„The award is open to individuals who, within the Hungarian hospitality sector, are exemplary followers of Károly Gundel’s life and gastronomic legacy” – states the Hungarian Catering Trade Association (MVI), which established the award in 2014, in its press release.

In memory of Károly Gundel (1883–1956), a restaurateur of iconic stature, the Hungarian Catering Trade Association established the Károly Gundel Award in 2014, with the widespread involvement of professional organisations. The award is presented to individuals who, within the Hungarian hospitality sector, exemplify the life and gastronomic legacy of Károly Gundel.

Candidates for the award must have been active in the Hungarian hospitality sector for at least 25 years, having achieved outstanding success; they must possess an impeccable professional track record and an exemplary personal history, cherish the historical traditions of the Hungarian hospitality industry and are committed to its renewal, support the professional development of the younger generation, and contribute to promoting the Hungarian hospitality industry. The award is open to the very best in the hospitality industry, with a maximum of three recipients each year.

Every year, on Károly Gundel’s birthday – 23 September – the Trade Association announces the names of the award winners at a press conference held at the Hungarian Museum of Trade and Hospitality.

This year, two people received the award:

KATALIN PINTÉR, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF GERBEAUD GASTRONOMY LTD. (GERBEAUD CAFÉ, ONYX WORKSHOP, ÉMILE RESTAURANT).

SÁNDOR NYÍRI (SZÁSA), CO-OWNER AND CHEF AT THE ARANY KAVIÁR RESTAURANT

Previous winners:

Kálmán Kalla, Zoltán Hamvas and Dr Balázs Draveczky (posthumously) – 2014.

László Jakabffy, János Garaczi and Lajos Bíró – 2015.

Frigyes Vomberg and János Czubor (posthumously) – 2016.

Balázs Csapody – 2017.

Tibor Rosenstein – 2018.

Tibor Meskál, Szabina Szulló – Tamás Széll – 2019.

Dr László Csizmadia and Attila Molnár – 2020.

Gyula Berkes, Szabolcs Dudás and Szilárd Dudás – 2021.

Marcsi Borbás and János Macsinka – 2022.