Nababe

Predominantly playing African, Jamaican and Middle Eastern music, Nababe is the city’s only ‘world’ music bar. While it isn’t quite off the beaten track, it hardly draws attention to itself and consequently, feels like a real find.

It’s situated behind KFC, just off Kiraly, where an uneven red staircase takes you down into the cosy basement. As you step through the door for the first time, it isn’t immediately clear what kind of place Nababe is. It’s a smoky wine cellar with nicely decorated walls. Or a snug concert venue. Or a teahouse with a dance floor.

In the main area, the seating is divided into booths, with cushions scattered on the floor. A quieter back room offers some privacy, while a DJ plays music at the opposite end. Consecutive nights are never the same – one might be Afro-beat and reggae, then the next sixties psychedelia, Middle Eastern, or maybe a surf guitar band. This variety is perhaps what’s most appealing about Nababe - it certainly makes a refreshing change from Szimpla or Kuplung, where the DJs too often seem to spin a humdrum mix of funky breaks and hip-hop.

There are also plenty of other reasons to recommend it -the staff are friendly, it’s warm, it closes late. And what’s more, it usually isn’t too hard to get a seat.

( Nababe is open Tuesday through Saturday. Cross the Korut and take the first right off Kiraly, onto Harsfa ut, then look for the little yellow lights around the door.)