October 30, 2007

Day Trip to Szentendre



Szentendre is a short drive or train ride away from Budapest. Once upon a time, it was the out of city hide-away for the wealthy and famous Hungarians. As Budapest grows, it is becoming populated by people who wish to move closer to Budapest but can't afford the city and lately it is becoming an extension of Budapest for the wealthier families who commute to work but would like small town living. You can see why - quaint little cobblestone streets for the most part, with small shops and everybody knows their neighbors.Naturally, tourism had been a long time "supporter" of the city's economy and it seems to be on the increase. Door-to-door shops on the main streets and the tourists whom they wait to serve.

Would you think of going up on a narrow passage such as this? Perhaps not, unless you know what you are looking for. I've discovered this treasure back in the 80's when I was coming to visit Hungary. Come, let's look.
About midway up, there is this couryard that its enterprizing owners had turned into a goldmine. How? By simply selling deep fied dough. Don't turn your nose until you've tried it. Simple, tasty, fresh and inexpensive. You may have it served with salt and garlic, sour cream, grated cheese or with sugar and cinnamon instead. Greasy? You bet, but delicious.
Here is an unparticular store front but if you wonder in, there is an ancient coffee house (no wonder it is called Nosztalgia) but the courtyard that also accesses the street above......

...you must agree, this is a lovely place to spend the time.

4 comments:

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

Great post. Loved seeing that bit of Szentendre. The café looks lovely, yes. Fried dough, huh? I wonder if it tastes anything like what we have here (with sugar). I'd try the savory ones though I don't eat junk food (last time I had fried dough was in 1999!).

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

BTW, do you moderate because you get a lot of spam? Or just to get the comments emailed to you?

Isadora said...

Hi Fenix - Szentendre is a lovely little place and can be approached by car, commuter train or boat ride on the Danube.

There is something called a funnel cake at fairs that is similar to the fried dough - the only difference is that this is a yeast dough while the funnel cake is not. Matter of taste I guess.

Why I moderate? because I have no idea how not to. Can you help? Although getting mail notices is nice.

Thanks for coming by.

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

Well, looks like you've figured it out. Atta girl! ;)

The email notification setting is on that same settings page, I'm sure you've seen it. You won't get spam from Blogger so go ahead and type in your e-address, if you haven't done it yet.