Hungarian restaurant Korona Csarda a hit with customers
Those wanting to experience Hungary’s best flavours and festivities only need to travel as far as Wantirna, where a hidden gem pops up every weekend.
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Those wanting to experience Hungary’s best flavours and festivities only need to travel as far as Wantirna.
Every weekend “secret restaurant” Korona Csarda immerses diners in the traditional culture of the European country.
The restaurant is tucked away at the back of the Hungarian Community Center, but worth the effort once you find it.
Featuring authentic Hungarian and Transylvanian cuisine, alcohol, music and folk dancing, a night in the restaurant is definitely more than just a feed.
Diners can pick up some new dance moves or enjoy a dance show from owners Zack and Eniko Vigh as they learn about Hungarian culture.
The married couple just celebrated the restaurant’s 10th anniversary “boogy-style” with three nights of live music, traditional dishes, lots of dancing, shots and wine spilling around the dancefloor from a traditional wine-pourer.
They were joined by a full house each night — more than 70 people — and Hungarian musicians flew down from Brisbane to provide the opera singing and accompanying violin.
Located alongside Melbourne’s Hungarian Community Centre on Boronia Rd, Wantirna, the thriving business has definitely got its collection of Hungarian fans.
But Mr Vigh said “Australians (loved) it as well”, with at least 40 per cent of the restaurant’s regulars having no Hungarian heritage, and just enjoying the “very flavoured and hearty” cuisine.
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Korona Csarda is open for dinner on Saturdays and for lunch on Sundays, and a booking is definitely recommended to ensure there’s a place at the steaming buffet.
The restaurant also regularly hosts functions for up to 200 people, including birthdays, weddings, engagement parties, christenings and even wakes, in their large, decorated indoor space and beer garden.
The couple and Mrs Vigh’s mother do all the cooking themselves.
While they both originated in central Europe, Zack from Hungary and Eniko from Transylvania, the pair actually met at the Hungarian Community Centre in 2008.
Mr Vigh said it was their “little love story” that they went on to open a restaurant together at the place they met, and go on to get married.
Proud of their heritage, the couple are more than keen to promote Hungarian culture.
They import, distribute and sell Hungarian deli products, wines, spirits and soft drinks and glassware.
The Vighs also offer Hungarian cooking classes complete with vocab and dancing lessons, and have set up Korona Concierge to promote and facilitate travel to Hungary.
Every winter Mr Vigh escorts Australians back to Hungary to help them look for relatives and learn about their heritage.
Mr Vigh said their businesses were guided by “passion and love” for Hungary and their customers.
Details and opening times: koronacsarda.com.au
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