A Scottish pub adds to Budapest’s growing international restaurant scene, creating an authentic atmosphere that fights stereotype.
Contemporary cuisine in Budapest is becoming known for its fusion of tastes, particularly as the city achieves a more-fully European and worldwide class. Hungarian chefs are sampling tastes from Asia and South America, but still staying true to their own tried-and-true recipes.
To really make Budapest’s restaurant scene international, there is a continuing need for actual foreigners bringing authentic ideas to the kitchen. Perhaps the newest example of such a person and place is Patrick McMenamin and Caledonia Bar and Restaurant.
Located on the quiet side of Jokai ter, this Scottish pub opened over the summer and has already become one of the new favorites among expats and Hungarians alike. Unique in the city, the owners have made a firm decision to do away with stereotype and focus on providing a warm, long-lasting establishment that agrees with local tastes, as opposed to being just a „theme” bar. Their Celtic roots are at once subtle and alive. The bar and tables are decorated with hand-carved wooden motifs, knotted designs representing the unification of Scotland’s tribes, and three massive swords are arranged dramatically over the staircase. Unification with Hungary is also a theme, with a marvelous painting of the Chain Bridge above the bar, as well as a display of local artists’ works in the cozy upstairs gallery.
Once seated, one can move on to the main attraction: a selection of Scotch whiskys and beers unavailable anywhere else in Hungary. With five bottled brands and two on tap, a range of dark, light, sweet and bitter brews represent the finest that Scotland has to offer, and everything is served extra cold – just the way it should be. Start with a honey-colored Belhaven Best, the quintessential quaffable ale. For those a little slow to try something new there are also two solid standbys – Guinness and Dreher – on tap as well. Whisky connoisseurs will be able to take their time and sample a variety of single and mixed malts as the place fills up with football fans coming to watch that night’s game. A lively crew, one is likely to make friends easily. Once you’ve had a few drinks, a trip to the boys’ room is a must for more than one reason: it’s plastered with original and charming Scottish cartoons.
As I was cautioned early on in my evening there, Caledonia is a „bar that serves food”. And serve they did – huge portions of well-designed dishes that don’t try to hide anything. There is a well-balanced range of soups, steaks, seafood, sides and desserts, as well as a surprising amount of vegetarian-friendly dishes. The dish favored above all by regulars is the Scottish breakfast, served accordingly all day and night. Wash it down with another few frosty beers, and you’ll be promising yourself a return visit.
Service at the Caledonia is exemplary. Staff members wear smiles proudly, and are happy to chat or introduce customers to each other if the need arises. Look for the owners, Patrick and Zsuzsa, roaming about greeting regulars and newcomers alike most every evening. The couple makes a point of sending their loyal staff to Scotland for a week each year to give them a taste of what they’ve brought to Budapest. Caledonia is a welcome addition to Budapest’s growing array of truly authentic international restaurants. As the sign above the door reads: „There are no strangers in this bar, just friends you have yet to meet.”
Starters
Tatar beefsteak
Button mushroom melt with creamy cheese served on toast
Creamy carrot and coriander soup
Fresh cheese and green salad with yoghurt sauce
Main Dishes
All day Scottish breakfast – the boss’s favourite
Grilled fillet steak topped with scented forest mushroom sauce
Roasted Scottish salmon steak in white wine sauce
Sweets
Scottish apple pie
Cranachan – fresh cream with red berries and honey
Caledonia Restaurant
1066 Budapest, Mozsár u. 9
Tel.: +36.1.311.7611