How To Pick Up Rental Car From Jeju Airport, Explained

by Emily | posted in: Jeju Island, South Korea | 0

Last updated on May 5th, 2024

The step-by-step guide for how to pick up a rental car from Jeju airport. Learn from my mistakes so you can save your time and money.

Jeju island no doubt is a top holiday destination of South Korea, Every year, millions of visitors from locals and international travel to Jeju Island to visit this picturesque gorgeous Korean island. This tiny island is full of must-visit attractions and unique food awaiting you to explore.

While getting around Jeju with public transport is doable but not flexible as some of the attractions are hard to access by bus. The best way for traveling in Jeju is by self-driving with car rental.

Below is my personal experience on how to book and pick up my rental car from Jeju airport.

Driving Requirements In Jeju

Make sure you meet below requirement if you are planning for self-driving in Jeju Island or South Korea.

21 years older with at least 1 year of driving experience
International Driving Permit (IDP) that has been issued within a year
- Country must be registered by Geneva or Vienna convention
- Indonesia, China, Taiwan are not accepted
Valid local country driver’s license

For type D vehicle (for 11, 12 seats),

At least 26 years older, with a minimum of 3 years driving experience.
Your IDP need to be stated with type D

Take Note: EU driver’s license, international driver’s license, and international driving document is not accepted in Korea.

Choose Car Rental Company

There are brunch of rental car company available in Jeju Island. Sometimes it’s hard to decided which car rental company provided the best service. I prefer to compare various car rental companies at RentalCars from Booking.com for the best price guarantee.

It is easy and simple to do the comparison. Once decided, just booked it online directly! Booking online does not require any payment, so you still can cancel or amend it if required.

International Car Rental Company:

AJ Rent A Car, budget Avis in South Korea
Lotte Rent A Car, also known as KT Kumho
Sixty

Local Korean Car Rental Company:

Jeju Rent A Car, Tamra, Jeju One Car

How to Pick Up Rental Car from Jeju Airport

During my Jeju road trip, my car is rent from AJ Rent-A-Car, through RentalCars from Booking.com. AJ Rent-a-car is an international car rental company with English speaking staff supported. So no worry about the communication problem. Added, AJ also provided the cheapest price for my preferable car type after compare at RentalCars.

Bring along your passport, lDP, driving license and credit card (same as booking) to pick up your rental car. Below is the detail step-by-step guide on how to pick up car rental from Jeju Airport.

Step 1#Heading to Rental Car Counter at Exit 2

Upon arrival at Jeju airport, just picked up your luggage and exit the custom clearance as per usual.

Next, look for the AJ rental car counter which located nearby Exit Gate#2. All the rental car counter are located at exit 2, so no worry. AJ is the located at the most left corner among all the rental car counter.

Step 2#Document Checking at AJ Counter

Show your booking confirmation to the staff at the AJ counter. The staff will quickly check through your reservation and documents like passport, lDP, driving license.

You will no pick up your rental car at Jeju airport directly. Instead, the staff will direct you to the rental-car-depot with a simple note provided.

Step 3#Exit Gate 5 and Cross the Street

Step on how to pick up rental car from Jeju airport

Follow the instruction, heading to Gate#5 and exit from Jeju airport. Cross the street to the parking area and turn right.

Along the walkway, you will see many different buses were parked at the bus waiting area follow the parking number in front. Look for the AJ parking area which located consider quite end of the walkway.

Step#4: Board the AJ Shuttle Bus

How To Go To AJ Center From Jeju Airport

Shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes to the AJ Rental office from Jeju airport. The bus just arrived upon I reached the waiting area. Board the bus and it will bring us to take our rental car.

The shuttle bus is clean and comfortable. And it seem like sharing among AJ Rental Car and BillyCar. Quite several people boarding the same bus to the rental-car-depot.

Step#5: Go Down at AJ Rent-A-Car Office

The bus journey takes approximately 5 minutes from Jeju airport to the AJ Rent-A-Car Office. It is the first stop (I don’t know how many stop) for the bus journey. It is AJ Rental Office as I can saw many rental cars were parked in this area.

There is no proper announcement but the bus driver had called for AJ upon he stopped the bus. We double confirm the destination with the driver upon go down. Surprisingly, only a few people were going down with us.

Step#6: Final Document Check at AJ Office

This is the last step for how to pick up car rental from Jeju airport. We took the queuing number and wait for our turn. There is only one counter is working and served the two customer before us. It is pretty fast and soon is our turn.

