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Enjoy good food in good company
As you explore beautiful Slovenia and once you have satisfied your appetite for attractions, your appetite for food will surely be revived, inviting you to explore Slovenia's culinary specialities. And because a Slovenian proverb teaches us that “an empty sack cannot stand upright”, you can stop at an inn, a restaurant, a tourist farm, a mountain cabin, or whatever is closest, to get your strength back. But what if you combined a pleasant lunch or dinner with a social event and party at one of the culinary events? You can visit events with a culinary focus in every season, where you can learn in greater detail about the local cuisine and culinary specialities from the immediate as well as greater vicinity. To help you make a decision, we would like to offer a few hints where you can go.
Slovenia = Crossroads of gastronomic worlds
There are no fewer than 24 gastronomic regions in Slovenia, which means that you can encounter a wide array of tastes here. Locally-produced, fresh ingredients ensure the full taste of dishes, so they are used by the best Slovenian chefs when they create their masterpieces. All this brings Slovenia closer to the most recognisable gastronomic regions in Europe. Slovenia has been given the title European Region of Gastronomy 2021. However, an exceptional event will be held as early as in 2019, which will attract big names from the world of gastronomy to the sunny side of the Alps – the European Food Summit.
Enjoy good food and company in Ljubljana and Central Slovenia
Experience one of the most popular gastronomic experiences in Ljubljana, learn about the traditional speciality from the kitchens of Idrija, and visit one of the greatest wine festivals in Slovenia.
Open Kitchen
Are you trying to decide where to take your loved ones, friends, or even business partners for lunch or dinner? Are their tastes and wishes too different to only go to one place? Then experience the diversity of Slovenian and world cuisine in the street! The Open Kitchen is the most popular culinary market in Slovenia, which will fascinate you with thousands of colours, aromas, and flavours. See you at Pogačar Square when temperatures get warm enough. Occasionally, the Open Kitchen opens its ‘doors’ in other towns, too. In October, don’t miss the Beer & Burger Fest.
MoreNovember Gourmet Ljubljana
November Gourmet Ljubljana
Cheer up during November gloom by visiting a festival at which renowned Slovenian names in gastronomy gather and where the smells from the refined cuisine from Ljubljana’s selected restaurants fill in the air. Taste the result of a mix of tradition and innovativeness and discover new tastes of Ljubljana. Learn about Slovenia's world-class wines at the Slovenian Wine Festival or on the Ljubljana Wine Route, where, in the summer and on St Martin’s Day, renowned Slovenian wine-makers show their products on stands and where the aroma of traditional cuisine fills the air.
MoreIdrija Žlikrof Festival
Idrija Žlikrof Festival
In addition to a mercury mine and bobbin lace, the UNESCO town of Idrija is also known for its culinary speciality – the Idrija žlikrofi. At first glance, this is a simple dish made of dough and potato filling, but it tastes wonderful both as a main dish or a side dish. It is absolutely well-worth tasting. And preparing it. You can do both if you visit the Idrija Žlikrof Festival, which takes place at the end of August.
MoreWine Spring Holiday
Wine Spring Holiday
When you visit Bela Krajina, locals will be happy to offer you a glass of Metliška Črnina wine and a belokranjska pogača (a leavened flatbread). You can taste this wine as well as many other high-quality local wines and specialities in May in the centre of Metlika, which hosts the Vinska Vigred (Wine Spring) Festival, one of the largest wine festivals in Slovenia.
MoreChocoljana
Chocoljana
Taste the chocolate side of Ljubljana. In October, visit Pogačar Square, where you can taste the best chocolate flavours by renowned chocolate-makers and boutique chocolate shops and confectioneries. There, you can learn everything that you ever wanted to know about chocolate while, at the same time, embarking on the most unusual journey into the world of chocolate flavours.
MoreMediterranean luxury of gastronomic events
You will certainly not be left hungry if you travel around Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia. Also because there are a lot of different things happening when it comes to gastronomy, especially in warmer months. Discover your favourite culinary event.
Saltpans Feast
It is said that Piran is a town that grew on salt. If you would like to know why, we recommend that you visit the Saltpans Feast, where you can go back in time and discover the mysteries and interesting stories about salt production using a method that dates back more than 700 years. Visit a marketplace devoted to salt and other riches of the sea, and go with the flow of various events held at Tartini Square and the Sečovlje Salt Pans.
MoreSweet Istria
Sweet Istria
In September, the streets of Koper transform into a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. If you visit the Sweet Istria festival, you can satisfy your sweet cravings just like the people of Slovenian Istria have done. In addition to traditional Istrian sweets, you can also taste desserts from other parts of Slovenia, or you might even be impressed by modern sweet masterpieces by Slovenian and foreign master confectioners.
MoreCherry holiday
Cherry holiday
“I like to eat red cherries, but I like black ones even better ...” Do you see yourself in this Slovenian folk song? Then do not miss the Cherry Festival in the Brda Hills. There, you will be able to fill your stomach with this red fruit, while also learning about other specialities of Brda cuisine and world-class wines, watch a traditional parade, and get rid of your guilty conscience for enjoying a rich feast by attending accompanying recreational events.
MoreFishermen’s Feast
Fishermen’s Feast
Just like salt left its mark on the development of Piran, another resource from the sea played an important role for the town of Izola – fish. Every year, the locals celebrate their fishing soul at a traditional event called Fishermen’s Feast. The cuisine, with its main ingredient – fish, is also complemented by demonstrations of old traditions, an old boat regatta, a presentation of fishing work and equipment, and an abundance of other fun events.
