Bodor Ferenc: Coffee-Houses - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)

Düpla

ln the bus stop on Szent István körút the Dupla awaits its customers day and night. A steaming neon coffee-cup brings in those waiting for the bus —their numbers have diminished sadly since the 12 route has been taken off. Round standing counters welcome those who drop in, a meshed bar counter through which the odours of fresh salads can freely drift. This is a real Mackó snack bar-type of place where salads are sold by weight. All aroung the walls are seldom-lit neon signs: Cash-desk (a thing of the past), Orders for Cold Meats, Cold Meats, Pastries and Cakes, Café Creme (does anyone remember?), Orders for Cakes (which are handed over in little carton boxes that dangle from a length of string like a Zeppelin cabin), Cold Drinks. In the corner, a woman with bangs from the sixties stares at a ceramic customer. The glazed faience on the wall is a special point of interest. It would take a long time to list all that is worth noting, including the amiable waitresses well versed in idioms. We must protect the Dupla from the onslaughts of hamburger kings.

10 SZENT ISTVÁN KÖRÚT, XIII.

The neon signs inside the DUPLA, offering Krémkávé

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