Again, we handed over all the required documentation including booking confirmation, passport, lDP, driving license to the staff. She will check through again the document properly as this is the final step before take up our rental car.

Out of our surprise, our rental car got free upgraded from Hyundai RAY to Hyundai Avante due the booked car is not ready. She ask for the agreement, of course, we were happy to accepted.

Once everything well explained and ready, we signed on the car rental agreement and paid with a credit card. Please take note, cash is not allowed which already stated at the booking confirmation email.

Step#7: Visual Inspect And Check The Rental Car

What To Do AFter Pick Up Rental Car At Jeju

Lastly, we can proceed to take our rental car located outside of the office based on the location and car number provided.

However, this is not the last step for the pickup process. We need to drive our car to the exit gate for the final check out. Another staff was waiting for us at the exit gate. This guy helped us to perform the visual inspection and fuel level was recorded.

Make sure you don’t skip this process to avoid unnecessary charges. Although the staff mentioned minor scratches are OK when returning. But I personally still snapped the photo on the current scratches and fuel level just in case.

Remember keep the booking agreement and don’t throw it away.

Step#8: GPS Installed and Demo

This is the last step on how to pick up car rental from Jeju Airport. GPS is installed and please ask the staff to set up the GPS language to English. Only voice guidance will change to English but the display is still in Korean.

But no worry as the phone number is the only thing you need to key in when looking for the places. You can also ask the staff to perform a quick demo on how to key in the phone number for place searching. You can anytime google for the places to look for the phone number.

So that’s it. Overall the car rental pick up process is smooth and easy. Start enjoy and explore the beauty of Jeju Island at your own pace after take your car. You can also read more on how to rent a car and drive in Jeju Island if you need more help.

Happy travel!

Get The Mobile Data: Wifi Egg or Sim Card

In case you need help, you can get the Wifi 4G SIM card or wifi egg at Jeju airport directly. The counter is located opposite the exit from the international arrival hall.

Pro Tips: Pre-book early from Klook for cheaper price and collect at the counter once arrival.

Driving in Jeju Island

Driving in Jeju island is very pleasant, unlike mainland of South Korea. I don’t feel stress even at the busy street, just drive as per normal. However, please take note the cars are driving on the right-hand side instead of the left-hand side, which similar US.

Speeding is hard as the GPS keeps on warning with loud sound unless you ignore the warning sound. Speed cameras and cams are everywhere! So take note.

Before your visit, read more on my 6 days Jeju Road Trip Itinerary for the travel idea on what to eat and where to stay in the tiny island.

Jeju City Exploration – Yongduam Rock | Dongmun Market | Black Pork Street
West Coastline – O’sulloc Tea Museum | Innisfree Jeju House | Yongmeori coast
South Coastline – Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff | Jeongbang Waterfall | Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
East Coastline – Sunrise Peak Seongsan Ilchulbong | Udo Island
Hallasan Mountain – Hike up To The Summit Mount Hallasan
Free and easy. All about the beaches and the sea.

Jeju Hotel Review: Wonderful Stay at Whistle Lark

by Emily | posted in: Jeju Island, South Korea | 0

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Check out our Whistle Lark hotel review, a great accommodation stay for those interested in visiting Jeju island with a strategic location of great value.

Jeju Island is the hottest domestic honeymoon location for Korean and a famous tourist destination for family, friends, or solo travelers. Deciding where to stay when getting around in Jeju Island can be a headache.

Jeju city is the first landed place regardless of domestic or international. If you only planned for a limited night for getting around in Jeju, stayed in Jeju city. It is also a great option for the first and last night before heading to Jeju airport.

Where to Stay in Jeju City?

There are two main areas to stay in Jeju city: the old town area or the new town. The Jeju old town is located at the east of the airport with a major famous eatery nearby. While Jeju’s new town is more happening with shopping streets and homes for most of the government buildings.

I am more prefer to stay in Jeju’s old town, as it is more convenient in terms of location, nearby to famous restaurants and top city signs. There are some options for you if you also consider staying in Jeju’s old town.

High range: Hotel Whistle Lark, Ocean Suites Hotel, Hotel Regent Marine The Blue
Mid-range: Check Inn Hotel, Hotel W Topdong, Jeju Palace Hotel
Budget range: Yellow Guesthouse

Some people will opt for accommodation with easy access to public transport.

