Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar, Budapest

Budapest's 'ruin bars' - bringing new life to formerly derelict buildings of the old Jewish Quarter - are among the Hungarian capital's most distinctive destinations; even if you're not a drinker, it's well worth soaking in the atmosphere at these colourfully vibrant settings. Szimpla Kert is hailed as one of the best of these pubs, where customers can clamber aboard a disused East European automobile while savouring their beer in what is perhaps the most intricately intriguing watering hole we have seen.

This post first appeared on eatdrinkkl.com

Getto Gulyas, Budapest

Budapest's Getto Gulyas is all about the comfortingly soulful stews that have nourished & nurtured generations of Hungarians, revived for this 21st century. Try the rooster testicle & comb stew, with smooth, tender textures, served warm & richly gravied.

This post first appeared on eatdrinkkl.com

Macesz Bistro, Budapest, Hungary

Hungarian Jewish dishes take centre stage at this traditional restaurant in Budapest's old Jewish Quarter: Goose up your meal with a lovely ludaskasa - thigh of goose with liver and gizzard on vegetable risotto - and a side of stuffed goose neck on pearl barley. Don't skip dessert - the classic flodni (layered pastry with apples, jam, walnuts and poppy seeds) is worth every calorie.

Pest-Buda Bistro @ Budapest, Hungary

Pest-Buda Bistro's top temptations seem like the very definition of guilty indulgences - foie gras comes swimming in a pool of oil that you'll lap up for its full-on liver flavour, while the pork burger is built with a patty of pulled knuckle topped with fried egg.

Karavan Street Food @ Budapest, Hungary

Budapest's 'street food court' brings together a host of businesses that sell everything from chimney cakes to vegan burgers - for a fun taste of Hungary, try the langos, greasily addictive deep-fried flatbread that's ideally topped here with grilled paprika.