Burger Festival Pula opens – photo report

by croatiaweek
July 28, 2023
in Food & Wine

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

For the second consecutive year, the largest regional street food festival has come to the Croatian city of Pula in the heart of Istria and impressed the numerous visitors on the opening day yesterday.

Set in an attractive location, with the sea on one side and a view of the Pula Arena on the other, ten distinctive wooden houses have “anchored” themselves for the next 20 days where juicy burgers are being prepared by renowned chefs and culinary wizards from all over Croatia.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Representing Zagreb were the Burger Institute by Mate Janković, 4Burgers, and Beg’s Plant Based; from Split came Chefs Burger by Ivan Pažanin; from Zadar, Picnic Mingle and Fun; from Čakovec, Full Circle by Marko Palfi; and flying the local colours was Istrijanska Manjada.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

There are also signature cocktails at Gingle Bells and Picnic Craft Bar booths, ice-cold Staropramen beer, premium wines from the Šoškić winery, and a rich selection of other beverages at the Central bar.

Chef Marko Palfi

Hits among visitors have included Ivan Pažanin’s Crispy Kapula burger, the Shrimp Burger from Picnic Mingle and Fun, and Marko Palfi’s Decadent burger.

Ivan Pažanin – Crispy kapula (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Istrijanska Manjada – Terra Divina (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Picnic Mingle and Fun – Shrimp burger (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Novelties on offer from 4Burgers, who, apart from their famous smash burgers, prepared delicious and rich tacos and nachos for Pula, Mate Janković’s Bacon Jalapeno, Istrijanska Manjada’s Terra Divina burger and Eduard Beg’s innovative plant-based burgers, with his Crispy Chicken and Spicy Chicken were also popular.

Chef Mate Janković (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

4burgers – Bacon smash (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Karlo Damijanić, Istrijanska Manjada (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

The team at Gingle Bells house offer a selection of cocktails, including their popular Mojito and their paid tribute to Istria with their new Teranino Spritz.

Gingle Bells – Mojito (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

The cocktails at Picnic Craft Bar were particularly creative, each with its own authentic story. Among the favourites were their Summer Gin and Kiss from a Rose cocktails.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Besides the abundant offerings of gourmet burgers and cocktails, visitors to the Burger Festival Pula can also enjoy a great atmosphere with performances by the most attractive local DJs.

Ivan Badžek (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

On July 29th, DJ Luke Beans will take the stage with his program titled “Amphitheater Escapade,” and on August 4th, he’ll return with “Gladiator’s Groove.” On August 5th, Mr. M will entertain the crowd with “Arena Melodies & Beats,” while on August 6th, Jinxie Grooves will get everyone dancing during “Apollo’s Golden Beats.” August 12th will feature the program “Dance of the Roman Gods,” once again under the skillful guidance of DJ Luke Beans.

Full Circle – Decadent burger (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Picnic Mingle and Fun (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to learn how to make Plant-Based burgers. The workshop, led by nutritionist Katja Radolović, will take place on Friday, July 28th, starting at 8 PM, at the Center for Culinary Culture. Participants will learn all about the growing plant-based food trend and, under expert guidance, prepare three plant-based burgers during the hour and a half-long workshop.

Beg’s Plant Based – Crispy Chicken (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

The number of participants for this free workshop is limited, so anyone interested should sign up through the Burger Festival’s social media channels.