Once upon a time, when Tradition finally asked Evolution out on a date, the Gerbeaud dream was born. Since 1858, the Gerbeaud team has been spoiling and constantly surprising locals and tourists alike with their confectionery creations.
Emil Gerbeaud, who spearheaded the sweet empire at its start, was a professional and passionate chocolatier, who created such wonders as Macskanyelv (Cats’ Tongues) or Konyakmeggy (Cognac Cherry) (bless him).
His passion for innovation lives on in the philosophy of the Gerbeaud team today. Their selection includes all the legendary pieces of Hungarian confectionery as well as a handful of newcomers (many of them are potential legends, actually). Besides top-notch ingredients, they always add a few drops of imagination, a pinch of innovation and a teaspoon of modern to their traditional recipes. And the results? Sweet slices of heaven; hand-made, top quality desserts scoring high both in taste and looks.
Since the season of ice cream is in the offing, we’ve collected some of our favorite frozen treats available at Gerbeaud. As you’d expect, the ice creams on the confectionery’s menu are all home-made, in other words, a far cry from the commercial stuff you’re spooning into your mouth in front of the telly. They only use fresh ingredients but also apply pasteurization technologies when it comes to milk, cream and eggs to reduce the chance of bacterial contamination to near zero. The team work with quality ingredients fetched from all over the world, such as Valrhona cocoa powder, Ceylon cinnamon and Bourbon vanilla. Fruity ice creams are made from fruits and thick fruit purée, not fruit juice. And it goes without saying that no colorings and artificial flavorings are added.
Dobos Sundae
One of the flagship desserts of Hungary, summerized. Two scoops of Dobos cake (thick, rich chocolate cream with a crunchy caramel top), one scoop of chocolate ice cream, caramel sprinkles, whipped cream and a caramel topping. A deliciously decadent choice, which will get your endorphins flowing.
Gerbeaud “Valrhona” Sundae
Two scoops of Gerbeaud “Valrhona” cake, three scoops of chocolate ice cream, apricot purée (to which apricot pálinka adds zing), plus dried apricot, whipped cream, apricot foam and Gerbeaud bon-bon. By the way, Varlhona is considered one of the leading manufacturers of high-grade chocolate on the planet. Self-indulgence to the fullest and you can even comfort yourself with the knowledge that it contains real fruit.
Strawberry Rice Pudding Sundae
A family favorite, with strawberry rice pudding (unsurprisingly), two scoops of vanilla ice cream, one scoop of strawberry ice-cream, a strawberry topping, strawberry and vanilla foam, whipped-cream and little bits of popping candy that dance in your mouth, tingling and crackling. This dessert specialty makes even grown-ups grin from ear to ear!
Coffee-Banana Sundae
Two scoops of coffee ice cream (made with freshly brewed coffee), one scoop of vanilla ice cream, coffee liqueur topping, caramelized banana slices, coffee-flavored cookies (there’s never enough of coffee) and whipped cream. Indulge, it’s nothing short of a heavenly treat.
Mojito Sundae
There are not many things more refreshing than the combination of lime juice and fresh, tangy mint… so why not Mojito ice cream? Two scoops of lime ice cream, one scoop of lemon ice cream, Bacardi, fresh lemon juice, mint topping and sparkling mineral water. Perfect for the hottest of summer days.
Strawberry Shake
The good old strawberry milk shake, simple but delicious.
Gerbeaud Café
1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8.
Tel.: +36.1.429.9000
Open: daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
www.gerbeaud.hu