Hungary - Eastern Europe - page 374

Szeged's main fruit-and-vegetable market is located behind the bus station on
Mars tér (formerly Marx tér, and still known to many as such). The vendors are local
Hungarian farmers. If you haven't tried any Hungarian produce yet, you're missing out
on something wonderful. You won't be disappointed with the peaches, apricots, water-
melons, cherries, strawberries, plums, or pears. The market is open Monday through
Saturday from dawn until midafternoon—arrive early for the best selection. Fresh
flowers and dried paprika wreathes are also sold here.
You can buy Szeged's signature paprika and salami anywhere food is sold.
WHERE TO STAY
Private rooms can be booked through Szeged Tourist (see “Essentials,” above) or
Ibusz at Oroszlán u. 3 ( & 62/471-177 ).
Hotel Matrix This fairly new choice is about 10 minutes from the central Dugo-
nics tér by tram no. 4 or trolleybus no. 9. The tasteful, small hotel is clean and pleas-
ant, with a friendly and professional management. Its pleasant rooms all have showers.
Zárda u. 8, 6720 Szeged. & 62/556-000. Fax [phone] units. 9,600 Ft ($48/£25) double. Breakfast 900 Ft
($4.50/£2.30) extra. AE, V. Amenities: Laundry service. In room:TV.
Kata Panzió We highly recommend this lovely little pension, which opened in
1995 in a quiet residential neighborhood a 10-minute walk from central Klauzál tér.
It features plenty of common space, sunny balconies on each floor, an enchanting ter-
race garden, and a friendly German shepherd named Ivan. Four double rooms, one
triple, and one quad are available; all have private bathrooms.
Bolyai János u. 15 (between Gogol u. and Kálvária sgt.), 6720 Szeged. & 62/311-258. 6 units. 9,600 Ft ($48/£25)
double. Rates include breakfast. 600 Ft ($3/£ 1.55) VAT extra. No credit cards. Free parking. In room:TV.

WHERE TO DINE
Gödör HUNGARIAN Gödör is the local university's restaurant; faculty mem-
bers pack it at lunchtime. The extensive menu of Hungarian specialties (including
many vegetarian options) is very reasonably priced.
Tisza Lajos krt.

&

103 (next to the Hero's Gate). 62/420-130. Main courses 650 Ft-1,500 Ft

($3.25-$7.50/£1.70-£3.85). No credit cards. Daily 11am-10pm.

Kiskórösi Halászcsárda HUNGARIAN You'd do well to sample local fish at
this authentic riverside restaurant. Paprika and onions are the spices of choice for
hearty fish stews and bisques alike.
Felsó Tisza-part 336. & 62/495-480. Reservations recommended. Main courses 700 Ft-1,200 Ft
($3.50-$6/£1.80-£3.10). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-2am.
Pagoda Étterem CHINESE This is our favorite Chinese restaurant in all of
Hungary. The menu is extensive and the dishes are delicious. The Chinese lanterns
and dragon-red tablecloths add to the appeal.
Zrinyi u. 5. & 62/312-490. Main courses from 1,000 Ft ($5/£2.60). AE, V. Tues-Sat noon-midnight; Sun-Mon
noon-10pm.

Zodiákus HUNGARIAN/EUROPEAN Zodiákus, formerly known as Alabárdos,
is the choice for an elegant, upscale dining experience. It is more cheerful than its pred-
ecessor, with the previous cellarlike design replaced by a lighter and airier arrange-
ment. Hungarian cuisine is served on Herend porcelain; the cutlery is sterling. Locals
consider this the town's finest restaurant. We recommend all of the poultry dishes