As summer slowly comes to an end, the streets of the baroque city of Varaždin are preparing for a ten-day explosion of sounds, colors, and, most importantly, flavors. The most anticipated street festival in Croatia, Špancirfest, which begins next week, once again promises an unforgettable experience, and its gastronomic offer this year is richer, more diverse, and bolder than ever. Visitors can prepare for a culinary journey that transcends the classic festival offer, immersing themselves in a world of creative cuisine where tradition meets global trends. At as many as four large gastronomic zones and countless smaller spots, renowned chefs and street food masters will ensure that every bite is a story in itself, and that memories of Varaždin are filled with the finest aromas.

A Global Rhapsody of Flavors at Kapucinski trg

The heart of the festival's gastronomic innovations this year beats at Kapucinski trg, where a completely new zone is located – Flavors of the World. This culinary oasis is designed as a meeting point for different world cuisines, offering visitors the opportunity to explore dishes from almost every continent in one place. The star of this zone is undoubtedly chef Matija Bogdan, a culinary virtuoso whose name is synonymous with uncompromising quality and creativity. He honed his skills in some of the world's most prestigious restaurants, including the legendary London-based The Ledbury, a holder of three Michelin stars. To Špancirfest, he brings a touch of the exotic Middle East, and at the center of his offer are lamb and beef kofte. But these are not ordinary kofte; prepared according to an authentic recipe with carefully selected spices, they represent a true discovery for the palate, juicy and aromatic, melting in the mouth with every bite.

Right next to him, a favorite face from the small screen, MasterChef Marko Palfi, will also present his culinary magic. Known for his philosophy of skillfully combining local, almost forgotten ingredients with modern world preparation techniques, Palfi will prove once again this year why he is one of the leaders of the Croatian street food scene. His menu celebrates the richness of domestic products, so visitors will be able to enjoy dishes made from the meat of the Black Slavonian pig, prepared in a way that highlights its fullness of flavor, as well as modern interpretations of dishes with local chicken. But the offer at Kapucinski trg doesn't stop there. Visitors will also be able to taste authentic Cubano sandwiches, true Neapolitan pizza with crispy crusts, barbecue classics, and game dishes. During the first festival weekend, special attention will surely be drawn to Spud Bud, a concept that has already caused a real little revolution. These are large potatoes baked in their skins to perfect softness, which are then filled with rich and juicy fillings like slow-cooked pulled pork or spicy chilli con carne, creating a complete and extremely tasty meal.

Carlsberg Food & Party Zone: Energy and Juicy Bites

For those looking for a more dynamic atmosphere, where top-notch food meets good music and refreshing drinks, the Carlsberg Food & Party Zone is an unmissable stop. Five carefully selected street food vendors will be in charge of satisfying even the most diverse appetites. Lovers of Asian cuisine will find their refuge at the Thai Thai stall, which brings an explosion of flavors through its offer of Asian fusion. The undisputed rulers of the burger world will be handled by the Institut for Burgere by Mate Janković. This famous chef does not compromise, and his juicy burgers made from top-quality beef, served in soft brioche buns with signature sauces, rightfully hold a cult status.

The scene is also dominated by the recognizable red food truck behind which stands Marija Gregurić, one of the few, but extremely respected women in the Croatian street food world. Her Bao Buns, perfectly steamed buns filled with aromatic pork or duck meat, and the already legendary Roast Beef sandwiches are the reason why visitors keep coming back. It is important to note that this zone thinks of everyone, so there will be no shortage of imaginative vegan bites. When the sun goes down and the heat subsides, refreshment for the long Varaždin nights is offered at every turn. Craft Cocktails by Kombi Bar will be mixing creative cocktails, while the Old Hills Gin stall will be a paradise for lovers of fine gin mixes, offering premium distillates with a local signature. The central place for beer lovers will, of course, be the Carlsberg beer hall, the largest at the festival, which will be pouring as many as eight different types of beer, from light lagers to rich dark beers.

Wine Oasis and Gourmet Highlights under the Old Town Walls

For the eleventh year in a row, the magical ambiance beneath the walls of Varaždin's Old Town becomes home to the Wine City, a favorite destination for all hedonists and lovers of fine wine. This event, which rightfully holds the status of a festival within a festival, opens its doors on Thursday, August 21, the day before the official start of Špancirfest. An impressive selection of over 350 wine labels will be available to visitors. The emphasis is on local, indigenous varieties and wineries from the Varaždin region, but the offer extends to the best wines from the entire region, providing a unique opportunity for tasting and discovering new favorites. Alongside top-quality wines, masterfully prepared cocktails will also be offered.

To make the experience complete, trusted names will take care of the delicious bites. Mrav Burger will be serving their famous, juicy burgers and a few surprises, while Vindija will once again be preparing rich cheese platters that pair perfectly with the wine selection. A pleasant evening with a glass of wine under the starry sky is the ideal end to the day, and many visitors plan a longer stay in Varaždin precisely because of such experiences. On the same day, August 21, the exclusive Glam Garden will open in the courtyard of the Sermage Palace. This elegantly decorated space will offer relaxation in a lounge zone or, for those seeking a more intimate atmosphere, in a special VIP section. The offer will include signature cocktails, premium spirits and selected wines, tasty gourmet burgers, and a sophisticated musical backdrop.

Sweet and Savory Symbols of Varaždin's Streets

Besides the large, themed zones, the spirit of Špancirfest lives on every corner, and the gastronomic offer permeates every street and square. A walk through the city is unimaginable without tasting some of the local symbols. The smell of freshly baked Varaždin klipič, a protected bakery product with a crispy crust and soft interior, will spread through the streets and entice passersby. Alongside it, there are also traditional gibanice and numerous other savory snacks. For the most demanding sweet tooths, the offer is equally impressive. The popular Bubble Waffle, served with various toppings, from fresh fruit to chocolate sauces, will be an absolute hit again this year. Next to it, there is the irresistible Soft cream ice cream, whose creamy texture and the possibility of combining it with countless sprinkles and toppings guarantee the perfect sweet refreshment. Špancirfest proves that gastronomy is a key part of its identity, offering an incredible range of flavors that satisfies everyone's taste and makes this festival a true feast for all the senses. Planning your visit and finding the ideal accommodation in Varaždin will allow you to immerse yourself in this unique festival atmosphere without a care.