Frici papa near western railway station is where hungarians go for proper gulyas. Not fancy but portions are huge and fair prices. 2500 huf for goulash that feeds two people honestly.

Kadar etkezde near dohany street synagogue looks sketchy but best schnitzel in city. Cash only. Old hungarian ladies running it who dont speak english but just point at what looks good.

Avoid vaci street completely - tourist trap hell. Real lángos at hold street market costs 800 huf not 1500 at great market hall tourist stands.

Central market hall back left vendors do proper hungarian breakfast with kolbász. Trust me the front stalls are for instagram photos