Who's up for goulash-flavored gelato? Intrigued patrons are traveling from across Hungary to sample the season's most unconventional flavor experiences at a tiny ice cream shop offering traditional Hungarian delicacies in frozen form. Robert Reinhardt and his daring flavor combinations have quickly become a sensation, sparking a frenzy on social media.
"We kicked off with beer and potato pancake flavors. That was already mind-blowing for some," the 44-year-old, who operates Roberto Confectionery in Tatabanya, north of Budapest, shared with AFP. Encouraged by online requests for new creations, Reinhardt started experimenting, blending classic Hungarian meals like paprika chicken, cabbage stew, and rich meat pancakes with various ice cream bases. However, his culinary exploration isn't confined to Hungarian dishes; he's expanded his offerings to include perennial favorites such as spaghetti Bolognese and scrambled eggs with bacon.
"I discovered that you can extract truly fantastic flavors from these combinations. This isn't just a gimmick," Reinhardt explained, selling his ice cream for 500 forints (1.27 euros) per scoop. Since Hungarian media first reported on his unique treats, the shop's turnover has surged by "three or four times," according to his wife Ena. "We're slightly overwhelmed because we didn't anticipate it becoming such a hit," she confided to AFP. "We're continuously on the lookout for more staff."
The savory ice creams have generally been well-received, though some customers acknowledge they require a bit of getting used to. "I expected them to be very unusual, but they actually taste great," said masseuse Ildiko, who preferred not to give her full name, after trying all the flavors for free. "The tomato soup, sheep cheese with dill, and fried cheese were the best," she told AFP, hinting at a return visit. Others, like Krisztian Kiss, a 43-year-old lawyer from northwest Hungary, were less enthusiastic, admitting he likely wouldn't return. "I felt compelled to check out this quirky concept," he remarked, praising the authenticity of the flavors. His 10-year-old son Zeteny was more reserved, describing the experience as "very strange" given the usual sweetness of ice cream.
Despite mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing the new ice creams as "disgusting," posts about these unconventional flavors have garnered tens of thousands of views, with some hitting a million. Capitalizing on the sustained interest, Reinhardt is planning to open a second location in the capital while maintaining his innovative flavors year-round, even through the winter.
