New York Café, the Most Beautiful Café in the World! It's Actually in Budapest!

Three years ago, I visited the "New York Café," known as the "most beautiful café in the world."

Despite its name, it's not in New York—it's in Budapest, Hungary. It got its name because the building originally housed the New York Insurance Company.

Since it opened in 1894, countless people from all over the world have lingered at its entrance, eager to catch a glimpse of this palace-like café. I also stood in a long, crowded line for quite a while before I finally got a seat.

Still, even the waiting area was stunningly beautiful!

This café isn't just famous for its beauty. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, Budapest was a cultural hub of Europe. Countless writers and poets sat here, penning moving works amidst the aroma of coffee. My visit was a pilgrimage, I suppose? Haha.

Legend has it that back then, if someone in Europe told a taxi driver "Take me to New York," no one would be taken to the real New York—they'd end up at this café in Budapest. I suspect this story is a bit exaggerated; a more plausible version might be that if you addressed a letter to "New York" in the recipient's address, it would be delivered here.

The bustling New York Café, always packed, isn't just for coffee—it also serves incredibly authentic Hungarian cuisine.

The giant pork chop—yes, you read that right, a pork chop as big as your face—is originally an Austrian specialty.

Probably due to geographical proximity, it's also popular in Hungary.

Given the large number of Eastern Europeans in Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s, fried pork chops and the following traditional Hungarian beef soup are very similar to Shanghai dishes, perfectly suiting our taste. Yes, you're not mistaken—this dish is indeed called "soup," even though you mostly see meat, haha.

The broth tastes like a heartier version of borscht, filled with tender beef, potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and more.

Tearing off a piece of hard bread and dipping it in the soup is the most "Hungarian" way to eat. As we ate, we realized Hungarians are very honest—there was so much beef in the soup that it took a long time to finish.

The mixed crispy ice cream balls were also delicious. Since the average cost of living in Hungary is not high, the price of a lunch is quite reasonable—100 to 200 RMB per person is enough, and 300 is plenty.

In short, sitting by a sunlit window, there's no reason not to enjoy Budapest's beautiful scenery.

This palace-like café is worth a thorough look. It still retains its elegant style from the past, blending Renaissance and Baroque elements with Budapest's wonderfully inclusive aesthetic. The entire hall is resplendent, with staircases, columns, and arcades all exuding extreme luxury.

Sitting quietly in such a setting, sipping coffee and enjoying a dessert, reading a book or writing a few lines like people did a hundred years ago, you'll ask yourself: Who am I? Where am I? Why am I so lucky to have this moment?

The murals by the renowned painter Károly Lotz and the surrounding reliefs are no less impressive than the interior of many European palaces.

The most astonishing thing is the orchestra that regularly appears in the hall above a staircase on the second floor, performing live music.

The moment the music starts, the whole atmosphere will remind you of "Sissi"! It feels like dancing in a palace with her. In fact, the stills I found online are not as luxurious, exquisite, or dazzling as the New York Café itself.

There is also a basement level in the New York Café, likely used as a bar. Amid the intricate carvings and ornate patterns, I walked through several doors framed by wavy marble columns, regretting not wearing a long dress to match the grandeur.

There's also a second floor, probably used for dinner service, but it wasn't open for lunch.

Turning around, I saw a small door behind me where waitstaff were serving dishes, smiling at the endless stream of tourists taking photos. I deliberately visited the restroom—even the lamp on the sink was retro and elegant.

The building that houses the New York Café is now a hotel,

commonly called "New York Palace." The doormen are dressed in a very royal manner. The street lamps on the building's exterior are statues of gods holding lanterns while flying.

I recall that day, the sky outside shifted from sunny to overcast, but Budapest's beauty suits any mood. I can't forget it, nor can I think about it too much... because I don't know when the next time will be.

Once the pandemic is over, I must visit Budapest again. It's one of my favorite cities and is also great for family trips.

Taking a European river cruise, like Viking River Cruises, can take you back and forth between Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria, passing through Slovakia, Germany, and other places, for an 8- or 11-day trip. Actually, I had originally planned to go on the Danube route again this summer to fulfill my Budapest dream.

Last time, I combined it with a trip to Croatia, and you can also travel by train. For children, the Budapest City Park is an absolute wonderland. It has hot springs, a zoo, an amusement park, a botanical garden...

There's also an Agricultural Museum in the park, which is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Each season has its own unique beauty—you can even ice skate in winter!

As the world's capital of hot springs, you must soak in Budapest's thermal baths. The Széchenyi Bath in the park is over 100 years old, with three large outdoor public pools and dozens of indoor specialty pools. Looking down from above, it's simply breathtaking. Many Hungarians love to play chess while soaking in the pools.

Perhaps the next journey will begin soon.

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