What’s Running Budapest – Interactive Hot Pot & Sushi Bar

 🍜 What’s Running – My Honest Experience at Budapest’s Futuristic Hot Pot Restaurant

When I first heard about What’s Running, I was instantly curious. A restaurant where food moves on a conveyor belt, where I can grab anything I like, and even cook my own meal at the table? That sounded like something I just had to try. Located in the very heart of Budapest, at Hercegprímás Street 4, this modern Asian restaurant quickly became one of the city’s most talked-about dining spots. It’s open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., which makes it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night bite after a walk around the Basilica area.

A modern Asian dining concept

The concept is clear but exciting: What’s Running works on an “all you can eat” basis. You pay a fixed price that includes your base broth, sauces, and one special topping. Then, you simply sit back and watch the conveyor belt bring an endless parade of delicious items — meats, vegetables, sushi, seafood, noodles, dumplings, desserts, and more. It’s like watching a never-ending Asian feast roll by right in front of you.

Some premium options do cost extra, but honestly, the standard selection was already more than enough for me. The variety surprised me — and the visual experience made it even better. Each dish glides by neatly presented in small bowls and plates, creating a colorful, almost hypnotic sight.

You can also order à la carte, which includes everything from ramen and bao buns to fried snacks and sweet desserts. I personally didn’t feel the need for that, because the hot pot and sushi options already offered so much variety, but it’s good to have the choice.

The hot pot experience

Each table comes with a built-in hot pot, where you can cook your ingredients yourself. The base broths are the heart of the meal — and they really take it seriously here. Some of the soups are boiled for 12 to 24 hours, giving them a deep, rich flavor that soaks into everything you cook. I tried a mildly spicy broth, and it was fantastic — flavorful without being overwhelming.

Cooking at the table was pure fun. I loved the idea that I could control how long to cook my noodles or vegetables. It made the meal interactive and much more engaging than a traditional restaurant experience. However, I have to mention a small downside: if the hot pot is on the table, there’s a bit less space to move around. The tables aren’t very big, so it can feel slightly crowded — but it wasn’t uncomfortable. When I went with my dad, we managed just fine.

My personal food recommendations

If you visit, definitely try the salmon. I recommend eating it raw — the flavor is delicate and fresh. I also experimented with cooking it in the broth, but it lost some of its charm that way. If you want to cook something, bacon is a much better choice. It crisps up nicely in the broth and adds a wonderful aroma to the air around your table.

We ordered homemade lemonade, which I think is a much better deal than a regular Coca-Cola. It was refreshing.

The atmosphere is also worth mentioning — dim lights, red and gold tones, and a slightly futuristic vibe. It feels like stepping into a “Red Dragon’s Den,” as some people describe it. The neon reflections and the movement of the conveyor belt give the restaurant a unique energy. And they gave us dry ice!

A few downsides

I always want to be honest in my reviews, so here are a few things that could be improved.

First, as I mentioned, the tables are a bit small, so if you go in a group of three or four, you might need some creative organizing to fit everything comfortably. Second, the restroom is upstairs, which means you’ll have to walk up a few steps — not a big deal, but worth knowing. And finally, the restaurant space is a bit narrow, so when it’s full, it can feel slightly tight. Still, I think they did a good job with the layout, because I didn’t actually feel uncomfortable even when every table was taken.

The Atmosphere and Service – Where Asian Energy Meets Budapest Vibes

The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside What’s Running was the energy of the place. The lighting is dim but colorful, with red and golden tones everywhere — like a mix of modern Tokyo and old Shanghai. The glowing signs, hanging lanterns, and the soft hum of the conveyor belt create a rhythm that feels alive. It’s not a quiet, romantic spot; it’s lively, buzzing, and a little dramatic — in the best possible way.

Even though the place looks trendy and a bit upscale, the vibe is relaxed. I didn’t feel like I had to dress fancy or behave too formally. The staff greeted us with smiles and a few quick questions about whether we’d tried hot pot before. Since it was my first time there, they explained everything clearly — how to use the induction cooker, how long to cook each item, and which sauces go best with which ingredients.

They didn’t rush us, and that made a big difference. I’ve been to restaurants where “all you can eat” feels like a race — but here, I could actually enjoy the process.

Service and staff impressions

The waiters were young, friendly, and attentive. They kept checking if we needed more napkins, if our broth needed refilling, or if we wanted to try new sauces. Everything was done with a smile, and I genuinely appreciated that. It gave the whole place a welcoming atmosphere, even though it was pretty busy.

