The Vukovar-Syrmia County is recognized for its rich culinary tradition, and one of the most important events promoting this cultural heritage is the "Golden Apple" manifestation. This gastronomic showcase brings together lovers of traditional Slavonian and Syrmian cuisine, presenting excellent culinary creations through which the legacy of this region is revived. The event organizer, the Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Vukovar-Syrmia County, has continuously worked since its founding in 2003 to preserve and promote dishes from "grandma's kitchen".

This year's 18th edition of the manifestation will take place on October 17, 2024, in the ceremonial hall "Barun Trenk," starting at 8 PM. The program will be rich and diverse, including a cooking competition, workshops, and the presentation of authentic recipes from Slavonian and Syrmian cuisine. The competition will gather teams preparing the most famous traditional dishes such as čobanac, fiš paprikaš, and Slavonian kulen, as well as homemade cakes and desserts.

Competitive spirit and culinary heritage

In the competitive part of the program, teams from various parts of Croatia will participate, as well as from neighboring regions, encouraging the spread of Slavonian and Syrmian culinary culture beyond the borders of the county. This manifestation stands out in that winners have the opportunity to compete in national and international culinary competitions, further promoting the quality of Slavonian cuisine on a global level.

In the previous 17th edition of the "Golden Apple," ten teams participated, showcasing their culinary skills. Among them, the students Lorena Mišić and Laura Nikić from the Secondary Vocational School in Vinkovci stood out, winning first place with their excellent culinary skills. The second place went to the team from Vukovar, while the third place was taken by Lea Đuranek from the Fakin restaurant. The winning teams received appropriate awards and recognitions, and the manifestation enriched the cultural and tourist offer of the region.

Cultural and culinary offer

Alongside the culinary program, the "Golden Apple" manifestation contributes to the cultural and tourist life of Vukovar-Syrmia County. Local producers, as well as farmers, often participate in the event showcasing their products such as wine, brandy, honey, and other homemade delicacies. In this way, visitors can taste and purchase authentic Slavonian products, further promoting local production.

The cultural part of the program also includes performances by cultural and artistic societies that perform traditional Slavonian songs and dances, further emphasizing the importance of preserving folk customs and traditions. This combination of gastronomy, culture, and tradition attracts numerous visitors, not only from the region but also from wider areas, making the "Golden Apple" an important part of the tourist offer of Slavonia and Syrmia.

Preserving tradition and future

The "Golden Apple" is not just a competition and presentation of dishes but also an opportunity for education and preservation of culinary heritage. Workshops are organized where participants can learn more about preparing traditional dishes, techniques for preserving recipes, and the importance of local ingredients. These workshops are especially important for young generations who learn about the importance of preserving tradition in this way.

Given the rich program and growing interest in preserving traditional cuisine, the "Golden Apple" attracts an increasing number of participants and visitors every year. In the future, plans include further expanding the manifestation, including collaboration with foreign chefs and organizing international events that would further promote Slavonian-Syrmian specialties on the global stage.