Discovering Hungary, One Bite at a Time | MUNCHIES Guide to Budapest

You can taste the history of Hungary through their modern take on classic dishes, and there’s no better place to do so than its capital. In this MUNCHIES Guide to Budapest, host Jesse Burgess of TopJaw investigates the city’s recent cultural revolution.
Jesse begins his journey at Rustico, a restaurant devoted to bringing traditional dishes from the Hungarian countryside to the city center sustainably. He then visits My Choccy to experience Hungarian dedication and experimentation in chocolate. Finally he ends the night at Szatyor, a reimagined ruin bar reinventing Hungarian cuisine with a gastronomic twist.
Follow along as Jesse discovers the local scene in Budapest, made in partnership with Mercure Hotels. #ad
Discover 50 foodie experiences around the world, curated by Mercure Hotels : mercurebucketlist.com/
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[@SirTucsk]

As a hungarian who lives in Budapest and works in the food and hospitality industry I think the chocolate route was a weird one to take. It's not hungarian at all, or if you really wanted to stick with it you could have visited one of the older factories (Szamos, Szerencsi, Stühmer maybe, Rózsavölgyi - its fairly new but they process the cocoa in house). Instead of chocolate, I would have highlighted bread and baked goods, wine or just the sheer amount of farmers markets we have in the city, they are so lovely to visit. Fermentation is a big part of our culture and many markets have the ladies from Vecsés with their huge barrels of sour cabbage and such. Weird episode. Seems like a lazy touristy one.

[@boris5412]

It's just an ad for a hotel

[@Leon-159]

True. I always ate well in HU. Greeting from PL.

[@Kinlever]

I kind of agree that chocolate is not typical for Budapest or Hungary, but actually I liked the part about this small cake shop, there was a charm in it. Otherwise, Budapest does have quite a reputation in cake business in the region - there could have been a tour showing the most famous cake houses which are unbelievably cheap for what they offer, too. It seems Hungarians are not aware of how good their cakes are. They literary sell langos which is something almost anyone can make for a higher price than exquisite multilayered heavenly cakes that have been made by original artisan recipes passed by generations.

[@noharahhalrecipesi374]

I agree. It's too touristy

[@monat_son]

Yeah, the host took on this episode was weird. Not hating on him tho, seems like a cool guy.

[@Julestube]

Chef "Jort" is actually chef "Zsolt".

[@cindyo6298]

Haha, I was thinking that

[@qwickiegaming8597]

Not much details on culture. This episode is quite shallow in terms of delving into culture and food culture.

[@aznthy]

Yeah, not surprising it's empty and shallow, look at how this episode started, it was him in his hotel drinking coffee and getting ready. That first start shows how involved he is with himself.

[@samw2299]

@@aznthyI don’t think that means he’s extremely “involved” with himself. I love Top Jaw’s videos and they’re all similar to this style. He’s definitely very confident and has a bit of a London suave to him but the content is still palatable (imo)

[@qwickiegaming8597]

@@samw2299 visuals and videography are great, he is handsome so he is already qualified eye Candy, food is top notch and videography is great, just need more detail on the culture/food taste/ food culture/food creation. These improvements alone they’ll get hella views.

[@SanTM]

@@samw2299 Their videos are filmed well but they do spend way more than most tourists would, which is fine but it skews the video into a posh boys version of Travel Man with more faux illiteracy

[@djwaltoaram7052]

They didn't even bother to pronounce Budapest properly...

[@clintxdesign]

Man it sucks when great, independent creators get noticed and picked up, then just get all of their authenticity sucked out of them - this would have been much better in proper TopJaw style with Will behind the camera. All for collabs, but collabs need to be more organic! Jesse has SO much energy in TopJaw.

[@reconeix]

I absolutely love Budapest. Whilst there I ate an incredible Paprikas. I was staying with a friend in late September and the locals were all roasting their peppers in the neighborhood... and it immediately transported me to the smell of New Mexico when the native people are roasting the autumn harvest chilis! Quite the gorgeous and unexpected experience. I will adore Hungary forever!!!

