PHOTOS: Vukovar was all about fiš paprikaš this weekend – check out the atmosphere

The Danube promenade in Vukovar was filled with the delicious aroma of fiš paprikaš this weekend as a record 31 teams from across Slavonia, Srijem and Baranja gathered for the biggest edition yet of the “100% Fiš” culinary event.

By Friday morning, preparations were already underway. Fires were lit early and traditional cauldrons were carefully arranged as the city transformed into the largest open-air restaurant in continental Croatia.

A professional judging panel, made up of members from the Association of Chefs from Mediterranean and European Regions (ŠKMER), Croatia’s fiš champion Zvonko Barić and Marko Štrobilius, chef and owner of Restaurant Gondola in Sotin, had a challenging task selecting the best from such a strong line-up.

In the end, the top prize went to Momo from Kneževi Vinogradi in Baranja. Second place was awarded to Hladno pivo, while Petaračke buše took third.

(Photo: Katarina Živković (narrativestudio)/ Source: TZ grada Vukovara)

The prizes were secured by local sponsors, with the first place awarded by Vukovarsko Pivo, second by the Vukovar-based restaurant Stari toranj, and the third by the company Confirmo.

The festival atmosphere was full of good spirits. Participants supported each other, shared cooking tips and enjoyed the event in a true sporting spirit, highlighting the well-known motto – it is important to take part.

Everyone agreed that for a good fiš, quality ingredients are key – the finest river fish from the Danube, excellent local wine, top-grade ground paprika, and of course, an experienced chef, whether amateur or professional.

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

This year’s edition also included a unique culinary attraction – “Wide Noodles as Long as the Danube.” Created by members of the Vukovar-Srijem County Chefs Association and supported by Vukovarsko Pivo, the noodle measured an impressive 18.8 metres, symbolising the 188-kilometre stretch of the Danube through Croatia.

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

(Photo: Katarina Živković (narrativestudio)/ Source: TZ grada Vukovara)

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

“100% Fiš is a continuation of the long and fruitful collaboration between ŠKMER and the Vukovar Tourist Board. The project combines education, promotion, competition and entertainment, all guided by sustainable gastronomy and a zero-waste approach,” said Marina Sekulić, Director of the Vukovar Tourist Board.

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

“There is no better dish to represent Vukovar’s culinary identity than fiš paprikaš. We are known for our high-quality fish, excellent traditional cuisine, outstanding wines and hospitality. Fiš has become a symbol of Vukovar’s gastronomy,” she added.

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

(Photo: Vedran Čuljak i Narrative studio, source TZ grada Vukovara)

The success of this year’s event once again confirmed the growing popularity of fiš paprikaš as a cultural and culinary highlight in eastern Croatia.