However tongue-twisting the Magyar language might be, there’s one word, a name actually, that regardless of where you’re from, you’ll probably be familiar with, and that’s the name of Ferenc Puskás. One of the best footballers of all times, he was the captain of Hungary’s unbeatable Golden Team (a.k.a. The Mighty Magyars), the virtuoso shooter of Real Madrid and, for Hungarians, he’s an ever-shining star, the pride of the nation who brought fame to this little country.
In 1948, he was named the best goal-shooter of Europe, later the best of the 20th century, as he’s the only player to have scored in finals of the World Cup, the World Championship, the European Championship, the Champions’ League and the Olympics. Not to mention that he’s the only Hungarian on the 2004 FIFA TOP 100 Players List.
Now, we understand why Buda’s popular Symbol, this resto-cult-entertainment empire was facing quite a challenge when they decided to pay homage to Puskás in the form of a sports bar dedicated to him. We headed there to find out if it was up to the standard of someone who has been an Olympic champion, a European champion, a World Cup and Champion’s League winner (3 times, actually) and a goal scoring king. Amazing, huh?
Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in a strange but exciting combo of a museum and a stylish sports bar. Browns dominate in the wood-like fixings and the real cowhide floor. Around the 12 plasma TV sets, the walls are adorned with vintage-feel images of Puskás from his early childhood to his senior years. And the collection doesn’t stop here, personal memorabilia of Pancho, that’s how the Spanish called him, is on display along with cups, medals and awards. As we learned from the owner, the family has a really strong connection with the Puskáses. This shows not only from the little resto-exhibition, but also from the menu that boasts a number of Puskás’s favorites (hint: find out why Puskás loved that Kispest butcher’s so much by trying the Kispest sausage) and a lot of the menu design brainstorming was done with the help of Aunt Bözsi, a.k.a Mrs. Puskás.
The funky Puskás and football themed menu offers an impressive variety of Hungarian and Spanish cuisine along with some real pub bites. My dining companion and I opted for a starter platter creatively named Hungarian v. Spanish Friendly Plate crammed with Magyar and Spanish treats, the likes of winter salami and Serrano ham, manchego cheese with fresh vegetables and divine dips (think feta-sun dried tomato cream and guacamole).
From the Menu
Warm-Ups
Hungary v. Spain Friendly platter
Roasted tenderloin salad with cream of aubergines and pita bread
Half-time’s Favorites
Grilled sausages from the Kispest butcher
Pancho hamburger with French fries
Players of The National Team
Breaded honey-mustard chicken bites on warm potato crisps salad
Chicken paprika with butter dumpling
Lunch menu and home delivery is also available!
Our mains didn’t disappoint us either. Neither in quality, nor in size. My breaded chicken breast strips came with potato crisps as side. If it wasn’t for the super-tasty honey-mustard sauce I was dipping my bites in, I’d have been green with envy looking at my companion’s quesadillas jam-packed with grill veg arriving together with salsa, guacamole and sour cream dips.
It was a real shame we couldn’t try the choc cake of the house; we’d heard legends about it. So please, make sure you leave space for it when you head there to watch the World Cup. During the month of football craze, they’ll have promotions on drinks plus a betting agent on the spot if you feel lucky (or have the deep football knowledge that I lack).
What else is there to say? The place speaks for itself: it’s not only a grand spot to cheer your team in the coming World Cup while munching on tasty bites, but it’s also a fine tribute to Ferenc Puskás’s life and achievements.
Puskás Pancho Sports Bar
1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 56.
Tel.: +36.1.333.5656
www.symbolbudapest.hu