[@randielurbay9221]

i like munchies no shade no hate but diff host needed. This episode has the charisma of plain rice

[@marconemeth9683]

definitely! at tomes it felt like an awkward job interview :D

[@gombkotoemil88]

I felt the selection of the places was a little bit weird. As a Hungarian who always lived in Budapest I was shocked when I realized that we have a colorful chocolate culture :D I haven’t even heard about it. All of these places that you showed are in a small area. And I think 90% of Budapest residents don’t really tend to visit these places. But instead tourists or the upper class of the local inhabitants. No offense but please believe me, the true Budapest is way more colorful. But if you want to discover it, you need to travel by tram or bus, and not just 1 station as you did. :))

[@red2cafe]

i would love to hear some nice recommendations for budapest :)

[@Peter_Fordos]

@@red2cafe Nagyi Kifőzdéje /Grandma's kitchen - one of the most typical Hungarian style restaurant in the city/, Bem Cinema (cool pub with classic movies), Róma Ételbár (classic Hungarian cousine in a tiny but cosy restaurant), Laci Bácsi büféje (Uncle Laci's street food place with the epic Hungarian street food called 'lángos') Frici Papa's restaurant (another place with local tastes), Majorka (big open place with burgers and beers and with gorgeous atmosphere during the summer months)

[@HungryTwoTravel]

We recently went to Budapest and had an amazing time, the food in Hungary is so rich and hearty. Fantastic video, really great to watch!

[@QodsMohajer]

Vice truly collapsing before our very eyes, quality has cratered it’s a shame wouldve liked to learn something about Hungary

[@MrPingpongho]

If you’re relying on vice for stuff like this I don’t know what to say, so many amazing channels exploring every corner of the world and Vice is the CNN of travel content

[@killercaos123]

Every single legacy media is being effected by post-COVID so it’s not really a si GKs media Corp or another

[@knlei1]

if you wanted to learn about hungary. your better off going to a different Vice Channel, this one is specific for FOOD , not travel

[@brianmoody2549]

Learning about a new city and country by eating great foods and seeing the beauty they have,for you too.

[@LittleTkforyou]

i expected waaaaay more from the firsf budapest x munchies webisode. the city deserves better, the coffee, drink, restaurant culture cannot be depicted from a 3km walk(!) - literally thats how far these places are from the hotel. host was too shallow, no character, just boring enthusiasm

[@scotchy88]

Action Bronson would have been the pick for this episode

[@boldogszabomester6392]

Couldn't agree more!

[@movsess]

JESSIEEEEEE? What an unexpected collab

[@victorbenner539]

The only time I have been to Budapest was in 1978 as a youth Ambassador. We really didn't get to see the real Budapest at that time. Perhaps it's time for me to consider going back and spending a couple of weeks.

[@leinades1]

Alternate title: How to eat at 3 fancy, expensive place that barely represents hungarian food and/or culture. MF put microgreens on chicken paprikás 💀

[@dennisbenjamin3846]

I guess I'll keep re-watching the guide to Scotland then.

[@Atom15]

Munchies you hired the wrong guy. Their KZbin channel was always shallow and it's the same here. You feel it's not as genuine as other hosts.

[@scotchy88]

Jesse ain’t the same without Will

[@comeuppance]

The reviewer honestly doesn’t seem literate. He lacks the vocabulary any self-respecting food guide/critic should have to describe a gastronomical experience. “Superb,” “good,” and “exquisite” don’t convey much at all. What a shame that one of the few times Hungarian food is highlighted by Munchies turns out to be so superficial. Also, halászlé deserves the spotlight at least as much as gulyás, IMHO.

[@Elecjester]

I was also thinking this! I was so excited to see hungary / budapest & then I was so let down by how colossally basic this "guide" was lol.

[@MistyBottom]

He forgot the bit in a food review where you actually tell the audience what you're eating.

[@Always-Hangry]

I’m going in 2 weeks can’t wait to checkout some of these spots

[@skillbizterb]

YO THANK GOD THIS SERIES IS BACK

[@berkowitzgil]

The crossover i didn't know i needed

[@peterhans8905]

My go to places for fast food are Edys French Tacos and Zing Burger. Truly delicious

[@wonderbeki_]

Never knew Zlatan Ibrahimovic has opened a restaurant in Budapest.

[@aja9388]

I am going to Budapest in 2 weeks and I have often heard that Hungarian cuisine is very rich and delicious, so can someone please recommend places where I can go and what to eat to experience authentic Hungarian cuisine

[@kathykang1123]

should redo this episode with a hungarian speaker. i think the language barrier prevented the depth ppl are asking about. i do appreciate the video though!

[@j.p2115]

I get that its an ad for the hotel but the shot of waking up, having an espresso first thing in the morning in the very nice hotel room seems off. Looks like an advertisement I'd see on T.V than anything else. Everything seems immensely scripted and shallow, surprised there was nothing they deemed worthy to talk about at the market.