High range: Astar Hotel, Hotel Shalom Jeju
Mid-range: Golden Park Hotel, Ellui Hotel
Budget range: Yeha Guesthouse, SUM Guesthouse Jeju Airport

Whistle Lark Hotel

We choose to stay at Whistle Lark Hotel in Jeju old town during our first night arriving on Jeju Island. The strategic location, attractive price with four-star standard, and great reviews from customers are something that we choose for it.

Interior Design of Whistle Lark

When we first stepped into the hotel, we were greeted by a friendly English speaking hotel reception. The Check-in process was very smooth and we were getting our hotel room keys fast.

Our room was a twin room featured with two big sizes single comfy beds. It was very spacious and well furnished. Moreover, the bathroom is large with toilet amenities provided.

The balcony is not too big and only limited space to stand after putting the table and two chairs. We have the city view room since we have only one night’s stay in Whistle Lark Hotel. But you opt for an ocean view room with a higher cost.

Overall the room is clean, comfortable, and meet our expectation.

Strategic Central Location

Coastal Walkway In Front Of Hotel Whistle

The winning point of Whistle Lark is its strategic location in the old town area. It is located close to Jeju airport with less than a 10-minute driving journey. So it is a great option for the first and last night’s stay at the airport.

There is a coastal walkway for strolling along with breezing sea wind in front of the Whistle Lark Hotel. You will meet the Hotel Regent Marine The Blue and Ocean Suites Hotel if you walk along the walkway.

Furthermore, there are dozens of eateries and restaurants within short walking distance. Black port street, sashimi street, Dongmun market, and Jungang underground shopping street also can be reached within a short walk.

After checking into the room, we choose to walk to Dongmun market for some local flavor before dinner. We opted for Dombedon, a popular restaurant on black pork street for our first dinner on Jeju Island.

See more of our dining experience in Dombedon

Cons of Whistle Lark Hotel

There is an amusement park across the street from Whistle Lark Hotel. So sometimes it can be very noisy with loud K-pop music. So beware and ask for a quiet room if possible.

The infinity swimming pool is one attractive point for Whistle Lark but unfortunately not in use during our stay.

Our Whistle Lark Hotel Review

In short, our stay at Whistle Lark Hotel is satisfactory. It is a great base to explore the vibrant city with a strategic location within walking distance. There is a breakfast option available if you want. But since we have not purchased the breakfast option so we hardly comment about it.

There is still room for improvement including the cleanliness and service. However, looking at the room price, it is a great value for 4-star accommodation in Jeju city. Plenty of car parks is available so good for those with self-driving in Jeju.

Top 10 Must Eat Food in Jeju, Ultimate Jeju Food Guide

by Emily | posted in: Asia Food Guide, Jeju Island, South Korea | 0

Last updated on June 28th, 2024

The top 10 Jeju must eat food and suggest the best restaurant for you to try on when visiting Jeju Island.

Jeju Island, South Korea is famous for a holiday destination from the local and international traveler. For such a tiny island, there is a wide variety of unique and special that you hardly find in other places. So, what to eat in Jeju and where can be a headache.

Since Jeju is full of unique specialty dishes and it is hard to fit all the must-eat into your Jeju itinerary. We look for the best and must eat food during our 6 days road trip in Jeju Island. Most of the food and restaurant recommended was taste and reviewed by ourselves. We also listed an alternative option for your choices to meet your appetite.

Below the top 10 must eat food in Jeju is something that you shouldn’t be missed. Feel free to share your opinion and comment about your food review when visiting those restaurants. Some of the places are hard to reach by public transport. So we highly recommended renting a car for flexibility to look for food and must-visit Jeju attraction. Check out RentalCars from Booking.com if you are not sure about the price with various rental companies to compare for the best price guarantee.

Top 10 Must Eat Jeju Food Guide:

Heuk Dwaeji | Jeju Black Pork
Haemultang | Seafood Hot Pot Stew
Fresh Abalone (Rice porridge, Stone hot pot, grilled abalone, slices of raw abalone)
Fresh Seafood Platter from Haenyeos (octopus, sea urchins, sea cucumber, and others shellfish)
Kimbap | Korean Rice Roll
Guksu | Korean Noodles (hot, cold; with broth or dry)
Peanut Ice Cream
Seafood Ramen
Galchi Jorim | Hairtail Fish Soup
Snack Food in Market

Jeju Travel Tips: When looking for the best prices and biggest selection of hotels in Jeju, always check from Jeju best Hotels from booking.com. We found they are the best option with great cancellation policy. Best Overall Hotel in Jeju: Shilla Stay Jeju

1#Heuk Dwaeji | Jeju Black Pork

Neulbom Heukdwaeji Samgyeopsal pork belly — Charcoal Barbecued Black Pork

Probably the most famous and must try when visiting Jeju. It is classed as Pig’s Wagyu and tastes good in grilled or Korean BBQ. Jeju black pork or the heak-dwaeji is so popular and they even have a black pork street devoted to it. Jeju black pig is found exclusive and bred only on the island. It eliminated human waste from their diet and this is the secret that their meat with cultivated taste.

