Rumour by Rácz Jenő
Budapest, Hungary
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
After travelling the world, Chef Jenő returned home to open this unique restaurant. Located in the heart of the city, it comes with concrete walls hung with mirrors, and a 21-seater counter which wraps around the large open kitchen. Red leather stools and placemats provide colour, while a trendy soundtrack adds to the vibe. The set menu showcases elements from Jenő’s travels via a series of refined, creative, sometimes playful dishes that burst with flavour. These are matched by some serious wine pairings, with the Hungarian option offering some wonderfully unique, bespoke choices.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Prohibition-Era Speakeasy Concept with Secret Entrance
Rumour by Rácz Jenő is inspired by the 1920s Prohibition-era speakeasies, featuring a secret door entrance that is only revealed to guests upon arrival, enhancing the exclusivity and intrigue of the dining experience.Interactive Chef’s Table Theater Experience
The restaurant is designed around a 21-seater counter that wraps around a large open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the chefs prepare dishes as if attending a theatrical performance. This setup creates an intimate, immersive experience akin to dining with close friends while observing culinary artistry live.Global Culinary Influence with Rare Hungarian Ingredients
Chef Jenő Rácz incorporates his international culinary experiences from cities like London, Copenhagen, Singapore, and Shanghai into a multi-course tasting menu that highlights rare and colorful Hungarian ingredients. The dishes are refined, creative, and sometimes playful, aiming for balanced deliciousness rather than mere exoticism.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at Rumour by Rácz Jenő in Budapest, based on available information, include:
- Hungarian honey: Used notably in a dessert featuring five different types of Hungarian honey, combined with pop sugar that bursts in the mouth, highlighting local flavors and childhood nostalgia.
- Cauliflower: Featured as a key element in a signature dish praised for its taste and preparation, showcasing the chef’s skill in elevating simple vegetables.
- Beetroot: Used in a highly regarded beetroot salad, demonstrating the restaurant’s focus on fresh, vibrant vegetables with creative culinary techniques.
- Heirloom tomatoes: Incorporated in a refreshing tomato salad, emphasizing quality and seasonal produce.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Chef Jenő Rácz’s approach of blending Hungarian roots with global influences, focusing on high-quality, often local raw materials, and presenting them in visually creative and theatrical dishes. The use of honey and vegetables like cauliflower and beetroot also underscores a connection to Hungarian terroir and tradition, reinterpreted through modern fine dining techniques.