Top Hungarian Beer Brands
Hungarian Beer 101: What to Drink on Your Budapest Trip
If there's one thing that surprises a lot of first-time visitors, it's how good Hungarian beer actually is. Like most of its Central European neighbours, Hungary takes its brewing seriously — and if you're the kind of traveller who plans city breaks around good pubs, Budapest won't disappoint.
There's no shortage of reasons to visit this city, but for anyone curious about Hungarian beer specifically, it might just be reason enough on its own. So before you head out and start ordering at random, here's a rundown of the Hungarian beers you're most likely to run into on tap around town.
Dreher
One of the old guard of Hungarian beer, and it shows in the range. The Dreher Classic is your standard crisp, slightly sweet pilsner — a safe bet if you're not sure what to order. Want something with more weight? The Dreher Bak is a dark double bock, full-bodied and rich. They also do a pale ale worth trying if you like something fruitier and more complex.
Arany Ászok
You'll see this one everywhere — it's basically the house Hungarian beer. Cheap, golden, a little bitter, and light at 4.3% ABV. Not the most exciting pint you'll ever have, but it's what locals actually drink day to day, which says a lot about it.
Soproni
Soproni makes a decent, wallet-friendly IPA that's great for an afternoon in the sun. Their other notable offering is the Fekete Demon, a dark German-style Dunkel with a nutty, malty character and a sweet finish — a good pick if the weather turns and you want something heavier.
Borsodi
A newer name in Hungarian beer compared to the others on this list, but it's earned its spot. The Borsodi Bivaly is a strong amber lager, 6.5% ABV, with a mild caramel flavour that comes through nicely.
Szalon
This one's got history — Hungary's oldest brewery, founded in 1848, based down in Pécs in the southwest. Their pale ale, Szalon Sör, is fresh and fruity, and a favourite among people who've spent time in that part of the country.
Where to Try Hungarian Beer in Budapest
If you'd rather not just guess your way through a beer list, there's an easier option. The Beer Bus Budapest runs a tour through the city centre and pours you quality Hungarian beer along the way, so you get the sights and the drinks in one go. Book your seats and let someone else handle the route.
