Budapest’s sweet tooth gets an inclusive upgrade this week. On Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m., Édes Mackó, Hungary’s first chimney cake patisserie, fires up the grills for gluten-free and dairy-free kürtőskalács—no pre-order needed. The beloved spot sits in the Holnemvolt Vár Riding Hall (Holnemvolt Vár Lovarda) building on Állatkerti körút, right by the capital’s zoo in Zugló, the city’s 14th district. The team rolls out the classic, spiral-shelled treat over live embers, then spins the magic into desserts you can enjoy on the cozy indoor or breezy outdoor terrace.
Two walk-in days, simple rules
Every Wednesday and Friday, the patisserie bakes gluten- and dairy-free chimney cakes from 10:00 without any reservation fuss. Just show up and order. Craving them on another weekday? They’ll do it, but there’s a catch: place a minimum order of four pieces at least one day in advance, and it’s weekdays only. If you have special dietary or flavor requests, ask—the kitchen says they’ll try to make it happen.
Where to find it, when to go
Set your map for 1146 Budapest, Zugló, Állatkerti körút 14–16. The current gluten-free and dairy-free bake days include May 27 and May 29, with more dates to be released. Doors to the allergen-friendly bakes open at 10 a.m., and given how fast chimney cakes disappear when the scent hits the street, earlier is smarter.
What’s on the menu
Édes Mackó isn’t just about the iconic sugar-crusted cylinder. The patisserie is all-in on chimney cake culture, riffing on the freshly baked base to craft dreamy desserts. Expect the hallmark caramelized exterior and pillowy interior, then imagine it as a dessert vessel, a cone, or a layered indulgence. Everything starts with traditional embers (parázs), so you get the real-deal aroma and texture, even when it’s gluten- and dairy-free. On the designated days, the allergen-friendly dough is handled separately for those sensitive to gluten and milk. If you’re curious about flavors or cross-contact, the team encourages you to ask at the counter so they can guide you to the safest—and tastiest—option.
Come for the cake, stay for the neighborhood
Zugló makes a handy base for sweet outings. The patisserie’s Holnemvolt Vár Riding Hall (Holnemvolt Vár Lovarda) location is an easy hop from the city’s favorite sights around City Park (Városliget), which folds in museums, leafy promenades, and family attractions. If you’re pairing your chimney cake day with a night in the area, there’s no shortage of places within reach—from budget stays to amenity-packed hotels with pools, saunas, and fitness rooms.
Stays nearby: from sports hubs to garden calm
If you want convenience for events at Puskás Ferenc Stadium (Puskás Ferenc Stadion) or Papp László Sportaréna, check into hotels set practically next door. Several properties in this zone highlight freshly renovated, air-conditioned, en-suite rooms, a Mediterranean feel, and solid wellness perks. One standout combo puts a modern fitness room beside a pool in the Fit Zone section, with a sauna for cool-downs after a swim—or after chasing kids across the park.
For city access without sacrificing quiet, Green Hotel Budapest, near Puskás Ferenc Stadium (Puskás Ferenc Stadion) and steps from the M2 metro (about 328 feet), lines up spacious, modern rooms and a function space for business or family gatherings. Its nature-inspired design plays up calm while the central location keeps the inner city within easy reach.
Prefer the garden suburbs? Hotel Amadeus in Zugló nestles into a calm, green neighborhood just a few kilometers from downtown and Hungexpo. It offers 39 roomy, comfortable accommodations, a panoramic restaurant, garden seating, conference rooms, and a friendly pub. There’s also secure underground parking for peace of mind.
Traveling light and local? Family-run properties near the M3 approach and the City Park (Városliget) attractions deliver simple, friendly rooms with private bathrooms, TVs, and free Wi‑Fi. Some add a drink bar for coffee, tea, and soft drinks, and a small wellness corner—think a Finnish sauna and an eight-person hot tub. If you’re planning a group dinner, one house restaurant seating up to 40 takes advance orders and swings from Hungarian to Italian and Chinese specialties.
Closer to the action, Hotel Veritas puts you near Papp László Sportaréna, the SYMA Exhibition Center, and the Expo grounds. Meanwhile, Hotel Zugló doubles down on comfort with air-conditioned rooms fitted with LCD TVs, minibars, fridges, phones, and internet access. Its wellness area offers Finnish and infrared saunas, a swimming pool, and a jacuzzi—ideal after a long city day.
If you want boutique warmth on the diplomatic fringe of downtown, Lion’s Garden Hotel channels homelike vibes with warm tones, timeless décor, a restaurant, and a shaded summer garden. Set on Cházár András Street in the 14th district, it gazes across at a 100-year-old Dominican church you can admire right from the panoramic lift.
There’s also a modest pension tucked into Zugló’s greenery with easy access to the M3 and central Budapest. Rooms come with bathrooms, radio, cable TV, and ceiling fans, plus free Wi‑Fi and parking. Or opt for Szőnyi Hotel, balancing the city’s nearness with garden calm. With 42 rooms hosting up to 90 people, it aims for high standards at fair prices. Its 50-seat restaurant covers hearty plates, lighter diet options, vegetarian choices, and kids’ menus.
How to plan your sweet stop
– Walk in for gluten- and dairy-free chimney cakes: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00
– Other weekdays: minimum four-piece order, placed at least one day in advance
– Special requests: ask, and the team will try to accommodate
– Address: 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 14–16., Holnemvolt Vár Riding Hall (Holnemvolt Vár Lovarda) building, Zugló, District 14
Gluten-free, dairy-free, ember-baked, and unmistakably Budapest—Édes Mackó keeps kürtőskalács in the spotlight and everyone at the table.
