Tucked away in a lovely old courtyard off bustling Rákóczi utca lies a hidden gem named Auguszt Cukrászda, a small and unassuming café with more than just delicious pastries and traditional Hungarian treats on offer.
With a romantic and timeless history, it is almost impossible to ignore appeal of the Auguszt cafe from the moment you enter the doors, taking a step back in time to one of the oldest family establishments in Budapest, minus the austerity and pricey refreshments some of the more grandiose cukrászda (bakeries) around the city have on offer.
The story of Auguszt Cukrászdais humble yet sweet, not unlike the delights tempting their customers. Elek Auguszt opened the original Buda-side shop in 1870, and it was in this store where his son, József, created a sugary masterpiece that won first prize in the 1896 Millennium Exhibition. József was sent to Paris and London to study the fine artistry of patisserie cooking, and upon returning took over his by then deceased father’s shop. By 1916 József and his wife had established a second location, which while initially feared to be too ostentatious for the docile Buda of the time was an immediate success, attracting artists, politicians and royalty, all enticed by the exceptional cakes.
More shops were opened and the Auguszt family enjoyed a prosperous time, enhanced by the birth of their son Elemér, who grew up to follow in the traditions of his father; studying the intricacies of sweets and cakes in London and Lisbon. During World War II the main Auguszt shop was hit, and Elemér himself was taken to Russia as a prisoner of war. After three years away from his cakes and his home, Elemér returned, married, only to have his shop stolen in 1951 by the communist dictatorship. The family, which now included three children, was forced to move to a small village, where they continued to make fine cakes and sweets from a tiny stove until receiving permission to return to Budapest. Following the 1956 revolution, the Auguszt reign once again flourished with the reopening of a small shop in Buda.
Simply yet beautifully decorated, the Auguszt Cukrászdaon Kossuth Lajos utca is reminiscent of the original 1870 shop, with intimate spaces showcasing nineteenth century paintings, photographs and antiques. The wooden furnishings and upholstered booths make for a pleasant space to indulge one’s desire. The cakes, pogácsa, biscuits, strudels and pastries are all hand-made, in keeping with the family tradition. To compliment these delights, an assortment of teas and coffees are on hand, with a mix of modern and traditional brews offered.
The menu comes with a short summary of the Auguszt family history in Hungarian and English, which makes for a delightful read whilst soaking up the gentle atmosphere. For those still intrigued by their enchanting past, a detailed book with recipes, pictures and the family lineage is for sale or to leaf through at one’s leisure.
The clientele is comprised mostly of Hungarian locals who frequent the café on a daily basis. The diverse range of ages revisiting this haunt is testament to the reputation and treasured soul of not only thecukrászdabut of the family itself. The business ideal behind the family’s small franchise is based on the notion of tradition rather than mass production, only opening a new shop when an Auguszt family member is willing to take on the challenge.
Customers can rely on warm and friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and a personal touch which only the love of a fortified family unit can bring to the table.
Text and photographs by Jaime Winchester
Belvárosi Auguszt
1053 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos u. 14-16.
Open Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
Tel.: +36.1.337.6379