[@P.Aether]

11:33 tummy full of goulash. Ready to sleep ☺

[@tomso8787]

Cool video. I would also see a tour video on the country side it would be more interesting to see good dishes/places outside of Bp too. Like good restaurants around Balaton or meeting with grandmas and taste their magical dishes around the countryside in small traditional villages. Furthermore I can recommend Fekete gólya restaurant in Kecskemét as a quality place for Hungarian dishes (at least in my book) There are many of lovely dishes which are not common in BP restaurants like 'mákoslütyü' or a good traditional Jokai bean soup, or goulas soup with 'krumplispogácsa' (potato patties) or with 'vakarcs' or with 'Kalocsai kácsi'. Or instead of the usual lángos tourist could try 'kenyérlángos' too. Also 'aranygaluska' is a fantastic dish... many treasures to find :D

[@edwarddavid7893]

LOL the host was inserting words in the chefs mouth.

[@zeta_8646]

If I were him, I'd rizz up the service desk lady and ask her to take me out and show me her favourite places to eat

[@IronmanS4]

Been watching Munchies for some time now, as well as Jesse on his own channel as well. Good episode, but the cadence and pace is a bit pedestrian tbh...it seems restrained , but keep trying and appreciate all the videos regardless !!! Cheers !

[@deathcrunch9020]

Reminds me a lot of Down to Earth with Zack Effron. An out of touch rich kid with no want or grasp of the culture, rolling around in designer clothes, whos only comment on anything is "woah, thats insane. Anyway lets go somewhere else.". Except without the talent, charisma, good looks or fame.

[@sweeteragain]

I love Jesse and TopJaw! I think having him here in Munchies is incredible, but I would love to see him in his comfort zone like on his channel. Great video though

[@streetfoodnetworkpk]

Very Nice Superb Video

[@endlessdreamkitchen]

❤❤❤❤

[@dmanzione]

Back to back uploads from Munchies that have been so lifeless. I swear it's like these were created by AI. Profiting of several year old Matty videos is all you're doing.

[@laurahartmann928]

love Hungary and all, but desperately seeking more chefs night out

[@TURBOMIKEIFY]

Just imagine how different American dishes would be if we got our ingredients directly from the source. I get it’s probably more expensive. But, I would love to have food that doesn’t come from Sysco- the largest wholesale food supplier in America.

[@2bitmarketanarchist337]

This feels like they sent the most posh guy to the most posh places

[@debbiemoore2747]

I think of one of the consultants in the department I work in who is from Hungary, in answer to your question, what do you think of Hungary.

[@patrickdelosreyes7314]

Hearing hawkeye and black widow talking bout Budapest

[@keithss67]

What’s my topjaw biscuit doing on his own? 😮

[@east_coast_ceo1070]

America 🇺🇸 ❤️ Hungary 🇭🇺 and we need to see our countries come together more as a team

[@aznthy]

The host is making the video about him, he's so into himself that nothing regarding information about what make Budapest, Budapest was conveyed properly at all. You can tell at 1:00 of him in a hotel which makes no sense. This video isn't about you. Don't even get me started on other issues where it seems like the "host" is understanding of the assignment or the subject at all. He seems like he was given a job to do which he has no interest in and just needed to be in the video and made it all about him.

[@jimmymattos1992]

Everything looks fake, his interactions, the way he speaks, his reactions... even the edit. WTF?!

[@AgentAO7]

Jesse!!!! Why are you here?! This isn’t Topjaw! Where is Will?!?! 😅

[@SanTM]

Ooh the topjaw tories made it over to here!

[@benb8647]

Absolute pillocks

[@tobitop1439]

Top jaws guys ❤

[@SuperHundog]

That market looked wonderful, and it got 20 seconds in this video. What a waste.

[@shubham_marathe]

Nah bro I've seen a bunch of Munchies city explorations, This ain't it chief, it seems very staged I'll cut some slack to the guy since he's new on the channel though.

[@Xellosakm]

Chef Jort?? I'm pretty sure he said Zsolt...

[@ikennedy609]

TOP JAAAAWWW

[@SourRobbo]

Way prefer Jesse in Topjaw, when hes had 5 pints a dessert before 2pm

[@BrankoSebald]

I'm generally a massive fan of the MUNCHIES Guide to series, but I found this presenter to be so bland and shallow.

[@MeatsAndCheats]

This is weird. Topjaw is super fast content that doesn’t focus on details but is fun and playful. This is slow, laborious and knowing Jesse from his own channel, it feels like it’s lacking authenticity. Still love TopJaw but I think this is a crossover that didn’t need to happen.

[@rockerkunal]

We're in the same hotel 😂

[@hectorwalker5986]

Long live top jaw.

