If your idea of a perfect weekend blends food, culture, and wine-fueled fun, mark your calendars for September 12–13, 2025. The heart of Nagykanizsa’s Erzsébet Square (Erzsébet tér) will transform into the vibrant centerpiece of the 19th Kanizsa Wine and Dödölle Festival (Kanizsai Bor- és Dödölle Fesztivál). This free, two-day extravaganza is dedicated to celebrating and reinventing the region’s unique culinary traditions—especially dödölle, the humble potato dish that locals swear by.
The Dödölle and Local Delicacies Cooking Contest
Nothing gets Nagykanizsa (Nagykanizsa) buzzing quite like the festival’s undisputed highlight: the dödölle and regional dish cooking competition. Teams of three to five amateur chefs face off on September 13, from 8 AM to 5 PM, competing to craft not only the most delicious potato delight but also other main courses and desserts beloved in the area. Every team gets their own stretch of the main road—a five-meter-wide canvas for their culinary genius—plus a 108-square-foot (10 m²) tent, table, and 22 pounds (10 kg) of potatoes.
But don’t just show up with a stove and hopes for glory. Teams need to create a welcoming, stylish cooking corner, as judges look for not only mouthwatering food but also ambiance, creative presentation, team flair, and genuine respect for tradition. Dishes can be prepped at home but are best finished amid the festival crowd to fill the air with tempting aromas.
How to Enter (and What Not to Do!)
Think you and your friends can whip up champion-worthy dödölle or an iconic local meal? Registration is open until 4 PM on September 1, 2025, but only in advance. There’s no entry fee, but plenty of rules: safety briefings at 9:30 AM are mandatory for team captains, gas-powered cooking only (so forget the charcoal), and all meat or perishable ingredients require receipts for food safety inspectors.
You can enter more than one category—just submit a separate form for each entry. Every team is responsible for their own cookware, serving dishes (no single-use plastics for the jury), fire extinguishers, and keeping their space as clean as their conscience. Onsite coolers and electricity? Not available—plan accordingly. All food made must be for the competition: no side hustles selling to festival-goers allowed.
After the 5 PM wrap-up, teams have until 6 PM to clean up and ensure a tidy space as the festival moves on to its next chapter. Vehicles must be parked away from the event area after unloading. Organizers will check compliance throughout—breaking the rules can mean disqualification.
The Judging Panel and Prizes
The judging panel features some of Hungary’s most respected food experts, led by master chef József Prikryl (Venesz Prize winner and author of “Zalai and Vas Peasant Dishes – From Búbos Túró to Fumu” [Zalai, vasi paraszti ételek – A búbos túrótól a fumuig] and “The Dödölle” [A dödölle]). The panel is strict, and their verdict cannot be appealed.
Evaluation focuses on taste, plating, preparation, team appearance, the vibe of the station, tradition, and originality. Before 3 PM, teams must hand over tasting samples—on proper plates, not paper or plastic—for the judges. Thinking about sneaking the judges a little liquid bribe? Don’t even think about offering them alcohol.
Everyone walks away with a commemorative certificate. The top three teams receive diplomas, trophies, and great prizes, while bonus awards may be given for extra flair or style. Winners must be present at the ceremony to collect their rewards!
Eat, Drink, and Explore Nagykanizsa
The festival isn’t just about cooking. Attendees can look forward to concerts, cultural performances, amazing wines, a free folk playground for kids, and foods to sample from across the region. All events are free and open to everyone, regardless of age or background. Just leave politics at the gate—this is pure Nagykanizsa (Nagykanizsa) hospitality and fun.
Need a place to stay? Options abound. From the stylish König Hotel (Hotel König), just minutes from downtown, to family-run inns and spa hotels by the tranquil boating lake, most locations offer AC, WiFi, and breakfast to help you recover from a night of revelry. Check out the local Platanus Restaurant and Guesthouse (Platánus Étterem és Panzió) for a fresh dining experience, or savor sweets in historic city-center bakeries and cafés—perfect for a midday pick-me-up or celebratory dessert.
Coffee aficionados shouldn’t miss Ádám’s Café (Ádám Kávézó), with its globe-trotting bean selection and menu fit for every appetite. Many of these venues cater to families, business travelers, or large groups, so nobody’s left out.
Don’t Miss Out
Come hungry, bring your friends, and don’t forget your most creative apron. The Kanizsa Wine and Dödölle Festival (Kanizsai Bor- és Dödölle Fesztivál) is set to be a feast for all the senses. Just remember—plans and schedules may change, but the spirit of hearty Hungarian hospitality is guaranteed.
