Why is the Gerbeaud Cafe so famous? This is a question I get asked all the time. It is more than just a cafe. The Gerbeaud is a symbol of Budapest’s rich history and culture.
Established in 1858 by Henrik Kugler, the Gerbeaud started as a small confectionery. Kugler did not have an heir. He sought a talented confectioner to take over his business. Emil Gerbeaud, a Swiss confectioner, was proposed.
In 1884, Emil Gerbeaud took over. He transformed it into one of Europe’s most famous coffee houses. Gerbeaud expanded the menu. He introduced modern confectionery techniques. He even founded a small chocolate factory. Here, legendary pralines were created.
Back then in 19th-century Budapest, coffee houses thrived. Every street seemed to have one. The Gerbeaud stood out. Its elegant decor and wide selection of cakes set it apart. Silk-carpeted walls, crystal chandeliers, and gilded tables exuded style. This attracted people from all social classes. Even the Habsburg royal family frequented the Gerbeaud. Sissy, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, always visited when she was in Budapest.
However, the two World Wars were hard on the Gerbeaud. After Emil Gerbeaud died in 1919, his wife managed the cafe. She kept it running until her death in 1940. In 1945, her sons-in-law inherited the business. They soon left the country.
During the communist era, the state took over the Gerbeaud. It was renamed Vörösmarty Cafe. This was after the square where it stands. After the II. World War, the Gerbeaud remained exclusive. Yet, it lost some of its old grandeur.
The Gerbeaud family bought back the cafe in 1984. By 1990, the Gerbeaud regained its luster. It became a must-see for visitors to Budapest.
In 1997, the Gerbeaud was renovated. Fine wood paneling and marble tables were added. These enhanced the nostalgia and elegance. The Gerbeaud maintained a relaxing atmosphere.
Today, the Gerbeaud Cafe offers a wide range of treats. These include famous cakes like Dobos torte and Eszterházy torte. They also offer cream cakes and bakery goods. They use high-quality natural ingredients.
The Gerbeaud also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can find classic Hungarian dishes like goulash on the menu.
Do not forget to try the Gerbeaud pastry. It is named after Emil Gerbeaud. This pastry has become a symbol of the Gerbeaud Cafe. It is a delicious reminder of Gerbeaud’s legacy.
So, as you enjoy your coffee and cake here at the Gerbeaud. Remember the story of Emil Gerbeaud. He was a visionary who transformed a simple confectionery. He turned it into a Budapest icon.