Your guide to must-try gastro delights at this year’s Špancirfest

(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

As summer comes to an end, it’s become a tradition to celebrate in Varaždin, at the renowned street festival known as Špancirfest. 

You probably already know about this fantastic event. If you want to indulge in a variety of flavours, both familiar and innovative, from traditional delicacies to innovative tastes, the gastronomic offerings at this year’s jubilee Špancirfest are an adventure you simply can’t afford to miss. 

There are three major festival food zones, each with a rich selection: the Carlsberg Food & Party zone, the Wine Town, and the Špancir Burger Festival. 

Plus, there are about ten smaller street food corners, not to mention the excellent Varaždin restaurants in the historic city centre, ranging from Michelin-recommended establishments to those offering top-notch traditional dishes. In a nutshell, you won’t go hungry or thirsty at Špancirfest.

To save you from the hassle of searching for parking spots, the City of Varaždin and the Varaždin Tourist Board have arranged free parking for Špancirfest visitors at the Auto Klub Varteks parking lot on Biškupečka Street, every day during the festival from 5 PM. From the parking area, free “buseki” rides of the public city transport will take guests to the Trg slobode (Freedom Square) in the center of Varaždin until midnight.

To make it easier for you to explore this year’s 25th Špancirfest and to encourage your attendance, we’ve picked out 8 gastronomic delights that await you at the festival:

1. A delectable selection of burgers at the Špancir Burger Festival – who can resist? 

With over 30 types of smash, classic, and other delicacies, this kingdom of flavor beckons you to indulge. Even if you’re not in the mood for meat, Beg’s Plant-Based will surprise you with their mouthwatering plant-based burgers.

Beg’s Plant Based (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)‡

Also, experience Mate Janković from the Burger Institute, Ivan Pažanin with Chefs Burgers, and Škartoc ljubavi. You can find these burger masters at Kapucinski trg (Capuchin Square).

Chef Mate Janković (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)‡

Picnic Mingle&Fun (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)‡

Chef Marko Palfi (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)‡

2. Chufte powered by Tako Yaki – perfect little balls of goodness to suit everyone’s taste. 

It’s no surprise that Chef Martino Zanelli Kovačić prepares these delectable bites since he adores them himself. You’ll have the chance to try meat, fish, fruit, or dessert chufte (balls), and once you do, you’ll want more.

Chufte powered by Tako Yaki – Spicy Chicken Meatballs (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

Find them in the Carlsberg Food & Party zone in the charming setting of the Old Town, where other surprises await, like the Rollin Flocka team with woks and wraps, and the Zvonimir and Kajkuš restaurants with grills.

Chufte powered by Tako Yaki – Fresh Trout Avocado Meatballs (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

3. Ferdinand dumplings – who wouldn’t love them? 

Once you try them, you won’t forget them easily because they’re not just any dumplings; they’re THE dumplings. Named after Emperor Ferdinand, who adored them, the variety of dumplings at Špancirfest will make you feel like royalty. Look for their attractive food truck on Franjevački trg (Franciscan Square).

Ferdinand dumplings (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

4. Gastro delights by MasterChef stars.

MasterChef celebrities Melkior Bašić and Damir Tomljanović are preparing gastronomic delights in the Wine Town, and Melkior also has his own corner at the Špancir Burger Festival, so be prepared for finger-licking surprises. When they wield their cooking utensils, the finest aromas spread, impossible to resist.

5. American-style hot dogs and sandwiches. 

You’ll find them at INA Fresh corners on Gajeva ulica and in the Food & Party zone. They’ll offer juicy hot dogs and sandwiches for the big and small Špancirers who enjoy eating and strolling, prepared from top-quality meat.

Rollin Flock Wrap (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

6. Wines and cheeses – a dreamy combination. 

In the Wine Town, located in front of the beautiful Stari grad (Old Castle), there will be more than 500 types of wines from the most renowned winemakers, making it hard to choose. When you pair these aromatic and golden drops with Vindija’s exquisite cheeses, it will be a true gourmet fantasy.

Wine Town – cheeses (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

7. Fruit cones – a refreshing hug for the summer heat. 

Chilled fruit pieces in a convenient cone, a perfect combo for kids and fruit enthusiasts. You can take them with you while you Špancir (stroll), and if you have the chance, stop by Kaufland Fresh Point on Šenoina ulica (Šenoina Street), where a free dose of freshness awaits. Yes, you read that right – the fruit cones will be free.

Fruit cones (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

8. Homemade is the best – something for everyone. 

Everything you’ve read so far is just a fraction of the lavish gastronomic offerings at this year’s Špancirfest. At every turn, you’ll find irresistible aromas of popular Varaždin delights like klipići (traditional rolls), gibanica (layered pastry with cheese and eggs), langoš (fried dough), homemade cakes, ice cream, pancakes, and much more. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavours or an adventurous foodie, we’re confident you’ll find something to satisfy your gastronomic desires at Špancirfest. Bon appétit!

Rollin Flock Bowl (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)

Ready for Špancirfest? And a gastronomic delight? See you at Špancirfest in Varaždin, from August 18th to 27th. For more information, visit: www.spancirfest.com.