The prestigious National Tapas Competition in Valladolid has once again crowned the best tapa in Spain, with 48 finalists competing in this highly anticipated culinary showdown.
A Culinary Event with Global Prestige
The 14th edition of the National Tapas and Pinchos Competition and the 2nd World Tapas Championship have officially concluded. Luis Antonio Carcas Armingol, from Casa Pedro restaurant in Zaragoza, has been named champion of the XIV National Tapas Competition for his tapa “La Mar de Pincho”.
Meanwhile, the winner of the 2nd World Tapas Championship was Shuyun Chen from Bellota by Peter Gordon in Auckland, New Zealand, with her dish Crispy rice with tuna rolls and pickled vegetables.
Both winners received a €6,000 cash prize, further solidifying this competition as one of the most significant culinary events in Valladolid’s calendar.
An Exciting Competition in Valladolid
From November 6 to 11, 46 hospitality establishments in Valladolid hosted and mentored the competition’s contestants. Their participating tapas were available for locals and visitors to enjoy, creating a vibrant gastronomic atmosphere throughout the city.
The streets of Valladolid were filled with food lovers, eager to taste the best tapas in Spain. As Luis Cepeda, Director of the National Tapas and Pinchos Competition, explains:
“This 14th edition saw 48 finalists in the National Competition and 16 contestants in the World Tapas Championship competing at the highest level.”
This year, sweet and mellow flavors took center stage, reflecting emerging trends in modern Spanish cuisine. One particularly noticeable trend was the “finger-food” style, where tapas are designed to be eaten in one or two bites, without utensils.
Behind the scenes, a rigorous logistical operation ensured a seamless experience for all participants. According to Cepeda, the first day of the competition felt like:
“An opportunity to meet the expectations and trust built over 14 years of history, elevating Spanish tapas as a global culinary reference.”
From its early years, the competition has gained worldwide recognition. International media outlets from Europe to Vietnam have covered the event, and it has even been referenced in culinary discussions in Japan.
“Visiting Valladolid in November is truly a gastronomic delight,” Cepeda emphasizes.
A Competition That Promotes Gender Equality
The National Tapas and Pinchos Competition also aims to highlight the role of women in gastronomy. This year, the jury was composed entirely of female chefs, including:
- Susi Díaz (La Finca, Elche) – Jury President
- Amaia Ortúzar (Ganbara, San Sebastián)
- Pepa Muñoz (El Qüenco de Pepa, Madrid)
- Elena Lucas (La Lobita, Soria)
Jury President Susi Díaz shared her enthusiasm:
“Being the President of the National Tapas Competition Jury is an honor and a privilege for me. This contest holds undeniable prestige at an international level.”
She joins an elite list of past jury presidents, including Alberto Chicote, Martín Berasategui, Pedro Subijana, Paco Roncero, and Albert Adrià.
Díaz also emphasized the critical role of women in shaping Spanish gastronomy:
“The tradition of Spanish cuisine has been passed down through generations of grandmothers and mothers. Their passion has been fundamental in shaping what Spanish gastronomy is today.”
She believes the competition is:
“A unique opportunity for chefs to showcase their creativity and push the boundaries of flavor, technique, and presentation.”
Valladolid: The Capital of Tapas
This renowned competition continues to grow, attracting culinary professionals from around the world and positioning Valladolid as the true capital of tapas.
With each bite, chefs tell a story—a fusion of tradition, innovation, and passion—that makes this event one of the most exciting gastronomic celebrations in Spain.
