized texture.
The result is a dessert that’s golden and crisp on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside. Its hollow shape and light texture make it a unique delicacy.
The various Chimney Cake fillings:
Once baked, Chimney Cake is rolled in sugar and you can choose from the many fillings.
For a first experience, try a simple traditional filling: cinnamon, vanilla and walnuts are the classics to start with.
You’ll also find:
Chocolate Chimney Cake: covered with melted chocolate or chocolate chips, this version is a treat for cocoa lovers.
Iced Chimney Cake: a cake is filled with a scoop of ice cream, creating a contrast between hot and cold.
There are also savory versions of Chimney Cake: we didn’t like this one, which strays too far from the original concept.
Where to enjoy the best Chimney Cakes in Budapest?
Budapest is full of places to enjoy authentic ‘Kürtőskalács‘. They can be found both at Christmas markets and in specialist stores open all year round.
Here’s our 2025 selection of the best addresses for Chimney cakes in Budapest:
Molnár’s Kürtőskalács:
This historic store on Váci pedestrian street, open since 1922, is famous for its Chimney Cake. We recommend it!
Address: Váci u.31, 5th district, Pest – map – website.
Open daily from 09:00 to 20:00.
Pichler Budapest – Chimney Cake & Gelato
Pichler has 2 city-center stores specializing in Chimney cake and ice cream, with uncompromisingly high-quality preparations. Their 2 addresses are:
– Pichler Astoria: Kossuth Lajos u. 4, 5th district, Pest – map – website.
Open from 10:00 to 22:00 daily.
– Pichler Váci: Váci utca 46, 5th district, Pest – map – website.
Open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Katónéni Finomságai Downtown
Aunt Kató welcomes you with her traditional recipes and rich flavors!
Address: Katónéni, Október u.6, 5th district, Pest – map – website.
Open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Édes Mackó
Located opposite the Széchényi baths and 200 m from Budapest Zoo, this store offers delicious Chimney cake!
Address: Édes Mackó, 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 14-16 (Pest) – map – website.
Open daily from 09:30 to 18:00.
You’ll also find plenty of stalls at Budapest’s Christmas markets, though these will be more expensive than the city’s stores.
In 2025, a Chimney cake in Budapest will cost you between 2.5 and 8 euros (depending on size and filling).
Tips for enjoying Chimney Cakes in Budapest and avoiding unpleasant surprises:
- Our extensive consumption of Chimney Cake has taught us a reflex to adopt before ordering it. If you can’t see the Chimney Cake dough being baked around a wooden cylinder over embers in your chosen establishment (stalls, bakeries, cafés…), choose another establishment.
Unfortunately, some stalls don’t bake the cake on the spot, but instead heat it up, which makes the Chimney Cake much less tasty. - Chimney cakes are best eaten freshly baked and still warm.
- For your first tasting, simply try a traditional filling: cinnamon, vanilla and walnuts are the classic starters.
Share it! Chimney Cakes are often generous in size, so don’t hesitate to share it with your fellow travelers.
Budapest chimney cake is an inexpensive Hungarian specialty, a comforting sweet and a must-try treat for visitors to Budapest. After biting into a freshly baked kürtőskalács, you’ll be surprised and want to bite again and again!
OUR TIP: ‘Kürtőskalács / Chimney cake’ cooking workshop (45mn)
Prepare, bake and try your own ‘kürtőskalács’ cakes in this unique workshop in the heart of Budapest. Discover the history and tradition of Hungary’s most popular dessert (workshop in English and Hungarian language only):
Information about this ‘kürtőskalács’ cooking workshop – click here
