OPIUM Restaurant & Bar
The best of Indochinese cuisine in the heart of the city. OPIUM is not just a restaurant — it’s a journey through flavors and stories.
Opening in the summer of 2023 as the fourth member of the Sào, Khan, and Quí restaurant family, OPIUM has quickly made its mark on Budapest’s culinary scene with its distinct character. Drawing inspiration from the French colonial era of Vietnamese cuisine, the kitchen doesn’t aim to copy but rather reimagine — offering dishes inspired by family recipes and childhood memories, all delivered with a contemporary twist and a spirit of exploration.
The atmosphere is just as intentional as the menu itself: an interior that’s both intimate and bustling, where vibrant street food flavors meet thoughtful presentation, and where ingredients, technique, and aesthetics are held in equal regard.
Street Food, Reimagined
OPIUM takes classic Asian street food and turns it up a notch. Think flame-grilled, perfectly seasoned meats wrapped in crisp lettuce and fragrant herbs — dipped in rich, house-made peanut sauce. From BBQ pork and tender scallops to tiger prawns and handmade dumplings, the menu balances boldness and elegance, nostalgia and innovation. Every bite is both comforting and exciting.
The drink selection includes seasonal fermented beverages — like house-brewed kombucha and water kefir — carefully developed by the team. These are more than trends; they’re intentional, health-conscious additions to the dining experience.
One Team, One Rhythm — Inside and Out
OPIUM’s success is about more than what’s on the plate. Behind the scenes is a team that operates in perfect sync — for them, cooking isn’t just a job, it’s a craft. As they put it: “This isn’t just cooking, it’s craftsmanship.” The atmosphere is casual but precise, where everyone from first dates and birthday parties to solo noodle-slurpers feels right at home.
Behind the bar, you’ll find a team just as passionate about mixing drinks as the kitchen is about cooking. Signature cocktails and naturally inspired creations fill the drink list, completing the OPIUM experience with the same attention to detail that defines every corner of the restaurant.