Welcome to the far east of Slovenia, where fertile plains meet healing waters and time-honoured recipes still thrive in everyday life. Thermal Pannonian Slovenia is a region shaped by nature’s abundance, rural traditions, and a deep-rooted hospitality. It's a place where thermal springs bubble from the depths of the earth, and golden grains sway across endless fields. This landscape has given rise to a cuisine that is comforting, inventive and proudly regional. Here, ancient dishes are being reimagined by modern chefs while staying true to their origin – a testament to Slovenia’s broader culinary tapestry.
Destination Prekmurje, Slovenia
Cuisine in Prekmurje: A Heritage to Savor
The heart of this region beats in its ovens. Layered gibanica cakes , buttery flatbreads , and crispy zlejvanke are born from the wealth of grains grown in the Pannonian fields. The most iconic dish? Without question, the Prekmurska gibanica – a rich, multi-layered pastry filled with poppy seeds, apples, walnuts, and cottage cheese, representing a full year of flavours in one decadent bite.
Other traditional delights include dödole (potato-based dumplings fried until golden), hearty winter dishes like bujta repa (pork and sour turnip stew), tünka (preserved pork fat and meat), and robust butcher's platters served during koline (pig-slaughter season).
No meal is complete without a drizzle of Štajersko-Prekmursko pumpkin seed oil – dark, intensely nutty, and so beloved that even desserts wear it proudly. Locally sourced natural mineral waters , emerging from ancient depths, are the drink of choice and a symbol of the region's healing energy.
Sightseeing in Prekmurje
The beauty of this region lies in its contrast – gently rolling vineyards, winding rivers, and thermal spa towns pepper the landscape. From Moravske Toplice to Ptuj , visitors are welcomed with relaxation, rustic charm, and scenic views. Vineyards in Jeruzalem offer breathtaking panoramas and world-class wine tastings, while historical towns like Murska Sobota invite you to slow down and savour.
A Landscape Shaped by Life and Warmth
What sets Thermal Pannonian Slovenia apart is its pastoral charm , flat open fields , and earth-bound richness . It’s a land where every home tells a story – of family, harvest, and homemade bread. From clay-tiled farmhouses to slow-cooked stews , the region has a quiet strength rooted in centuries of rural life. Its thermal springs aren’t just for wellness, but are woven into the rhythm of local life. Hospitality here is not a service – it’s a way of being.
Places That Tell Prekmurje’s Story
Prekmurje, the northernmost corner of the region, is a treasure trove of discovery. It offers an irresistible blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary authenticity. Among the top attractions are the Vinarium Tower , with panoramic views of four countries, the imposing Grad Castle in Goričko, the mystical Rotunda in Selo, and Plečnik’s modernist church in Bogojina.
Nature lovers flock to Bukovniško Lake , known for its healing energies, or the romantic Island of Love featuring the old Babič Mill . Families enjoy the Expano Experience Center , a modern showcase of Prekmurje's identity, or wander through the tropical orchid garden in Dobrovnik . And for pure relaxation, the Terme 3000 spa complex offers warm, therapeutic bliss. Don’t miss a trip to the pottery village of Filovci , where ancient craftsmanship is still alive and well.
JRE Chefs in Prekmurje
Three JRE chefs call this region home – each telling a unique story of heritage, passion, and reinvention.
Leon Pintarič , head chef of Gostilna Rajh in Bakovci, works alongside his mother Tanja Pintarič , an honorary JRE member. Together, they elevate traditional Prekmurje cuisine with refinement, love, and an unwavering respect for local ingredients. Their restaurant is a cherished institution that balances memory with modernity.
Bine Volčič , one of Slovenia’s most acclaimed chefs, made a bold move from the capital to the tranquil vineyards near Lendava , where he and his wife Katarina created Monstera Estate . Here, Volčič brings together classical French technique, a flair for creativity, and local Pannonian character in a menu that speaks to the land and the chef’s deep curiosity.
Together, these chefs prove that even in Slovenia’s quietest corners, gastronomic excellence thrives – deeply rooted in place, yet reaching for the stars.
