PHOTOS: Zagreb Burger Festival opens – we check it out

by croatiaweek
September 5, 2025
in Food & Wine

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

The tenth edition of the Zagreb Burger Festival opened on Thursday, 4 September, at Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana, bringing ten days of food and entertainment to the city.

The festival runs until 14 September and gathers 16 burger stands alongside a wide programme of cultural and leisure activities.

Among the highlights is Mason Burgers & Stuff, led by Ivan Zidar, presenting the new Mason 5th, inspired by the umami flavour and set to compete at a European contest in Barcelona later this year.

Mason Burgers & Stuff – Mason’s 5th (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Ivan Zidar, Mason Burgers & Stuff (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Bold. offers creations such as the Balkan Boy with ajvar and black pig bacon.

Bold_Balkan boy (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Zadar’s Picnic Mingle & Fun returns with popular classics including the Blackie.

Picnic Mingle & Fun – Smokey Cheez B (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Chef Mate Janković’s Burger Institute focuses on smash burgers made from Croatian beef, while UFO Burger introduces a playful concept with space-themed designs such as Lude gljive from Jupiter and Avocado Avatar from Neptun.

Institut za burgere by Mate Janković_Cheesy Chili Smash

Burger Institute by Mate Janković – Cheesy Chili Smash (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

UFO Burger – Lude gljive from Jupiter (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Dubrovnik’s Street Food Diverso serves five signature burgers, including Lito ide mala, and Ivan Pažanin’s Chef’s Burger keeps a Mediterranean approach with fresh ingredients and balanced flavours.

Diverso – Lito ide mala (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Chef Ivan Pažanin na Burger Festivalu Zagreb

Chef Ivan Pažanin (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Other stands include The Spot by Ivo Despot, specialising in smash burgers.

Ivo Despot – The Spot (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Grof Lovski from Čazma with venison creations.

Grof Lovski – Smash burger (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Jellyfish in Space, offering pulled pork options.

Jellyfish in Space – Classic Pulled Pork (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Noel* Street Food, led by Ivan Temšić, brings Michelin-inspired combinations, while Chubby Chuck’s debuts with truffle-infused burgers in collaboration with Karlić truffles.

Chef Ivan Temšić – Noel*Street Food (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Desserts are also part of the line-up, with Milkshake Factory and pastry chef Juraj Klepić offering sweet alternatives.

Milkshake Factory (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Juraj Klepić, Gdje je Jura (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Alongside the food, visitors can enjoy a varied programme. Concerts include a performance by Kuzma & Shaka Zulu on the opening night and a Dino Dvornik Tribute Band on 11 September.

Daily DJ sets take place, with extended sessions on weekends.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Other activities include a food quiz (10 September), open-air cinema screenings (5 and 10 September), Wine & Paint workshops, and a Metro table football and table tennis tournament (12 September).

Families are catered for with the Zagi kids’ zone, offering trampolines, games, and workshops, as well as a visit from Trnje firefighters on 6 September.

ZAGI Kids zona (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

A highlight on the final day is the Okršaj ljutomana chilli-eating challenge, organised by Volim Ljuto.

The festival runs Monday to Friday from 12:00 to midnight, and weekends from 11:00 to midnight. Entry is free, and visitors can vote for their favourite burger via QR codes at each stand.