Ibolya Espresso is a normal retro bar with a terrace in a beautiful area of Budapest. It tries to show the mood of the good old times, and it manages to do it well.
But the reason I love this place is that here I can drink an old-school Hungarian fizzy drink: Bambi.
Bambi was born two years after World War II, in 1947. The drink was so popular, they had to import a machine from the GDR to accelerate production. But after that, we got Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and their popularity killed Bambi in the year 1968. Two years later, instead of Bambi, Pepsi was being manufactured by the East German lines at Margitsziget in the Metropolitan Mineral Water and Ice Industry Company. Bambi came out again in the early 2000s, made in small quantities by the Budapest Spa and Hévizei Zrt.
But on the tests there was a little problem with it: the old Bambi fans said that the tarry aftertaste was missing. Yes, Bambi had a tarry aftertaste (nowadays it doesn't), because during the times of shortage economy Bambi would sometimes be made from rotten orange oil (and rotten orange oil has a tarry aftertaste).
Find your way with 176 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Don't let appearances fool you, at Monori Center you will find some of the most authentic Chinese restaurants that serve seafood, hot pots, and dumplings.
by
The plaques with water markers set in stone refer to the most devastating flood of March of 1938 when water levels reached up to 2,6 meters high.
by
The greatest part? Here you will see not only happy children of any age but also smiling adults that enjoy the place at least as much as kids, if not more.
by
The place was a nest of all the alternative folks of Budapest who were hanging out there, criticizing the politics, organizing concerts and discussions.
by
176 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 176 Insider Tips