Local Flavors
Crafted by the Lake: Balaton's Artisanal Food & Drink Treasures
Sure, Balaton's got gorgeous waters, but there are plenty of other delicious reasons to venture beyond the shoreline. Here's our pick of the region's must-visit food and drink treasures!
Kinga Kamrája, Káptalantóti
Reminiscent of grandmother's pantry overflowing with treasures, Kinga Kamrája in Káptalantóti beckons with irresistible homemade farm goods. Settle beneath oak trees to savour fresh goat cheese from their dedicated kitchen, alongside secret-recipe smoked meats and seasonal bites that capture the essence of rural Hungary. Find out more
Vászoly Cheese Manufactory
Located in Vászoly, this artisanal cheese manufactory proudly crafts Hungary's only gold medal winner from the World Cheese Championship. Visit on Saturday mornings to browse their impressive range of handcrafted cheeses, while sampling real homemade butter and catching a glimpse of the fascinating production process. Find out more
Tekeresvölgyi Family Estate, Nemesvámos
The Tekeresvölgyi Manufactory’s dairy products are made on a family estate where they process approx. 3,000 liters of milk from 50 Hungarian Spotted cattle weekly. Primarily known for its distinctive semi-hard and soft cheeses, the estate’s preservative-free fruit yogurts and sun-dried tomato feta cream are also worth seeking out for their pure flavors. Find out more
Levendula Porta, Kékkút
Hidden in tiny Kékkút village, Levendula Porta is a slice of Provence in Hungary's Káli Basin. This enchanting homestead bursts with fragrant French lavender, transformed into exquisite syrups, jellies and essential oils by a passionate couple from Keszthely. Beyond their signature purple blooms, discover homemade rose and pine bud syrups, artisanal cheeses, and dairy delights. Find out more
Helka Brewery, Balatonföldvár
Nestled in Balatonföldvár, Helka Brewery evolved from a charming garden bar into a full brewing operation within a converted railway building. Book a brewery tour, then relax on the lakeside terrace where six taps pour refreshing craft beers perfectly paired with artisanal sausages. With stunning Balaton views, it's the ideal spot to taste authentic local flavors. Find out more
Hedon Brewery, Balatonvilágos
Situated alongside train tracks with panoramic lake views, Hedon serves as both craft beer paradise and vibrant social hub. Sprawl on bean bags across their sun-soaked terrace, catch an outdoor film screening, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball while sampling creative brews—including their signature pilsner, the unofficial brew of the Balaton shoreline. Find out more
Bakterház, Balatonszepezd
In a brilliantly reimagined century-old railway station, Bakterház serves exquisite brunches featuring house-baked sourdough bread, classic egg dishes, local mangalica sausages, and artisanal goat cheese. Doubling as a delicatessen, this culinary jewellery box boasts perfect pick-me-ups, homemade pastries, and an air of nostalgia ideal for unhurried lakeside mornings. Find out more
Kakasbonbon Chocolate Manufactory, Felsőpáhok
Tucked away in sleepy Felsőpáhok, KakasBonbon Chocolate Manufactory crafts edible art that'll make any sweet tooth swoon. This family-owned gem blends premium cocoa beans from around the world with seasonal local ingredients to create 70 different flavor sensations, each made by hand, fashioned in the Italian, French, and Spanish traditions. Find out more
