Created: 2025.10.27. 11:12
Two new catering establishments have added colour to the gastronomic map of Győr’s city centre. The Mankosha Palestinian bakery, located in Dr Kovács Pál utca, and the neighbouring 6Dogs American hot dog bistro were both founded by graduates of Széchenyi István University, who prepare their culinary specialities in the spirit of tradition and quality.
The international student community of Széchenyi István University has been growing steadily for years. Three young Palestinians decided to stay in Győr after completing their studies last summer, establishing businesses that contribute to the cultural and gastronomic life of the region. Mohammed A. K. Aboalrob, who completed a Master’s degree in International Economics and Business, and Anas Jamal Abdelqader Mohammad, a graduate in Vehicle Engineering, opened a traditional bakery, while their compatriot, Ahmad Ziad Odah Haddad, who earned his degree in Supply Chain Management, operates an American hot dog bistro in the city centre. The latter project was also joined by Jordanian Vehicle Engineering student Akram Alsaify.
“A friend recommended Széchenyi University to us because of the high standard of education and the institution’s international reputation. When we started our Master’s programme in 2023 and moved into the dormitory, we often missed the flavours of home, so we began baking in the shared kitchen. Our fellow students liked our food so much that they would often order our homemade pita bread after classes. It was them who suggested that we should open a bakery in Győr, where everyone could buy our products, which would add a unique touch to the city’s culinary scene,” explained Mohammed A. K. Aboalrob.
He added that he opened Mankosha together with his childhood friend, and that many Hungarian and international students from the university have already visited the shop during its first weeks. “We have a strong and supportive community behind us, for which we are very grateful. We have noticed many similarities between Hungarian and Palestinian culture, as both value tradition and hospitality,” he continued. His business partner, Anas Jamal Abdelqader Mohammad, highlighted that the bakery was also well received by locals. They are particularly pleased when residents of Győr come in to try the Middle Eastern flavours and leave satisfied.
The Palestinian international students of Széchenyi István University welcome guests to their bakery in Dr Kovács Pál utca (Photo: András Adorján)
“We hope our good reputation will spread and that more and more people will get to know this aspect of Palestinian gastronomy. Back home, bakeries like ours are common, but we soon realised that in Hungary the word ‘bakery’ has a completely different meaning. What we offer represents our traditional selection: thin, flat breads with a variety of toppings, filled and unfilled pita breads, as well as a sweet dessert called kunafa,” he explained. He emphasised that Mankosha is the first of its kind in Győr, so they travel to Budapest or Vienna to source their ingredients to ensure an authentic experience.
The young entrepreneurs also wanted their food to be affordable for students: flatbreads are available from just HUF 100, arayes—pita bread filled with spicy minced meat—costs HUF 1,000, and manakish flatbreads, similar to pizza and topped with various ingredients, are available from HUF 1,300.
One of the bakery’s specialties is kunafa, a warm, crispy dessert soaked in syrup, pictured here served with sage tea (Photo: András Adorján)
Next door to the charmingly decorated bakery on Dr Kovács Pál Street, another new establishment has appeared: the 6Dogs hot dog bistro, founded by Ahmad Ziad Odah Haddad and Akram Alsaify. The idea for the street food venue, offering high-quality ingredients, came from the former, who discovered the simple yet delicious dish during his travels.
“My father often travelled to Hungary in the 1980s and recommended Széchenyi University to me. I’m glad I chose Győr because it’s not only a beautiful and peaceful city with kind and helpful people, but also very well located. During my studies, thanks to my Hungarian friends, I discovered many places in Hungary and across Europe. On one of my solo trips, I met the owner of an American hot dog restaurant in a Swedish hostel, who showed me the many possibilities such a place could offer,” said Ahmad Ziad Odah Haddad, recounting the story behind the founding of 6Dogs. He noted that the Hungarian wordplay in the name – “hatdog” – often goes unnoticed at first.
Ahmad Ziad Odah Haddad serves grilled beef hot dogs cooked on a lava stone grill for those craving American flavours (Photo: András Adorján)
“My business partner and I realised that Győr didn’t yet have a restaurant specialising in hot dogs, so we saw an opportunity to expand the city’s gastronomic offering. We tried to model the interior design, décor, and food as closely as possible on Western examples, which people really appreciate,” he explained. The proud Széchenyi alumnus added that quality is one of their most important principles, which is why every order is prepared with the finest ingredients and utmost care.
“While hot dogs and perhaps the design may initially appeal more to younger people, our goal is also to reach the local population and introduce them to our specialities,” he emphasised. “Of course, the University community is one of our most important customer bases, but we offer our generously topped American-style hot dogs at prices affordable for everyone.” The owner revealed that they hope 6Dogs will grow into a genuine brand in the future, potentially leading to expansion and the opening of further outlets.
Freshly baked bun, beef sausage, homemade sauce, jalapeño peppers, cucumber – visitors to 6Dogs can expect a rich flavour experience (Photo: András Adorján)
