I have a confession to make: when it comes to stationery, I lose control. There are those days when I need to get a treat, which for me can be a new notebook. The problem is that in chains, and normal stores, you find standard notebooks. I want special notebooks. Here comes a little secret: a store in the Jewish quarter.

I stop here when I go to the Klauzal Square market to get Italian radicchio (another tip for you). Lúd Labor is a small store containing a vast universe. It makes me feel like in a fairytale where I can find every object I dream of. They have planners, paintings of Budapest, funny cards, stickers, bags, and pens. I could buy literally everything they sell – and make.

Make, because the driving brand of Lúd Labor is Papetri, which is handmade in this area, therefore unique, and it’s the reason this store was opened in the first place in 2019. “About 70% of our items are from local designers. We have also a whole section of Dutch bags –  including covers for books, super cute – and high-quality pens which are also imported” the owner (who is beyond friendly) explained to me. Lúd means goose, and the name “Goose Laboratory” (Lúd Labor) is a tribute to the Jewish traders of poultry, who used to live in this area. There is something special about gentle stationery, and I find it here, from the scent of fresh paper to the smile of those loving it.