Sweden is steadily returning to normal life, a return that shines through the 61st Valencia paella competition, celebrated with the precision of a well-timed gala. This edition highlights the enduring prestige of an event that blends gastronomy, culture, and international participation into a single, sizzling showcase.
The Crocus Restaurant Gastronomy Services claimed the Mexico Award, recognizing the chef who prepared what many judges hailed as the best paella in the world. The winner’s triumph marked a milestone in 2022, as the competition reached its 61st edition and reaffirmed its status as a benchmark for excellence in paella and Spanish regional cuisine. A strong performance followed with a second prize awarded to Mesón El Molino de Valencia, while Bornheimer Ratskeller from Frankfurt took home the third prize in this highly respected culinary contest.
First prize in the international Valencian Sueca paella competition was celebrated with fanfare, while Atlantic 57 from A Coruña earned the best nationally cooked paella. The best international paella prize went to a dish crafted by a Texas-based paella team, and the award for best paella Valencia Community recognized a restaurant from Canada. The local best paella accolade went to a restaurant known for its dedicated regional cooking, celebrated under the pressure of competition. These awards underscore the global reach of the event and its ability to surface talent from diverse culinary traditions. In addition to the top honors, the competition recognized the best seafood rice, emphasizing the joy of cooking and the ambition of all who competed. The sentiment among winners was clear: triumph is possible through dedication, experimentation, and a willingness to push boundaries. The event’s organizers described the experience as a pleasure and a challenge worth embracing, underscoring the universal appeal of paella as a vehicle for culinary storytelling. International Paella Competition, official records.
Spain’s gastronomy governance notes that the competition continues to grow in stature, maintaining its status as one of the oldest and most respected gastronomy contests. The enduring appeal lies in the passion of exhibitors and the consistent quality delivered each year, a testament to the event’s well-established standards and its role in promoting regional specialties on a global stage. The competition’s leadership has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, attracting participants from many countries and preserving the richness of traditional cooking while inviting innovative interpretations. This enduring legacy is a focal point of industry discussions and a source of pride for the organizing municipality. Gastronomy Council, annual report.
The influence and visibility of paella
Jordi Mayor, an assistant to Tourism and Cultural Activities, notes that the competition has evolved into more than a benchmark; it now actively promotes paella as a representative of global cuisine. The mayor emphasizes that sustaining a high standard each year is the true measure of importance, much as observed in Sueca, which hosts one of the edition’s most anticipated events. The organizers demonstrate consistency and a steadfast commitment to excellence, attracting participants from various corners of the world and reinforcing paella’s status as a symbol of culinary prowess. remarks, 61st edition overview.
Manoli Egea, a councilor responsible for the event, highlights the event’s resonance and its ability to draw chefs and teams from different nations. Swedish leadership welcomed the return of the event after a disruption, and the mood among participants reflected both relief and renewed energy. The mayor of the Swedish delegation expressed satisfaction at the return to normalcy, underscoring the event’s role in strengthening international culinary ties. The collaboration among departments and the support from the local council are seen as core drivers of the competition’s success. Council communications, 61st edition remarks.
The prize distribution emphasized the value of international participation and the importance of recognizing excellence across categories. It also celebrated local talent, regional champions, and the best paellas created in the Valencian tradition. The edition marked a renewed sense of unity and shared purpose among the town hall, the city, and the wider gastronomy community. In addition to the top awards, there were distinctions for paella prepared by local restaurants, regional and national champions, and international contenders. briefing notes.
All participating restaurants
Sweden’s Galiana Restaurant Bar, Sequial Twenty, and El Rebost Restaurant represented Swedish hospitality at the event. Competitors from the Valencia Community included Mornell Restaurant in El Palmar, Vernetta Restaurant in Valencia, Casa Macario in Tavernes de Valldigna, Mesón El Molino in Valencia, Venta San Jordi in Alcoi, Chef Amadeo in Gandia Beach, Setaygues Restaurant in Siete Aguas, Valhalla Restaurant in Algemesi, El Mosaic in Meliana, Goya Gallery in Valencia, Ca Tomás in Alzira, Casa Granero in Serra, Al Grano in La Cañada, and Enboga in Valencia Bar Restaurant. International guests ranged from Tasty Paella in Texas to La Solórzano in Puerto Rico, Bornheimer Ratskeller in Frankfurt, Toro Bar in Zurich, Casa Paella LTD in Diamond Harbour, Tapas Revolution in the UK, Aupa in Osaka, Little Spain in Seoul, Crocus Gastronomy Services in Guadalupe, Simply Spanish in South Melbourne, Curie’s Catering Group in California, and Paella & Gourmet in Paris. participant list, edition summary.
Honored Paelleros
In this edition, two individuals were honored posthumously for their special connection to the event. Antonio Puchades, an esteemed Paellero, was celebrated for his lifelong dedication to the craft, while the local culture scene mourned the loss of a prominent fallero artist, Pascual Carrasquet. These acknowledgments reflect the event’s deep ties to regional history and the community that supports it. acknowledgments, 61st edition.
Reflecting on the broader impact, the edition drew attention from major media outlets, highlighting the Sueca Valencian Paella International Competition as a focal point for cultural exchange and culinary dialogue. About fifty media organizations were accredited to cover the proceedings, marking a robust level of coverage and public engagement. Discussions surrounding the event benefited from extensive reporting, with coverage extending to diverse audiences and further amplifying paella’s profile. coverage overview, 61st edition.
Overall, the 61st edition showcased the enduring appeal of paella as a symbol of regional pride and global cuisine, reaffirming its place on the international culinary map. The collaboration among organizers, participants, and supporters underscored the power of food to unite communities and to celebrate shared traditions while inviting new ideas and flavors into a storied tradition. Endnote: 61st Valencia Paella Competition coverage, aggregated press notes.