Best Grilled Black Pork Restaurant in Jeju: Each restaurant has its recipe and cooking method. So it is hard to choose the best black pork restaurant in Jeju. Anyway, below are the top picked black pork restaurant in Jeju Island.

Dombedon (돔베돈) is Michelin Starred Black Pork Restaurant, located in black pork street. It is famous for its special prepared meat with using traditional cooking methods unlike many restaurants in Jeju Island. So their black pork is very juicy and tasty even in grilled.
You can also consider Hwaro Hyang (화로향) located at the same black pork street and famous among locals and tourists. Tasty and authentic black pork is served in this restaurant.
Neulbom Heukdwaeji (늘봄흑돼지) is famous for their Samgyeopsal (boneless cut of pork belly) which grilled over charcoal instead of gas stove. You can choose either marinated or non-marinated pork and each has its distinct taste and flavors.
Lastly, Donsadon served the quality black pork grilled over the charcoal. Many locals and even Korean stars are heading over to have a taste on their famous barbecued black. pork.

Price: slightly more expensive compare with regular pork, expected ₩20,000 – ₩25,000 per person.

See our black pork food review in Dombedon and Neulbom Heukdwaeji during our 6 days road trip in Jeju Island.

2#Haemultang | Seafood Hot Pot Stew

Samseonghyeol Haemultang Seafood Hot Pot

Haemultang is one of the Korea traditional dish and very popular among the foreigner looking for authentic taste. This spicy seafood stew is served in a hot pot; filled with a wide variety of seafood and vegetables in spicy broth. Thanks to the freshly catch from the ocean, Haemultang is very famous in Jeju Island. Seafood lovers can enjoy squid, octopus, cuttlefish, clams, crabs or even abalone in a single bowl of haemultang.

Best Haemultang Restaurant in Jeju:

Samseonghyeol Haemultang Restaurant is a specialty in haemultang. It guarantees the freshness as the seafood served is still alive when cooking in front of you. Enjoy the satisfying meal with exotic seafood with a unique experience. It is extremely fresh with the original flavor hot pot soup.

Price: A bowl of haemultang can be expensive depending on the seafood quality. Normally roughly ₩15,000 – ₩30,000 per person.

3#Fresh Abalone

Grilled Abalone Closer Look — Grilled Abalone from Myeongjin Jeonbok

There is no better place to taste fresh abalone but in Jeju. Abalone is one of the expensive food even for the canned version. But in Jeju, fresh abalone is something affordable and served in a variety of cooking methods. Served nice in grill, saw slides, porridge or with rice. It is definitely must included onto the top 10 must eat food in Jeju.

Price: ranging from ₩8,000 – ₩30,000 depend on the dishes.

Best Abalone Porridge in Jeju: Jeju is so famous for its fresh abalone especially harvested by haenyeo. You can found haenyeo house at almost every coastal village in Jeju.

Myeongjin Jeonbok Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurant in Jeju. Specialty in fresh abalone, this restaurant only served four signature abalone dishes. Have an abalone feast from abalone porridge, abalone sizzling stone pot rice, grilled abalone, and sliced raw abalone. Their perfection dishes make it ranked in number#1 Jeju restaurant from TripAdvisor. A must eat when visiting Jeju Island.

4#Fresh Seafood Platter from Haenyeos

Haenyeo women sea-divers — Fresh Seafood Platter from Haenyeos

Haenyeo, Female Sea Diver is one of the unique and extraordinary cultures found only in Jeju Island and Japan. Jeju haenyeo dived under the sea by holding their breath without an oxygen mask to collect seaweed and seafood. Their harvest including octopus, sea urchins, sea cucumber, oysters, abalone, and others shellfish.

You can see some of the seafood stalls in the attraction spot selling the freshly catch from haenyeo. Enjoy a plate of raw seafood platter with Korean soju; sitting on plastic stool accompany with a breathtaking view is something unique and only found in Jeju. Else, heading to sashimi street in Jeju city where you can have a wide variety of restaurants serving the fresh sashimi.

Price: Normally ₩10,000 per plate depending on what type of seafood you choose.