[@GabyHernandez-rv3vo]

😮😮😮🎉❤

[@Ragefire11]

Great producton value, nice angles, great shots, but the content and selection of featured venues was a huge disappointment. I've lived in Budapest for most of my life, and even though I've seen these places when I was about, I'd never visit them, ever. I wouldn't exactly categorize them as something for locals or something authentic, but that might just be me. There are lots of places that would have been a lot better to feature, but it's a start I guess.

[@Zorarockerify]

Munchies' best host honestly. So kind and respectful.

[@THEBEANHHGTDHN]

thế là vậy phải

[@ze_glitchy_gamer7629]

It's in the name! Kinda...

[@arturoperez4062]

Well, not trying to be rude. But the spicy chocolate isn’t new, it’s been among the Mayans and Aztecs for more than 1000 years. Just saying!

[@kingnuggets100]

Awesome vlog, not much of a guide

[@k-pax8704]

budapeSSSSSSSt!

[@Dondondesign]

Honestly did Jesse get threatened into doing this?? He’s a brilliant host on top jaw but this feels like he just doesn’t want to be here 😅

[@robertlopez6430]

Like if Bourdain were a fufu boy. Lol. This is fine but yes I agree with many of the other comments, it felt more like a commercial with the over stylized gimbal shots and too much focus on the individual doing the tour.

[@timhead1980]

whats happened to Munchies? This is not so much a food journey, but a badly lit, energy drained advert for a hotel. Who is that presenter? not great....feels like a work experience project video...all such a shame as Budapest is an incredible city.

[@OnePlusOneEqualsOnePlusOne]

The description of Hungary by Asia Asians: a country called Hungry The description of Hungary by Asia Asians who heard of it: a country called Hungry for rains of chilli powders to the point of getting the Indian and Mexican jealous.

[@franzdoreza5230]

I know you guys are looking for these hipster looking pretty boys or weird looking artsy girls sometimes. But it’s not about what they look like, it’s about what they know, you need more interesting people with experience… I know Anthony Bourdain is difficult to find, but hopefully you can find someone who’s already a chefwho can bring some more, or someone who is interested in History as well

[@bigroytrc]

Top Yawn

[@purshottambanerjee4916]

Is TOPJAW dead ????

[@jacked_senpai69]

Bro is 💀 at giving descriptions and reactions. Not a true critic 🤷‍♀️

[@fardu-gd4ex]

✌

[@denomdemon]

Everybody check out Top Jaw! It's a lot more fun than this. This was odd.

[@Keszi1995]

Recent economic growth? With the current inflation? Yeah nice one... most of us can not even afford the places you visited.

[@johnweak3749]

this made me Hung(a)ry

[@gabriel6s]

LOVE TO SEE THE TOPJAW LOVE

[@spookypants9621]

TOPJAW!!!!!!!!!!!

[@anandrv81]

This fellow seems fake- it’s a poor episode

[@adorernihaislam648]

Amongus

[@mtoto17]

Chocolate w palinka should be illegal

[@jamesallison4875]

The only cool part of this was the wink from the first chef. Otherwise it feels very stilted and unreal. Sorry…

[@amandeepbansal5681]

Compare this to Topjaw.

[@kristofpali]

This was an ad. I live in Budapest and this is not the city and food vibe for sure.

[@ankit09065]

Love from india bro🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@bradpenrose9270]

Top Jaw > Munchies

[@some-random-dude-on-the-net]

You can do better than this. It feels empty.

[@teddylott]

Ended up in hospital with horrendous food poisoning when I visited Budapest. Don’t eat the chicken😂

[@knlei1]

haha

[@peterseddon621]

meleg

[@monat_son]

Oh, its and AD, thats why it feels so forced and weird.

[@theonlyjimjones]

Subtitles are not needed for someone with that type of accent.....................

[@adawg10101]

LFG TopJaw

[@szuperszilard]

Meh

[@franzdoreza5230]

This was boring after two minutes

[@elroyvanderley6460]

Who is this emotionless version of Jesse? Stick to TopJaw or be yourself when doing another project.

[@mwellaj]

This episode lacks soul. It is badddddddddd!!!!!!!!!

[@humanbeing6446]

He’s a great new food reviewer

[@isthisdom]

That's Jesse from Topjaw lol

[@Brian_fooking_Ferry]

No he ain't

[@aznthy]

No, he is not.

[@zoltanszabo1923]

Sorry . No

[@zoltanszabo1923]

As much as I would love to support this. But I’m all honesty . Back to family