ANCIENT ROOTS – LEVENTE LENDVAI’S JANUARY NARRATIVE CHEF’S MENU

In January 2026, Levente Lendvai’s narrative Chef’s Menu launches at VIRTU – a culinary concept that is not only about flavours, but about stories. Each monthly menu follows a new theme, inspired by the seasons, festive periods and the rhythm of nature.

The January chapter – available until 5 February – explores the concept of “Ancient Roots.”

January is the time of stillness and new beginnings. Nature rests, life slows down, and the focus turns inward. Flavours are born deep in the earth, concentrated in roots. Root vegetables such as celery and beetroot take centre stage: pure, humble ingredients with surprisingly rich character. These are paired with noble cuts of mangalica pork, one of the most treasured ingredients of Hungarian gastronomy.

In culinary tradition, this season is associated with hearty, soul-warming dishes – the time of traditional pig slaughter, when simplicity and authenticity come to the fore. Our January menu pays tribute to this heritage, guided by a true “back to basics” philosophy.

Appetizer

Mangalica terrine with caramelized apple cream and horseradish potato salad

The silky texture and deep flavours of the mangalica terrine are balanced by the gentle sweetness of caramelized apple cream, while the horseradish potato salad adds a refreshing, piquant edge to complete the composition.

Soup

Celery cream soup with fried blood sausage and rosemary pear

The rustic, characterful taste of fried blood sausage elevates the velvety celery soup to a truly memorable experience. The dish is crowned with rosemary-infused pear, whose spiced sweetness creates a perfect balance between savoury and sweet notes.

Main course

Crispy pork belly with lentil salad and confit carrot

Perfectly prepared pork belly – golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within – is accompanied by the earthy richness of lentil salad. The naturally sweet, slow-cooked confit carrot completes the dish, creating a harmonious balance between bold flavours and refined sides.

Dessert

Traditional poppy seed bread pudding with tonka bean milk ice cream

The nostalgic, creamy flavours of poppy seed bread pudding are contrasted by the cool silkiness of tonka bean milk ice cream. The exotic, vanilla-almond aroma of tonka bean meets tradition in a modern, unforgettable dessert experience for every sweet-toothed guest.