Budapest’s beloved chimney cake gets a gluten- and dairy-free twist at Édes Mackó, the specialist kürtőskalács patisserie on Állatkerti körút. Every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m., the team fires up the charcoal and bakes gluten-free and dairy-free versions of the iconic Transylvanian-Hungarian pastry, no pre-order needed. The address is 1146 Budapest, District 14 – Zugló, Állatkerti krt. 14–16, tucked into the Holnemvolt Vár Riding Hall (Holnemvolt Vár Lovarda) along Zoo Boulevard (Állatkerti körút), with both indoor and outdoor terraces ready for sweet-toothed crowds.
If you’re craving the allergen-friendly take on other days, there’s a weekday workaround: the patisserie will bake gluten- and dairy-free chimney cakes Monday to Friday by special order with a minimum of four pieces, placed at least one day ahead. They also do their best to meet extra custom requests on demand, so if you’re picturing a particular coating or want to align with dietary specifics, ask. On Wednesdays and Fridays, just show up—and breathe in that warm cinnamon-sugar cloud rolling off the grills.
Édes Mackó calls itself Hungary’s first kürtőskalács patisserie, dedicated to turning the traditional, charcoal-baked spiral into a lineup of desserts. You’ll find the classic crisp, caramelized crusts alongside playful creations fashioned from kürtőskalács itself—think pastry reimagined in new textures and forms, served fresh on the spot. It’s an easy add-on to a City Park day: the café lies right by the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), City Park (Városliget) promenades and museums, and major sports hubs like Puskás Ferenc Stadium (Puskás Ferenc Stadion) and Papp László Budapest Sport Arena (Papp László Sportaréna) just a hop away.
When to Go
Gluten- and dairy-free kürtőskalács baking begins at 10 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday in Budapest, no reservation required on these days. Other weekday bakes are by pre-order only, minimum four pieces, ordered at least one day in advance. The organizers reserve the right to change times and programs, so if you’re planning a group visit or a special order, it’s smart to confirm ahead.
Beyond those anchor days, related Budapest dates are rolling across the calendar, including 2026.05.01 and 2026.05.06, with more to come. The patisserie’s format—and its terrace setup—makes it a handy choice for a morning treat, an afternoon sugar fix, or a sweet pit stop between museums, concerts, or sports events.
Where You’ll Find It
Location: 1146 Budapest, District 14 – Zugló, Állatkerti krt. 14–16, in the Holnemvolt Vár Riding Hall (Holnemvolt Vár Lovarda) on Zoo Boulevard (Állatkerti körút).
This slice of Zugló balances the green calm of City Park with quick access to Budapest’s center. If you’re traveling in, the neighborhood is well stocked with places to stay—from business-friendly hotels to family-run pensions—clustered around the stadiums and the M2 metro line. It’s one of those corners of the city where you can spend a whole day: stroll the park, hit an exhibition, and finish with sugar-dusted spirals fresh off the embers.
Eat, Sit, Stay
At Édes Mackó, kürtőskalács is the main character, baked over live coals the classic way for that shiny, toffee-like crust and soft interior. The patisserie leans into creativity: beyond the standard cinnamon or vanilla sugar, they spin kürtőskalács into desserts served in-house on shaded terraces or indoors if the weather turns. It’s a casual setup made for slow bites and second rounds.
If you’re mapping lunch-to-late plans around a pastry run, the area’s hospitality scene slots in neatly. Business travelers often stay near Papp László Budapest Sport Arena and the exhibition centers, with hotels helping guests shake off a conference morning with fitness rooms, pools, and saunas. Green Hotel Budapest sits a short stroll from the M2, themed with laid-back, nature-toned rooms and spaces for small conferences and family events. Hotel Amadeus rests in quiet, leafy Zugló with a panoramic restaurant, a garden setting, meeting rooms, and underground parking. Hotel Veritas keeps you close to the arenas and expo hubs; Hotel Zugló adds a wellness wing with Finnish and infrared saunas, a pool, and a whirlpool. Lion’s Garden Hotel brings four-star warmth in the diplomatic quarter on Cházár András Street, facing a century-old Dominican church, with an inviting garden restaurant. Smaller pensions in the green belt offer classic comforts—private bathrooms, cable TV, ceiling fans, free Wi‑Fi, and parking—for travelers who want an easy base near the M3 approach and the city center. Szőnyi Hotel balances access and calm with 42 rooms for up to 90 guests, and an on-site restaurant that swings from hearty plates to diet-friendly, vegetarian, and kids’ menus.
How to Plan Your Order
– Wednesdays and Fridays: Gluten- and dairy-free kürtőskalács baked from 10 a.m., no pre-order needed.
– Other weekdays: Minimum four pieces, pre-order at least one day before pickup.
– Special requests: Ask—Édes Mackó tries to accommodate custom needs.
Whether you’re gluten-free by necessity or just culinary-curious, this is the midweek and end-of-week ritual worth building your Budapest day around. Go early for first-batch fragrance, linger for a second spiral, and let the city’s green heart do the rest.
