An island with two faces, a pie with two flavors: Vis chooses its best Viška and Komiška pogača

The best Viška and Komiška pogača (traditional stuffed bread/pie) will be chosen this Sunday on the island of Vis. Islanders are being invited to share their family recipes to preserve tradition and launch the protection of this culinary heritage.

The event, titled “An Island with Two Faces, a Pie with Two Flavors,” is part of the “Pie with Two Faces” project. This initiative collects authentic local recipes and creates a product specification—a document that will detail the key ingredients, preparation methods, and unique traits of both Viška and Komiška pogača.

According to the island's tourist board, this specification will serve as the foundation for their future formal protection as cultural heritage, as well as a quality label.

Everyone can get involved

The initial draft recipe is not final; instead, it serves as a baseline for feedback and additions from those who actually make the pie. The organizers want to learn from the locals how the dough is kneaded, how the filling is prepared, which ingredients are absolutely essential, and how family recipes differ from one another.

They are also interested in the stories behind the recipes—for instance, who the locals learned from, the occasions for which the pie was baked, and the place it holds at the family table today. Because of this, anyone who wishes to share their experience or offer suggestions regarding the traditional recipe can participate, even if they are not competing.

Competitors will prepare the pie according to their own recipe, while the basic ingredients are provided by the tourist board. The Viška and Komiška pogača will compete in separate categories.

What is the difference between the two pies?

The two pies differ primarily because of the tomato, which is added to the Komiška version, while the Viška version is traditionally prepared without it.

The winners will be chosen by a three-member jury, featuring chef Dino Šeparović and one local expert each from Vis and Komiža. Šeparović swapped his law studies for the kitchen and, together with his wife, turned their family tavern into a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

The creators of the best pies will represent the island of Vis at the Advent in Split event.