Ghraoui Chocolate Budapest
The sweet empire strikes back
Iulia from Budapest
When history haunts the streets of Budapest, it is mostly with the memories of a more familiar empire, the Habsburg one. But on Andrássy avenue you will find a strange but wonderful guest from the Levant. Ghraoui confectionery was founded in 1805 in Damascus, Syria, and was widely known for its sumptuous preserved fruit. In 1931, they added chocolate to the repertoire, and never looked back, winning multiple awards for their delicately, carefully crafted delicacies. Then came the war, and suddenly making chocolate seemed like an impossible dream. The Ghraoui family would however not give up, and they relocated their business, and factory, to Hungary, a poignant choice, given the local government’s often controversial policies on migration. Even in exile, the Ghraouis tried, as much as the times allowed it, to still source ingredients, such as almonds, apricots or oranges, from their lost homeland and offered financial help to their former employees.
Their Budapest flagship store was designed by French architect Bruno Moinard, the walls adorned with bas-reliefs recreating a Mediterranean orchard. Just wandering around the shelves is a feast for the senses, and you haven’t even tasted the chocolate yet. When you do, you will perhaps understand what Proust was writing about when he described his lovely madeleines. But Ghraoui’s chocolates take you on an even more exotic adventure. These are tastes you’ve never tasted, yet somehow remember, proof that when we invest time, love, and care we can save the past from oblivion, one bite at a time.
Budapest Spotter Iulia
About this spot
Our Budapest City Guide
Find your way with 176 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
Auróra
Home for the most diverse
Auróra in Budapest is a place to create, attend workshops, concerts, parties, rituals... A big survivor in the district and it keeps fighting!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Arquitecto Pitpit
The secret garden
In the place of a former canteen, a tapas bar opened, with the cute name of Arquitecto Pitpit, recalling the birds that often chirp in this leafy court.
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Csendes Vintage Bar & Café
Surrealist blast
"Csendes Vintage Bar & Café" in Budapest means 'quiet' but the name is a bit misleading - it's a buzzy ruin bar without the rains & a comfortable eatery...
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Nagymaros
Nature & culture by the Danube
Ready for an easy yet unforgettable day trip just 40 minutes from Budapest’s city center? Hills, beaches, farmers’ markets, and events await in Nagymaros!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Bottomless Lake
Oasis in Buda
There's a myriad of urban legends; claiming that it managed to swallow tanks during WW2 or that after the system change '89 dead bodies were washed ashore.
by
Mária
Morozova
The Magic
Tasty Harry Potter experience
It does not look like Hogwarts, but rather a medieval castle where each part has a reference to an event or a place from the books of J. K. Rowling...
by
Mária
Morozova
Zoo Cafe
Meet the animals
One of the ideas behind the place is to give a possibility for those who want to adopt an animal to try spending some time with them at the café.
by
Mária
Morozova
Pál-Völgyi Cave
Get adventurous
The cave is famous for its funny-shaped dripstones, significant differences in levels & narrow corridors. Let your fantasy run free at the Fairy Tale hall.
by
Mária
Morozova
House of Music
Feel the vibes
You can try out various sizable musical instruments & jump on the inbuilt constructions that produce sounds, and it is accessible outside of working hours.
by
Mária
Morozova
Koller Gallery
A secret garden
The coolest part of the gallery is the secret garden that I cherish for its peace and possibility to experience arts and nature simultaneously.
by
Mária
Morozova
Medieval Wall of Pest
The memory of the past
The first wall was erected around Pest in the 13th century, but it was soon deconstructed. Another wall around Pest was built a century later...
by
Mária
Morozova
Heading to Budapest?
176 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Budapest?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 176 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Budapest
Our team loves Budapest
Get to know our other Spotters from Budapest
As featured on:
