Zebra meat on the plate – an exotic in Hungarian gastronomy

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 25. 11:06

While it is less common throughout Europe, a minor media storm has erupted in Hungary around a zebra – more precisely, because of its adoption. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced in a Facebook post that he would like to adopt a zebra with the help of the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden. The public news spread quickly, but the story also has a more interesting twist: zebras can find a place not only in zoos, but even on the dinner table – writes Pénzcentrum.

Zebra meat in Hungary? Yes, it is available

Although zebras are considered exotic animals, their meat is now also available in Hungary. Matusz-Vad, which specializes in the distribution of game meat and special meats, offers zebra sirloin, for example. The gross price is 13,588 forints per kilo – not cheap, but not out of reach for a gourmet looking for a special occasion.

Exotic in hospitality

However, zebra meat is not only available to home chefs: it also appears on the menu in some restaurants in the capital. According to a previous compilation by Pénzcentrum, in places where they tempt you with special dishes, you can order not only zebra, but also mouflon, kangaroo, bison and even crocodile meat. These dishes are typically aimed at a narrower audience that is receptive to gastronomic curiosities.

Curiosities, but not inaccessible

“The consumption of meats that can be classified as exotic – such as kangaroo, zebra, camel, llama or crocodile – is a rarity in Europe and thus also in Hungary. These meats can also be obtained at home with a little research, mainly in restaurants representing top gastronomy or gourmet shops”

– Lajos Braunmüller, editor-in-chief of Agrárszektor, previously said.

Zebra meat resembles horse meat, which has been pushed into the background in Hungary, but is still popular in southern Italy. Crocodile meat is more reminiscent of chicken and is easy to prepare. So these ingredients are not only special, but can also be served at home with the right recipe.