Benidorm is once again celebrating its thriving food scene as the sixteenth edition of its annual Tapas and Pinchos Competition begins today, 19 June.
The event forms part of the wider Benidorm Gastronómico programme and has become one of the most anticipated culinary highlights on the local calendar. What started as a small gastronomic initiative has evolved into a major showcase for the city’s hospitality industry and culinary talent.
Nineteen venues taking part
A total of 19 establishments are participating in this year’s event. Seventeen will compete for both the professional jury award and the public vote, while two additional venues are joining the gastronomic route.
Among the participating venues are Baldo, Cervecería L’Abadía, El Bodegón
Aurrera, El Mesón, Freiduría Los Peces, La Cava Aragonesa, La Fava, La Tabernita del Sur, La Tapería, Malaspina, Marisquería El Puerto, Molta Pasta, Pinocchio Playa, Pintxos Aurrera, Rock’n Ribs, Taberna Andaluza and Uncle Bob Taberna Jamaicana. La Pinta and La Pinta Beach are also taking part in the event.
Visitors can taste the specially created tapas and pinchos until 28 June and vote for their favourite. Everyone who casts a vote will be entered into a draw to win a dinner for two worth €60 at one of the participating establishments.
Expert judges
Alongside the public vote, a panel of culinary professionals has already sampled and assessed the competing dishes. The winners, however, will not be announced until the competition concludes.
The judging panel includes respected chefs, restaurateurs and food critics from across the province, bringing a wealth of experience to the evaluation process.
A decade and a half of culinary competition
Launching this year’s competition, Mayor Toni Pérez highlighted the role the event has played in shaping Benidorm’s reputation as a food destination. He noted that the Tapas and Pinchos Competition laid the foundations for what has since grown into the Benidorm Gastronómico brand, helping to promote the city’s diverse restaurant sector and attract food lovers throughout the year.
The mayor also praised participating businesses for continually raising standards and using gastronomy as a key element of Benidorm’s tourism appeal.
Local ingredients
According to organisers, this year’s competition promises to be one of the strongest yet. Javier del Castillo, president of the local hospitality association Abreca, encouraged residents and tourists alike to visit as many venues as possible during the event.
He also emphasised the importance of supporting local producers and incorporating regional ingredients into the dishes, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and showcasing the flavours of Alicante Province.
More food events still to come
The Tapas and Pinchos Competition is only the first major event in Benidorm’s gastronomic calendar. Later this year, visitors can also look forward to the Cocktail Competition in September, the Rice Dishes Festival in October and the Menjars del Nostre Poble food event in November, celebrating traditional local cuisine.
