Gundel Cookbook

The history of the Gundel dynasty is closely intertwined with the history of Hungarian gastronomy and Hungarian hospitality. Contemporaries of the founder included outstanding caterers, such as Sacher, Ritz, Escoffier, who also left their mark. Károly Gundel refined Hungarian cuisine and combined it with influences from an ever expanding world. The Gundel House survived the ravages of history: two world wars, various economic crises and the painful years of nationalisation. The restaurant is proud to carry on the best traditions of Károly Gundel who once said: ‘I do not really see myself as a restaurateur selling food and drinks for money, but rather as a real Hungarian style host looking after the guests who honoured his home.’ As I can see Gundel believes in preserving traditions and passing them on – although innovation plays at least a same important part. This is what I try to pass on to my children, because these two things make the world go by the most. I wish for us all that Gundel would be a significant point in Budapest’s and the country’s life for a long long time. This place to be one of our most important cultural and gastronomic messengers in the world. Because it represents our mutual success a little as well. Dr. György Habsburg