Spring in Ljubljana has one very clear sign: Odprta kuhna (Open Kitchen) is back. One of the most popular culinary events in Slovenia attracts thousands of visitors every year to Pogačarjev Square – locals, tourists, foodies, and anyone who enjoys exploring new flavors on Fridays. In 2026, this legendary food market returns on March 20, marking the start of a new season that will last all the way until autumn.
In its 14th season, the organizers promise even more variety, more new vendors, and more culinary surprises. Over 65 vendors will participate, offering more than 280 dishes – from traditional Slovenian specialties to modern street food concepts from around the world.
If you’re looking for the best food market in Ljubljana, Odprta kuhna has been the top choice for over a decade – and this year looks even more exciting.
What is Odprta kuhna and why has it become a culinary phenomenon?
Odprta kuhna is an open-air food market that takes place every sunny Friday at Pogačarjev Square in the heart of Ljubljana. The concept is simple yet brilliant: the best restaurants, bistros, pastry shops, and street food projects prepare dishes right in front of visitors.
Over the years, the event has become one of the most recognizable gastronomic projects in Slovenia. It brings together:
- top-quality street food
- traditional Slovenian dishes
- modern bistro concepts
- international cuisines
- craft beer, cocktails, and wine
This diversity is exactly why walking between the stalls is always a new experience – every few meters offers a different culinary story.
From Slovenian classics to Japanese ramen
One of Odprta kuhna’s biggest advantages is its global culinary range. In just a few minutes, you can “travel” between different gastronomic cultures.
This year’s offerings include:
- traditional Slovenian cuisine
- Asian street food
- Mediterranean flavors
- American-style burgers
- Middle Eastern specialties
- modern fusion dishes
This means that in a single visit, you can try žlikrofi, ramen, tacos, pad thai, smash burgers, and štruklji – something nearly impossible in a single restaurant.
Big new feature in 2026: many new vendors
Each year, the organizers refresh the lineup – and this year, around one-third of the vendors are new. That means fresh ideas and exciting new dishes.
Among the most interesting additions are concepts featuring:
- truffles
- New York–style bagels
- Japanese cuisine
- Turkish specialties
- modern vegan cuisine
These newcomers often become the biggest hits of the season.
All 2026 vendors in one place
This year’s lineup is truly impressive, featuring a wide range of restaurants, street food projects, and bars. Participants include:
NAMASTÈ Indian Restaurant, STARI PISKER Brewery & Eatery, SUPER HRUST, NIAM NIAM GARDEN, J&B Vinoteka, SMASH, MOJI ŠTRUKLJI SLOVENIJE, SKUHNA, ŠPANSKA VAS, ATELIER KARIM, PR’MARTINET Bar, ROZA SLON, PIE SHOP, OGAM Korean Restaurant, DEŽELA OKUSOV, ARGENTINO Steakhouse, MIHOVEC Inn, PRI MARI Inn, LISJAK 1956 Homestead, TAVERNA TATJANA, ALTROKÉ, PIŠEK BAR, DVOR JEZERŠEK, LOU Bistro, VRT LILI NOVY, ŽLIKROFI TONČIČ, HANOI, LANGOŠ, LYRA, SHAMBALA Restaurant, KLETVICA, MATSURI, KONTRABANT, LJUBAO, GUŠT Eatery, ORLE Eatery, BREAD AND BLACK, VEGANIKA, ČRNA KUHNA, FOGY TARTUFI, NJAMA, BAGEL EMBASY, ZAHIR, RAMEN BY MARU, cukree, Craft Beer, Brina Cocktails, and Union.
This lineup ensures you’ll find everything in one place – from traditional Slovenian dishes to cutting-edge street food.
Key culinary trends this year
Looking at this year’s vendors, several interesting trends stand out:
1. Premium street food burgers
Ljubljana’s burger scene is thriving, and Odprta kuhna is its natural stage.
2. Asian explosion of flavors
Ramen, Korean cuisine, Vietnamese street food, and Thai dishes are increasingly popular.
3. Slovenian tradition with a modern twist
Žlikrofi, štruklji, and local specialties are often reimagined as modern street food.
4. Vegan and plant-based offerings
Vegan cuisine is becoming more present and increasingly creative every year.
Why is Odprta kuhna one of Slovenia’s most visited events?
There are several reasons for its success:
Location
The event takes place in the very center of Ljubljana, right by the Ljubljanica river and the central market.
Atmosphere
It’s a relaxed food festival where people socialize, taste dishes, and enjoy the city vibe.
Variety
Few places offer such a wide range of cuisines in one spot.
Quality
Renowned Slovenian restaurants and bistros cook at the stalls.
When to visit
Odprta kuhna takes place every sunny Friday from spring to autumn, usually between 10 AM and 10 PM.
For the best experience:
- come around 11 AM or noon (less crowded)
- or in the afternoon for a livelier atmosphere
- try multiple smaller dishes instead of one large meal
That way, you can truly explore the full culinary spectrum.
More than just a food market
Although it’s primarily a culinary event, Odprta kuhna has become an important part of Ljubljana’s culture.
For many locals, it marks the start of the weekend, while for tourists it’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Slovenian cuisine.
With more than a decade of tradition, constant innovation, and ever-changing vendors, Odprta kuhna remains one of the most exciting gastronomic events in Slovenia.
