The big cheese guide - domestic cheese manufactories

The founders of Vászolyi Sajtmanufaktúra (Cheese Manufactory of Vászoly) are an economist couple who exchanged city life for the tranquillity of the Balaton Highlands and the art of cheese making. Today the business, which started as a love project, offers multiple award-winning cheeses that are available not only in local restaurants, but throughout the country. On Saturdays, it is worth visiting them in person to admire the process of making the cheeses, and be sure to taste delicacies such as the cream cheese with a creamy effect or the semi-hard cheese with a nutty aftertaste, but actually flavoured with spice clover!

The story of the Csíz Sajtműhely began in the kitchen and by today it has reached international success: for example, their semi-hard aged cheese from Baracska won fourth place in the world championship at the 2021 World Cheese Awards. The manufactory's fresh, spicy ewe-cheeses, parenicas and matured cheeses all represent high quality. As a result of self-taught learning and continuous development, the products of the Csíz Sajtműhely can easily become favourites of cheese lovers.

The CseRo-Sajt-Manufaktúra started operating in 2015, and since then they have been making their specially flavoured ewe-cheeses and parenica cheeses. The specific aroma of smoked cheeses and flavouring with home-grown vegetables make their products special. Here, we have the opportunity not only to taste, but also to create: in their cheese-making courses we can learn all the steps of cheese-making, and thus we can even return home with our own tasty cheeses.

The Kastélyosdombói Sajtműhely (Cheese Workshop of Kastélyosdombó) was created as part of a special initiative in which families who have lost their homes can start a new life by making cheese. The project supported by the Hungarian Interchurch Aid combines the traditions of centuries with the most modern technology. If you visit their workshop in Kastélydombó, you can get an insight into the cheese-making process and taste premium quality dairy products, such as their cream cheese made from cow's milk and flavoured with garlic seasoning.

The Bükki Sajtmanufaktúra, located in the heart of the Bükk Mountains, in Mónosbél, operates as a family business. The fresh and aged cheeses of the cheese master Sándor Tamás are made from goat's and cow's milk of his own production. You can also taste the cheeses on site, in a beautiful mountainous environment, even in conjunction with a cozy wine tasting. They also offer special flavours such as cheeses with red wine deposit and cow's cheese with truffles.

The Tekeresvölgyi Family Estate is located in the Balaton Highlands, where not only cheese, but also other dairy products are made. The special aged cheeses and fresh yogurts of the family estate reflect the closeness to nature and home care. During the visit to the estate, we can get to know the process of making the cheeses, and of course we can taste them during a cheese tasting.

The Etyeki Kecskesajt Manufaktúra (Etyek Goat Cheese Manufactory) has become the master of goat cheese after almost a decade of experimentation and perfection. They make their cheeses from the milk of their goats raised in the fresh air, on their own certified organic hay, without preservatives or flavour enhancers. In addition to fresh cheeses, the range also includes semi-hard matured cheeses, grill cheeses and soft cheeses ripened with white mould.

Visiting domestic cheese manufactories not only offers gastronomic experiences, but also gives you the opportunity to get to know the art of cheese making and the passion behind it. Each place offers a unique taste and story that enriches Hungarian gastronomy. Let's take a journey in the world of cheese, discover these special manufactories and enjoy the magical flavours of domestic cheeses!