5#Kimbap | Korean Rice Roll

Abalone On Rice — Abalone Kimbap from Kim Man Bok Restaurant

Kimbap which used to be a special homemade meal, transformed into the most consumed lunch meal due to its simple, easy, and natural eating method.

Best Kimbap in Jeju: Jeju has a lot of delicious Kimbap house; served their unique recipe in the rice roll. Below are the most loved kimbap places in Jeju by locals and tourists.

Kim Man Bok is hugely famous due to its unique presentation of eggs and abalone kimbap. Lots of people even locals are queuing for their abalone kimbap which found only in Jeju. Expect for a long wait if you plan to try them.
The ‘hwawoossam kimbap’ from famous Dagami Kimbap is featured with uncommon ingredients like garlic, bean paste, and spicy pepper. The price is not cheap but you will know why when the kimbap is served. The kimbap roll is so big that we need to use plastic wrap instead of a chopstick to enjoy the kimbap.

6#Guksu | Korean Noodles

Noodles is one of the signature food in Korean traditional dishes and enjoyed by all social classes. Typically Korean noodles can be served in hot, cold; with broth or dry. While most noodles house in Jeju will be served the three noodles in their menu: pork soup noodles, anchovy soup noodles, and cold spicy noodles.

The main focus on the guksu dishes probably is their delectable broth from chicken, beef, pork, seafood or anchovy. While Bibim guksu, cold noodles dishes served in a spicy sauce topped with different types of ingredients. One of the favorite Korean noodles in hot summer.

Best noodles house in Jeju: Guksu Geori (Noodle Street) is a popular street in Jeju filled with noodles house. Most of the noodles restaurant is authentic and small. So expect wait time for a bowl of delicious guksu especially at peak hour.

Jamae Guksu or Sisters Noodles served the famous gogi guksu topped with Jeju black pork meat slides. Their bimbi guksu or myeolchi guksu are also one of the must-try when visiting this noodles house in Jeju.
Ollae Guksu served tasty traditional noodle soup with pork. A generous portion of wheat noodles in rich broth; topped with pork slides, onions, vegetables.
Samdae Guksu Heogwan is another good option for a hearty meal when visiting Jeju. Again, signature slide pork noodle in rich broth is one of the must-try.

Price: Noodles is one of the best cheap eat in Jeju. You can enjoy a big bowl of delicious tasty guksu at around ₩8,000.

7# Peanut Ice Cream

One of the reasons to visit Udo Island is to discover the white sand beach and emerald sea. But don’t forget to try the peanut ice cream while you are on Udo Island. Famed for locally grown peanut, this dessert has come with vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with peanut in a variety of decoration. It is something sweet and refreshing to treat you in comfort.

Best Peanut Ice Cream in Udo Island: Most of cafe in Udo served peanut ice cream in a variety of cute decoration. We highly recommended enjoying this sweet treat when you are in Geommeolle. At here, you enjoy the vista view of the beach with various of cafe to choose from. Just grab either one with the best view to enjoy the homemade soft sweetness of ice cream with Udo peanut.

Jimmy’s (지미스), Dennis Cafe (대니스카페) or Udo Prince Story (우도왕자이야기) are top three selection from us.

Price for peanut ice cream: roughly ₩4,000 – ₩5,000.

8#Seafood Ramen

Ramen is not a unique food in Jeju, but for sure Jeju has the best seafood ramen thanks to its freshly catch from the sea. You can have fresh crab, shells, musses, or octopus from a single bowl of seafood ramen. Don’t forget to grab a bowl of hot seafood ramen when visiting Udo.

Best Seafood Ramen in Jeju: Nolman is very popular and famous for its seafood ramen. It even gets interviewed by the TV show. Come early if you don’t wish to wait for more than 1 hour just for a bowl of seafood ramen.

9#Galchi Jorim | Hairtail Fish Soup

Galchi Jorim, or hairtail fish is a long, thin, strange-looking silverfish. It is very hard to catch and difficult to preserve the freshness of it. Well, this is the main reason Jeju has the most delicious hairtail fish dishes, freshly caught from the sea. Often served in grilled or boiled into fish skew with fish and vegetables. This fish dish is very popular especially among the locals when visiting Jeju.