MoreTastes of the Vipava Valley
Tastes of the Vipava Valley
Due to its wealth of flavours, the Vipava Valley has made a name for itself among lovers of good food. If you are among them and would like to learn about the culinary diversity of this valley, then make sure to visit the Tastes of the Vipava Valley festival (Okusi Vipavske) in the spring at Zemono Manor. If you are unable to taste everything during the two-day festival, don’t worry, you can continue experiencing the tastes of the Vipava Valley at different locations all month long.
MoreFrom wine to asparagus
In the Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia, you will also encounter a number of other culinary events, mainly connected to wine. They include the Brda & Wine festival in April and the Rebula and Olive Oil Festival held in the Brda Hills in May, the Refošk Festival in Marezige in early June, the Terana Wine and Prosciutto Festival in Dutovlje in early August, the International Orange Wine Festival in Izola, or the Wine and Garlic Feast in Nova Vas nad Dragonjo. The best olive oil in Slovenian Istria can be found at the Golden Olive Branch festival in Ankaran. In May, lovers of asparagus will be able to enjoy the Asparagus Festival in Orehovlje, while another interesting gastronomic festival is the Persimmon Feast held in Strunjan in November.
Festivals amongst gentle wine-growing hills and healthy waters
Thermal Pannonian Slovenia is rich in grapevines. There are quite a few culinary events devoted to the wines from individual areas. And there are also festivals devoted to other culinary specialities. Visit Slovenia's largest beer festival in the land of ‘green gold’.
Bogračfest
When you visit Lendava, you just have to do at least two things – climb up the Vinarium Panoramic Tower, from which you will be able to see the territories of four countries, and taste the bograč stew. This traditional stew is so deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Lendava that a special festival is devoted to it every year – the Bogračfest, held in late August within the Vinarium Festival.
MoreBeer and Flowers Festival
Beer and Flowers Festival
Laško has had a rich brewing tradition, so, here, you can experience many interesting beer-related things. In the summer, specifically in July, lovers of beer should not miss the Beer and Flowers Festival in Laško, one of the largest festivals in Slovenia. Although beer plays the main role, you can also taste other culinary specialities and enjoy the lively cultural events, entertainment, and concerts.
MoreFestival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek
Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek
Do you prefer a glass of wine or satisfying your sweet tooth with chocolate? If you can’t decide, that’s all right. You can treat yourselves to both at the Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek. Wine- and chocolate producers from Slovenia and elsewhere come here to present their products. In addition to wine and chocolate, you can also satisfy your cravings by tasting other local delicacies.
MoreDays of Poetry and Wine
Days of Poetry and Wine
The Days of Poetry and Wine in the old town centre of Ptuj are mixed with poetry and oenologic art, creating a unique international event. Every August, the best poets and artists from many countries gather here, and their recitals and concerts are accompanied by excellent Slovenian wines.
MoreTastes of Posavje
Tastes of Posavje
Experience the Posavje region through a wide array of culinary events reflecting the diverse flavours of this part of Slovenia. In Sevnica, you can taste local cured meat delicacies at the traditional Salami Festival (Salamiada), or visit the Blaufränkisch Festival held at Sevnica Castle. In September, you can visit the Festival of Wine, Cuisine, and Art in Krško.
An Alpine mix of gastronomic festivals
Wine, chocolate, cheese, tradition, and modern culinary masterpieces – experience a wide range of different gastronomic festivals in Alpine Slovenia.
Old Vine Festival
The oldest grapevine in the world grows in Maribor. It is a more-than-450-year-old Žametovka vine, which is shown great honour by the locals and visitors alike. It has its own museum, even its own anthem, and, of course, its own festival. It begins with a ceremonial harvesting of the Old Vine, and ends with the largest outdoor St Martin’s Celebration in Slovenia. During this time, you can meet the best winemakers of the Štajerska region and taste local specialities and innovative dishes made by local chefs.
MoreFestival of Chocolate
Festival of Chocolate
Every year in April, Radovljica changes into a town of chocolate. A three-day festival is one of the most attractive gastronomic events in Slovenia. The largest chocolate-related event in Slovenia hosts Slovenian and foreign chocolate shops. You can select your favourite chocolate during tasting sessions and the varied accompanying programme for all generations takes care of the excellent festival atmosphere.
MoreJestival
Jestival
The Soča Valley is famous for being a paradise for outdoor activities. However, it also has much to offer in terms of cuisine. So, in October, when it feels good to take a bit of a break from summer activities, a unique festival is held, which combines local cuisine and art. The Jestival Food & Art Festival takes place in Kobarid, where the Kobarid štruklji, pockets stuffed with walnuts, raisins and spices, are the main culinary attraction. In addition to štruklji, you can also taste typical cheeses of the Soča Valley and other local delicacies.
MoreTaste Radol'ca
Taste Radol'ca
Liven up your November days by taking a stroll through Radovljica, visiting selected local restaurants, where you will be served dishes that are typical for this area. At the end of the festival, local providers join forces to organise an excellent culinary event at Linhart Square, which also includes the lighting of holiday lights, thus introducing the Advent events in Radovljica.
MoreCheese and Wine Festival Bohinj
Cheese and Wine Festival Bohinj
Bohinj has had a rich tradition in Alpine dairy farming and cheese making. In the summer, the livestock grazes on mountain pastures, which gives Bohinj milk and cheese a particular flavour. At the end of the summer, the livestock is brought back to the valley, and to mark this, a traditional event called Cows’ Ball is held. In recent years, this event has been paired with the Cheese and Wine Festival, at which you can taste local and other cheese varieties, topping it all off with world-class Slovenian wines.
MoreSlovenia is just the place for good food
The diversity of tastes that you can experience in Slovenia is sure to make your holiday even better. No matter whether you like traditional and local cuisine or modern culinary experiments, there is something tasty for everyone.