For a few days every November, Valladolid becomes National and world capital of Tapa. So, more specifically, at the Millennium Dome, fine dining will be served in small plates to celebrate the anniversary. National tapas contestis an annual event that searches for the best miniature recipes from around the country. During the 10th, 11th and 12th of November, the residents of Valladolid were able to try some of the most original and delicious tapas of Spanish and international cuisine, in the 21st edition, where, as usual, we chose the winning idea.
The first place this time is Alejandro San Josethanks to the “Milpa” cooking of Valladolid’s Habanero Takeeria restaurant. The recipe calls for crunchy corn rings stuffed with lamb braised in green tomatillo sauce, cod chintextile (ground chili paste), pineapple soaked in tepache (Mexican fermented drink), and candied pine nuts. The prize money, in addition to a check worth 10,000 euros, will enable him to become the next Spanish representative at the 2026 World Tapas Championship.
The winning cover can be tested at: habanero taqueria (C. Duque de Lerma, 4), a mexican restaurant It champions the most authentic Aztec cuisine, Already won first prize Thanks to Salbut Criollo, I entered this contest in 2021. This creation, which can still be ordered on the menu, consists of delicious puff pancakes stuffed with roast pork and garnished with habanero mayonnaise and guacamole. The fusion of Castilian and Mexican cuisine has found success again four years later.
“I was there four years ago, but I never thought it would be the same again,” Alejandro San José said after receiving the award. “I was there as a student and it’s incredible to be here. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the last few weeks. I’m very proud to be from Valladolid.” And staying at home. ”
The second prize (valued at 5,000 euros) went to restauranteur Aitor Martinez’s “Tronco Porco.” Brianna’s Can LosCastellon, Mocha and the twins. And finally, third place went to “Perdi’s, Corn and Escabeche” by restaurant Jesús Iván Anaya. Mancha observation deck in Ciudad Realtwins with Bar Las Kvass.
The jury was headed by Paco Morales, a three-star Michelin-starred chef and winner of the 2025 National Gastronomy Award for Best Chef. “The standard was very high. The score was in line with three restaurants in Valladolid. We voted transparently, and the result is very good.”
At the same time as the national competition, Valladolid IX World Tapas Championship “City of Valladolid” is a complementary event that brings together the world’s best chefs for three days of miniature haute cuisine.
In this category they competed 16 chefsAmong them is “Los Mondays in the Sun”, which he covered in the restaurant “Gran Sol” in Hondarribia with Iñigo Tison, a candidate from Spain, who was declared the winner of the previous contest. From the Americas, participants came from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Uruguay. From Europe, chefs from Germany, Norway, Austria, and the United Kingdom participated. The competition included chefs from Asia and Oceania, including Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Thanks to its development, Australia became the winner of the 9th edition of the competition. “Smoke under the lid” By Chef Andrea Vignali. This delicacy is the work of Al Dente Enoteca, an Italian restaurant located in Melbourne and affiliated with El Corregidor. of Kangaroo meat is the main ingredient This dish was created by an Italian chef. We hope for cultural fusion with Australians, represented by kangaroo meat. Italian cuisine and guanciale, the chef’s native country. And the Spaniards along with Pedro Jimenez were to dip their tapas in this famous wine.
Second place, with a prize of 5,000 euros, went to Chef Cheng Cheng Dian and his tapa Esmeralda from Taiwan’s Fresh & Aged Italian Steakhouse Restaurant, in partnership with Sala 20 Restaurant. Third place, with a prize of 2,500 euros, went to La Reina del Mar, a tapa by Øyvind Bo Dalev of Norwegian Brasserie Touch, in partnership with Restaurant Orinario.
All participating tapas, including the winner, can be sampled until Sunday, November 16th at the “International Tapa Festival” held at the twin restaurants in the city of Valladolid.
About The Author