Best Hairtail Fish Restaurant in Jeju:

Manna Sikdang is the most well-known place served the hairtail fish dishes. Locals know it for sure. This restaurant only served two dishes: spicy hairtail stew and saba fish stew. Beware that the hairtail stew can be easily sold out early. Open from 8.30 a.m morning and close around 1-2 p.m once it has sold finish.
Negeori Restaurant is a specialty on their hairtail fish dishes in Seogwipo. Once you taste, you will be amazed by how the freshness of these fish dishes.

Prices: Hairtail fish dish is not cheap and price can be ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 just for a bowl of spicy fish stew. It can very expensive for a whole hairtail fish. Some locals even choose to get a fresh hairtail from the market and cook it on their own when visiting Jeju.

10# Snack Food in Market

I have include the snack food in the market onto my top 10 must eat food in Jeju. Sometimes, I love to spend time exploring the market when visiting a country. South Korea and Japan are very similar, as both will served numerous of snack food in the market. You can have some snack or filling meal for your breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Try the black pork or crab croquettes, fried chicken, Omegi rice cake, skewers, kimbap, black pork dumplings, Hallabong drink when visiting the market.

Best Market For Snack Food in Jeju: Most snack food sold in South Korea is very similar, so the same as Jeju Island. While Jeju island’s specialty in their black pork, so no surprise to see the black pork snack in the market.

Jeju Minsok Five Day Market is the biggest Jeju farmer market. Experience and taste the unique traditional food in the market if you have the opportunity to meet it every 5 days. Check the market schedule for your coming visit.
Dongmun Market is a traditional indoor market in Jeju, selling local produces, fish, souvenirs and general goods. The newly open Dongmun night market in March 2018 with plenty of food choices, operated from 6 p.m. until midnight.
Lastly is the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market in the south of Jeju island. The best thing about this Olle market is the lined seats along the middle of the market. It is part of the great consideration to provide a seating location for customers to enjoy their foods.

Jeju Self-Driving For Natural And Food Itinerary

This Jeju food post is part of our 6 days Jeju road trip itinerary Series. Again, self-driving is the best way to exploring beauty. We rented our car from RentalCars from Booking.com with the cheapest and customer reputation guarantee. The pickup process is very simple and we have documented how to rent and pick up your rental car from Jeju Airport.

Read also our other Jeju travel blog posts on:

How To Plan For Your Wonderful Jeju Road Trip

Day#1: Jeju City Exploration – Yongduam Rock | Dongmun Market | Black Pork Street
Day#2: Jeju West Coastline – O’sulloc Tea Museum | Innisfree Jeju House | Yongmeori coast
Day#3: Jeju South Coastline – Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff | Jeongbang Waterfall | Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market | Seopjikoji
Day#4: Jeju East Coastline – Sunrise Peak Seongsan Ilchulbong | Udo Island
Day#5: Hallasan Mountain – Hike up To The Summit Mount Hallasan
Day#6: All about the beaches and the sea.

To plan on your Jeju itinerary, please check out our accommodation guide on where to stay in Jeju. We include the best hotel, guesthouse, and pension in Jeju Island for your selection.

Ultimate Guide For Your Jeju holiday – Where To Stay In Jeju

Below are where we stay in Jeju:

Hotel and pension in Jeju City: We stayed at two different places in Jeju city, before and after the round island trip. Hotel Whistle Lark is strategically located with walking distance to the black pork street and Dongmun market. While At Corner Resort & Garden Jeju is a wooden holiday house with overlooked garden and sea view.

Pension in Seogwipo: Jeju Aurum is a beautiful lava beach front pension with a beautiful sea view with sunrise featured.

Pension in Seongsan: B&Sun Pension is a cozy pension run by ahjumma with her family. A budget guesthouse with unique Korean homestay experience in Jeju.

Budapest Food Guide: Best Place For Local Must-Eat Food

by Emily | posted in: Europe Food Guide, Hungary | 0

Last updated on October 19th, 2024

Budapest food guide with must eat food and best of Budapest restaurants, from international to Hungarian favorite. Find out where and what to eat when visiting Budapest.

It’s easy to fall in love with Budapest especially their awesome food. Most Hungarian food has its origin in the culinary, formed from the nation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If you are looking for where and what to eat in Budapest for your food hunt, look no further.

So, read more on Budapest Food Guide with Top 7 Must Eat Food in Budapest from us. You will know for sure where and what to eat in Budapest!

Table of Contents

Budapest Food Guide: What To Eat

The great thing about Budapest is how cheap everything is. While most of the restaurants in Budapest only with limited seats; be prepare to queue or try to make your reservation. But I am pretty sure it is worth the wait. We listed down the top 7 must eat food and the best restaurant in Budapest which we think worth a visit.

