The Oeconomus Center’s analysis reflects current economic factors influencing the prices of seasonal foods like ice-cream in Hungary. Continue reading
Lángos (fried dough) is an essential part of the Hungarian summer – and it is not just the taste that is getting people talking, but also the price. On the southern shore of Lake Balaton, a plain lángos typically costs 1,200 forints (2.99 euros) this year, while the most popular version, with cheese and sour cream, costs between 1,900 (4.73 euros) and 2,400 forints (5.98 euros).
This simple beach food has become a rich main course: a stuffed version with gyros can cost as much as 3,900 forints (9.72 euros), according to Sonline.
The classic lángos remains a nostalgic feature of vacations: the crispy dough, the salty air, and the smell of sunscreen evoke childhood memories. However, the gradual price increase has brought new considerations to snacking: for a family, lángos is no longer a cheap treat.
Lake Balaton. Photo: Fortepan/Urbán Tamás
The Lángos és Palacsinta snack bar in Fonyód (southwestern Hungary) was already open in February during the Sausage Festival and is currently operating at full steam. A plain lángos costs 1,200 forints (2.99 euros), while one with cheese and sour cream costs 2,400 forints (5.98 euros). The more special version, filled with ham and cheese, costs 2,600 forints (6.48 euros).
According to store manager Zsuzsanna Hermann, the secret to their success lies in the ingredients, cleanliness, and preparation technology.
The buffet uses a VITO filter to clean the cooking oil several times a day. The lángos are always freshly baked and never prepared in advance. The shop has also been renovated this year: part of the dining area has been air-conditioned, so it is expected to remain open in the fall.
The Gyufa Buffet in Balatonmáriafürdő (southwestern Hungary) also maintains the southern shore price level: plain lángos is 1,200 forints (2.99 euros), cheese lángos is 1,800 forints (4.48 euros), and cheese and sour cream lángos is 2,200 forints (5.48 euros). However, there are also some really hearty dishes on offer: lángos filled with gyros meat, served with fresh salad, cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise sauce, which is enough for a full meal and costs 3,900 forints (9.72 euros).
The Móló fish restaurant in Balatonlelle (southwestern Hungary) has been open since March 15. Although their main focus is fried fish, lángos is also popular here. Prices are in the usual range: plain lángos costs 1,200 forints (2.99 euros), cheese lángos costs 1,600 forints (3.99 euros), and cheese and sour cream lángos costs 1,900 forints (4.73 euros).
The Bamboo lángos buffet in Siófok (southwestern Hungary) welcomes guests on the free beach at the end of Csúszda Street. Plain lángos costs 1,200 forints (2.99 euros), cheese lángos costs 1,700 forints (4.24 euros), and cheese and sour cream lángos costs 2,200 forints (5.48 euros). Store manager Zsóka Bakró said that prices were raised by 8-10 percent compared to last season, and the new price list took effect on June 14. According to her, customers remain satisfied with the quality, and many continue to seek out the beach’s most famous dish.
Via Sonline; Featured photo: Pexels