Rigó Jancsi’s Cukrászda in the 12th district came as a surprise. That a colleague of mine had posted or “checked himself in” there on Facebook was how it came to my attention. You see it’s easy to miss; a poke in all ways, the 4 tables inside overly optimistic given the real floor space, not that the passage way from door and along the L counter is impeded, and I got to see why. Like 2 or 3 others I sat with cake and coffee, but what surprised me was the entertainment in the form of the constant flow of people in and out – and where there are people characters emerge.
Like the Yanks who spoke fluent, at least to my ears, Hungarian but conversed among themselves in English. A reminder of this country’s history of emigration.
But apart from the people the place itself is also worth noting, the business I mean. Some call the interior retro, I call it old-fashioned. It hasn’t changed much in all the years so it isn’t like it’s tried to look this way. It is original. Not many these days.
The staff is all friendly, engaging people – the banter flows, smiles flashes, and all in the name of top service.
However, people, furnishings, staff and all, it was the prices that took me aback. This is the 12th district so I expected to be drawing blood for little luxuries but at 280huf for a cup of coffee and cake I was more than pleasantly surprised. I was almost suspicious. Something had to give. In truth, it didn’t. The illusion come reality remained with me right out the door and onto this page.
With its selection of pogácsa, cakes and other pastries at prices that would shock the farmer’s daughter this has become a surprising new favourite, which must be put into perspective considering my history as a beer drinker rather than a cake-eater.
Thumbs up – expectations high.
I hope the next visit will not disappoint!
…it didn’t!!!
(Ad infinitum???)
©TheHairyTeacher2013