What’s the deal with shot sizes in Budapest? It’s not too complicated, but there’s a few things to know. The first oddity for many non-Hungarians is the “cl” measurements. Many other places in Europe, you’ll see measurements in ml, but Hungarians prefer to be more efficient. So you’ll see measurements in cl (10ml) and dl (100ml). Keep reading to find out why you can encounter FOUR DIFFERENT SHOT SIZES in Budapest.
5cl sized shots: Are you trying to kill me?
Sometimes you’ll hear a shot called a “feles”. Even some younger Hungarians don’t know the reason for this, but it’s because shots in Hungary were traditionally half of 1 deciliter (“fél-deci” — they were also traditionally pálinka 😉). These 50ml / 5cl shots can still be found in many bars outside of Budapest, especially in the countryside. Since this is quite a large size, places offering 5cl shots usually offer 3cl shots as well.
If you’re on the hunt for the 3cl/5cl sized shots in Budapest, you can still find them! One place in the center that serves these sizes (and at decent prices) is Lámpás Student Pub on Dob street.
Lámpás Student Pub
4cl and 2cl sized shots
4cl shots became a new standard of sorts in Budapest since the early 2000s. Whether it was personal preferences, adjusting to be more in line with other European standards, or shrinkflation, we’ll probably never know. Of course, with the 4cl also comes the smaller size option of 2cl.
3cl sized shots: The new norm?
During the 2010s, another change began to emerge: 3cl shots only. No options for small or large. Just 3cl. Want a double? That’s 6cl at twice the price. Perhaps it’s bar owners shrinking sizes to make more profit, or maybe bartenders are tired of trying to explain the multiple shot sizes. You’ll find the 3cl as a standard shot size at many bars in the city center nowadays.
All the 4-es / 6-os bars, Stifler bars, Udvarrom, Füge Udvar, Instant Club — while it’s mostly places in the 6th and 7th districts that have moved to the 3cl shots, it’s becoming more and more popular. Don’t be surprised when you see it, but take into account the price difference: 1500 HUF for 3cl is like 2000 HUF for 4cl (or 2500 HUF for 5cl — a true feles).
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