Prices and value

Let’s talk about prices, because that’s often the deciding factor. The “all you can eat” option is not the cheapest in Budapest, but for what you get — the quality of ingredients, the amount of variety, and the interactive fun — I think it’s worth it.

There are some premium dishes with extra charges, like wagyu beef, certain seafood options, or special desserts, but I didn’t feel pressured to order those. The basic menu was already plenty satisfying.

During weekends, the restaurant can get crowded, and some people online said the value for money drops a little then — but personally, I didn’t mind. For me, the whole What’s Running concept is less about stuffing yourself endlessly, and more about the experience of choosing, tasting, and experimenting.

The crowd and general atmosphere

The guests were a real mix — couples on dates, families with teenagers, groups of friends celebrating, and even solo diners just enjoying the novelty. What’s nice is that no one seems out of place. It’s not one of those restaurants where you feel awkward if you come alone or if you bring kids.

There was even a table of tourists next to us who were laughing, trying to figure out how to use the hot pot properly. Everyone was having fun, and that made the place feel full of life.

The little details that make a difference

I always pay attention to the details that most people overlook. For example:

• The plates and bowls are minimalist, but stylish. They keep the focus on the food.
• The music is upbeat, modern Asian pop with a light beat — it matches the whole aesthetic.
• The smell of broth and cooked ingredients blends into a warm, comforting aroma that hits you as soon as you walk in.
• The temperature inside was comfortable — not too hot, even with all the steam from the pots.

And the best part? Everything felt clean. The conveyor belt was constantly monitored, and the tables were wiped immediately after guests left.

The Food – A Mix of Curiosity, Flavor, and Fun

If you love food that’s both a meal and a little bit of an adventure, What’s Running is a perfect spot.

When I first sat down, I didn’t expect to have this much control over my own dining experience — it’s almost like being a chef for a night, but without any of the stress or cleanup.

The hot pot setup was the highlight for me. Each table has its own small electric cooker built in, and you can pick your broth flavor — spicy Sichuan, mushroom, miso, or tom yum. I went with mushroom broth, because I wanted something mild to start with. The flavor was deep and savory, and after a few minutes, it filled the whole space with that comforting, home-cooked aroma that instantly makes you hungry.

The ingredients came one by one on the conveyor belt — thinly sliced beef, raw salmon, noodles, tofu, vegetables, shrimp, even tiny dumplings. You just grab what looks good and toss it in.

It’s impossible not to smile when you see all the little dishes passing by like colorful pieces of art.

My favorite picks

I tried several things, but a few stood out:

• The salmon was soft and buttery. I actually preferred it raw — when I cooked it, it lost a bit of that rich texture.
• The bacon strips were a surprise hit. They crisped up beautifully in the hot broth and added smoky depth to the soup.
• The ramen noodles soaked up all the flavor and made the whole bowl hearty and filling.
• The dumplings were delicate and juicy, especially when paired with the spicy dipping sauce.

And I have to mention the homemade lemonade — it wasn’t just refreshing, It was a piece of art.

Desserts and extras

For dessert, the choices on the conveyor belt were small but fun — little mochi balls, fruit jelly cups, and tiny sponge cakes. It’s not a dessert lover’s paradise, but the idea fits the place: just a few bites, light and sweet, so you can end the meal without feeling too full.

The downsides

No restaurant is perfect, and What’s Running isn’t either. The tables are quite small, especially when you have the hot pot and several plates on it. Sometimes it feels like you’re playing Tetris with dishes.

Also, the space is tight, so if it’s crowded, moving around can be tricky. And yes, you’ll need to walk upstairs for the restroom, which isn’t ideal for everyone.

But to me, those were small inconveniences. They didn’t ruin the experience — they were just things to keep in mind.

Who I’d Recommend It To

If I had to sum it up simply:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families – kids will love picking food off the conveyor belt, and it’s interactive enough to keep everyone entertained.
• ❤️ Couples – perfect for a fun date night; you can laugh, experiment, and try cooking together.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friends – great for groups who want something casual but different from the usual dinner.
• 👤 Solo diners – yes, even alone it works; the conveyor belt keeps you busy and curious.

It’s not ideal for someone looking for a quiet, romantic dinner — this place is alive and full of movement. But that’s exactly what makes it special.

Final Thoughts

To me, What’s Running is one of those places that remind you why food is more than just eating.

It’s about the atmosphere, the small moments, and the feeling that you’re part of something fun and new.

The balance between Asian street food authenticity and modern design is impressive. It’s not a five-star luxury restaurant, but it doesn’t try to be one either. It’s creative, energetic, and has its own unique soul.

Would I go back?

Absolutely. — especially with friends or family who enjoy experimenting with food.