Budapest Food Guide – The Must-eat Local Food in Budapest

Hearty Breakfast.
Budapest Street Food: Lángos – The best thing to eat in Budapest!
Local Hungarian Cuisine.
Fine Dining at Michelin Star Restaurant.
Coffee, Cake, Dessert.
Drink in Ruin Bar.
Food in Central Market Hall.

Budapest Travel Tips: When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Budapest, check prices for Budapest Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.

Hearty Breakfast

STIKA Salmon Benny — Breakfast in STIKA Budapest

Start your day with a great breakfast! There is a numerous choice of best breakfast restaurant to choose in Budapest. From classic western style to local Hungarian breakfast; all worth to wake you up from the cozy warm bed for a wonderful breakfast.

Here are some of the best breakfast foods in Budapest to try and the best restaurants in Budapest to taste them at.

Best Breakfast Restaurant in Budapest:

STIKA Gastropub is the first and best hipster restaurant served delicious all-day breakfast in Budapest. Famous for their poaches to perfection egg benedict and fluffy savory pancakes; a perfect match with their great coffee.
Szimply served amazing tasty food with beautifully presented. Szimply is a tiny place in a hidden alley with only a few tables; run by a group of super creative chill team. Limited menu selection but all their food is very healthy and tasty. The Avocado Toast is their top seller.
Cirkusz is the best place for Hungarian or western breakfast in Budapest with a great range of menu choices. You will be blown away with how great the food is. Great ambiance, reasonable price with friendly staff.

Budapest Street Food: Lángos

Lángos is authentic Hungarian street food, deep-fried dough in a round flat shape, topped with loads of cheese, sour cream, and garlic. In recent years, langos become more like pizza bases where you can add all sorts of toppings like ham, sausage, tuna, meat, salad, etc for savory taste on this snack.

Great taste and the variety of possible combinations. Langos is popular all year long and very convenient to grab and go.

Best Langos in Budapest:

Retró Lángos Büfé offers a variety of street food but the langos are what you should go for! A great place for you to experience and taste it. This tiny shop with only a few tables in front of the stall. But it is very popular as they serve good quality langos with a wide variety of toppings. Freshly fried, tasty and cheap.
While most of the street markets served this traditional Hungarian street food. Central Market and Street Food Karavan is a great place for you to look for langos with different varieties of topping.

Local Hungarian Cuisine

Goose Liver Dishes in Kiskakukk Étterem — Local Hungarian Cruise in Kiskakukk Étterem

Don’t miss out to taste an authentic Hungarian dish in Budapest. There are so many restaurants to choose from when you’re looking for the best Hungarian food. You will fall in love with goose liver, goulash, duck or goose dish and more.

Below are some of the recommendation restaurant from our Budapest Budapest food guide to try when you are visiting.

Best Hungarian Cuisine Restaurant in Budapest:

Kiskakukk Étterem is a traditional old-time Hungarian restaurant with a cozy and ambiance dining atmosphere. It served a local taste of Hungarian Cuisine in great value. Enjoy the simplicity of the presentation but the amazing quality and quantity of food.
Antré Étterem served the original Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist. All the well-prepared food is beautifully presented in contemporary palates. Creative chef, friendly staff with very professional services. Tasty food!
Menza is one of the very popular restaurants in Budapest. Located in busy Liszt Ferenc Ter, Menza is a great place for lunch or dinner. Well designed restaurant, beautiful atmosphere, coupled with an excellent quality meal. This restaurant is very busy every day, so do make your reservation to avoid a long time queue.
Gundel Etterem is the 125-year-old classic style fine dining restaurant in Budapest. It located in a baroque palace with vaulted ceilings and splendid decoration. Served by professional staff for their beautifully presented gourmet cuisine. Certainly not an inexpensive meal, but worth it.

We visited the Kiskakukk Étterem to taste on their Hungarian Cruisine during our trip to Budapest. Read on our food trip to Kiskakukk Etterem.

Fine Dining at Michelin Star Restaurant

business Lunch Served At Costes Downtown — Fine Dining in Costes Downtown (Michelin Star Restaurant)

Budapest is a culinary paradise with a total of six Michelin star restaurants as in 2019. There is no better place to experience the Michelin Star fine dining as Budapest is a relatively low price compare with other European countries. You will be delighted and amazed by the amazing flavors, tastes, presentations for your world-class fine dining experience. A must try in Budapest food guide.

