On 18 October, the 2026 Károly Gundel Awards were presented during a formal gala lunch at the Gundel Restaurant, an iconic venue in Városliget. At the event, organised by the Hungarian Catering Trade Association, leading figures from the domestic hospitality industry, representatives of professional organisations, partners and members of the press came together to pay tribute to the profession’s outstanding personalities.
The Károly Gundel Award is one of the most prestigious professional honours in the Hungarian hospitality industry, awarded to professionals who, through their work, carry on the legacy of Károly Gundel in a fitting manner, and create lasting value in the fields of Hungarian gastronomy and hospitality.
This year, Zoltán Kóbor, Árpád László and Ilona Zsidai received the prestigious award. As in previous years, the winners were selected by a panel comprising representatives from the profession, by secret ballot.
The gala lunch following the awards ceremony celebrated not only professional accolades but also the traditions and values of Hungarian hospitality. Guests were treated to special dishes, a carefully curated selection of wines and champagnes, and culinary experiences evoking the spirit of Gundel. The festive menu included, amongst other things, ‘Tasty Hungary’ goulash, the classic Fogas fish à la Gundel, and Mangalica pork tenderloin served with Wellington-style duck liver and truffles. The desserts included such iconic Hungarian classics as Somlói galuska, Esterházy cake, Rákóczi cottage cheese cake and Gundel chocolate cake.
The full-day programme successfully combined a respect for tradition, a sense of professional camaraderie and gastronomic experiences. The event proved once again that the Károly Gundel Award is not merely a professional accolade, but also a celebration for the Hungarian hospitality community.
We would like to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt congratulations to the award winners and wish them every success in their work.
We would like to thank everyone whose dedicated contribution and support helped to ensure that the event was a success and met the highest standards.
