An Ice Cream Guide to Budapest

by Miharu Sugie

Ice cream pops, gelato, ice cream bars... You know the chocolate coating, the crunchiness, the vanilla of your favourite desserts. . But why not try handmade ice cream while admiring the view of the Danube river or the upscale Andrássy Avenue?
These are our picks for the best ice cream parlors in Budapest.

photo: facebook.com/AnjunaPops

By Stephen's Basilica: Anjuna

The ice pops store brings to Budapest the tropical summer of Anjuna beach, just south of Mumbai in India. It’s been almost three years since the two founders came up with the idea of making plant-based ice pops without glucose syrup and other additives at Anjuna. As they promised, you can find gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan, and even dog-friendly ice pops, raw cakes, smoothies, and acai bowls. Although flavors like the Egri Bikavér wine, mango, and coconut are irresistable, the chia pudding ice pops infused with a combination of mango and passion fruit or raspberry are must-tries. The milky pudding with a spark of fruit is chewy but icy at the same time; you will be addicted to this surprising texture.
If you’re on a day trip to Balatonfüred, be sure to check out Anjuna there as well for a refreshing break from swimming and sunbathing at the Balaton! 

photo: Miharu Sugie

Close to Margaret Bridge: Cioccolatte

Searching for an Italian flare this summer? There’s a small ice cream shop near Jászai Mari tér where you can taste a myriad of authentic Italian flavors, from tiramisu to Bronte pistachio. Trained in Italy, the Cioccolatte ice cream artisans’ passion for creating one of the best Italian frozen desserts (with vegan and sugar-free options!) in Budapest is evident. The refreshing fruity flavors like passion fruit, mango, and fig are too good to miss. Combine that with creamy pistachio or orange chocolate, and even coffee. There is nothing better than Cioccolatte ice cream that can accompany you on a walk along the Danube or on Margaret island in the summertime.

photo: Fragola

Near the Synagogue: Fragola

If you see the strawberry sign on the streets, you’re in for a treat. And since Fragola is one of the big ice cream franchises in the city, you most definitely will not miss that strawberry sign. There’s a wide selection from lime raspberry and strawberry white chocolate to creamy, fragrant pistachio. And that wide selection also includes healthier, no-sugar options. At the Fragola near Astoria metro station on Károly körút, you can also buy kürtőskalács; what more can you ask for—fresh, warm, vanilla-flavored dough with melting ice cream?
Anytime you go, you’re bound to find a new flavor, like the new Sorrento lemon flavor that has made quite a splash.

On Andrássy Avenue: Hisztéria Cremeria

Started in Tápiószecső—a village close to Budapest—in 1990, Hisztéria Cremeria is a family-owned dessert shop you can go when you’re enjoying some window shopping on Andrássy út. The cremeria offers classic flavors like salted caramel and Belgian chocolate. Of course, you cannot go wrong with classics but this summer, you should try the lychee-raspberry flavor; the duo of sweet and sour is simply addictive. If you want a little extra excitement, ask for chocolate sauce on your cone.

photo: Miharu Sugie

Not Far from the Castle Quarter: Kedveskrém

When you first lick the ice cream at Kedveskrém, you can immediately feel the real flavor bursting in your mouth. One of the most off-putting ice cream is the one that you can taste the artificial additives. And here, your taste buds won’t be disappointed. You can actually feel the texture of poppy seeds, bits of plum, strawberry seeds, etc. For this summer, stick to a classic combination of fruity with creamy—raspberry and poppy seed. It’s an ideal place to stop by on your bike and relax on the benches in front of the shop. After your ice cream, get a cheesecake to go so you can treat yourself to even more kedves desserts at home. Plus, you can buy badges of their cute mascots, like Marci Panna (Marcipan) and Mr. Mandula (Mr. Almond).