Michelin Star Restaurant in Budapest:

Costes Restaurant is known for its innovative French signature cuisine with a creative and beautiful presentation. It earned the first Michelin Star for Hungary sine 2010 until now. The food is superb in every aspect; from presentation to taste.
Costes Downtown is the sister restaurant from the Costes Restaurant, awarded with Michelin Star soon after its opening in 2016. One of the biggest surprises from the Costes Downtown is its business lunch menu where can fine dining at a very affordable price.
Onyx is the only restaurant in Budapest with two Michelin Star. It is a classic old-school European restaurant serving the interesting twist food with a combination of textures and flavors.
The remaining three Michelin Starred Restaurant in Budapest are Babel Budapest, Borkonyha (Winekitchen) and Stand Restaurant.

Read on my Michelin dining in Costes Downtown for their business lunch meal.

Coffee, Cake, Dessert

New York Cafe Coffee — Tea time in New York Cafe Budapest

Budapest is highly caffeinated with several specialty coffee houses in the city. Their cafe culture began in the 16th century. Be sure to stop for coffee and cake at least one when visiting Budapest. Locals and tourists love to spend their afternoon tea by enjoying good coffee with a slide of delicious cake and dessert in a pleasant atmosphere.

Best Cafe in Budapest:

New York Cafe Budapest located in New York Palace Hotel; rated as the Most Beautiful cafe in the World. The historical building is grandeur decorated with splendid architecture and a vaulted ceiling. Enjoy the opulence of a great Austro-Hungarian empire for over 100 years with a cup of coffee after the long city tour. See how we spend time in New York Cafe Budapest.
Ruszwurm Confectionery is the oldest pastry shop in Budapest; served their homemade pastry, cakes, coffee, and strudel. It is a family cafe that survived World War II. It is so popular that it was once the Queen of Hungary was craving for the cakes as breakfast.
Cafe Gerbeaud is the most traditional cafe in the heart of Budapest. Must try the famous Dobos Torte if you are visiting Cafe Gerbeaud. This traditional Hungarian cake is comprised of a few-layer of sponge cake and chocolate buttercream. It topped with caramel and nuts at sides. Light, fluffy and utterly delicious. Come here to explore the old world charm with specialty cake.

Drink in Ruin Bar

Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar in Budapest — Drink in Ruin Bar

Drinking in a ruin bar is one of the unique experiences in Budapest. Imaging has a cool drink inside the pre-war building which full of artistic creativity. Well, each of the ruin bars has its personality and vibe of their own. Look for the one that prefers the most to spend your time or night inside.

Best ruin bar in Budapest:

Szimpla Kert is the old Jewish quarter is the first and most iconic ruin bar in Budapest. It also the biggest and most popular since day one the ruin bar culture formed. All rooms have different themes with drinks, snacks and food served from 12 pm to 4 am.
Instant & Fagos Haz is another famous ruin bar in Budapest with different themes available. The vibe of Instant and Fagos Haz are more like clubs like party with bar counter and dancing floors. Head over if you’re in the mood of dancing and experience the nightlife in Budapest.
Mazel Tov Budapest is a stylish place to eat and drink at the Jewish Quarter. It combined the art and eatery culture, serving the traditional Jewish cuisine by day. It turns to a stunning party garden with live entertainment and a lovely vibe at night.

Food in Central Market Hall

Shopping In Budapest Central Market — Food in Central Market Budapest

Central Market is one of the must-visit in Budapest. Build-in 1897, Central Market Hall is the oldest and biggest market place in Budapest. The beautiful tiled roof indoor building consists of two floors of local produces, foods and souvenirs. It is a great place to buy paprika, herbs, Tokaji as souvenirs back to your home country.

What to eat in Central Market Budapest: Major food stalls are located on the second floor of Central Market. While we no recommended you to have heavy lunch here as there are so many wonderful restaurants around. However, you can try and eat some of the authentic local food here like sausage, goulash, salami, dumpling, langos, pickles and more.

Overview: What To Eat in Budapest

I hope this Budapest food guide has been useful and inspired to try some of the Budapest must eat food when eating here. We never had an empty tummy and were completely blown away by the food that we ate in Budapest. Let’s plan for a trip to Budapest!

A Guide for Three Days Budapest Itinerary

If you are looking for things to do and what to eat in Central Europe, check out our travel itinerary and food experience when we are traveling around. The world-class scenery and yummy food that we taste in 13 days Central Europe itinerary are memorable for us.

Complete Central Europe Itinerary: Top 3 Must Visit Country

More detail on our Central Europe Travel Blog here:

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