València begins the search for the world’s best paella

The city of València has officially activated the international calendar for World Paella Day 2026, the annual celebration that pays tribute to Valencian paella as a global icon of Mediterranean gastronomy. Over the coming months, several qualifying rounds will determine who will compete in the grand world final, scheduled for September 20, 2026, in València.

A world circuit with 12 rounds in America, Asia, and Europe

This year, the competition expands its international reach with 12 qualifying rounds across three continents. In America, competitions will be held in Piriápolis (Uruguay), Barranquilla (Colombia), Quito (Ecuador), Querétaro (Mexico), and San Juan (Puerto Rico).  In Asia, the selected venue is Tokyo (Japan). In Europe, the trials will take place in Nimes (France), Bucharest (Romania), Zurich (Switzerland), and Burgas (Bulgaria). Additionally, the program incorporates three continental trials: one for America in Piriápolis, and two for Europe in Copenhagen (aimed at Scandinavia and the Baltic republics) and in Burgas (for the rest of the European countries).

At each destination, professional chefs will cook live before a specialized jury following the standards defined by the organization. Evaluation criteria include flavor, texture, the cooking point, and the traditional socarrat.

A single winner per trial and a final with a Mediterranean soul

From each qualifier, a single winner will emerge to represent their country in the València final. Before the contest, the finalists will enjoy a gastronomic and cultural experience designed to delve into the origins of the dish: the Valencian fertile orchards (la huerta), the rice fields of l’Albufera, and the Mediterranean environment that inspires the recipe.

World Paella Day has established itself as an international platform dedicated to strengthening the link between València and its most emblematic dish, promoting values such as culinary excellence, sustainability, respect for local products, and cultural exchange between countries. Its annual growth confirms the global media impact and València's role as the world capital of paella.

Registration open for professionals

Chefs interested in participating can submit their candidacy through the competition's official website, www.worldpaelladay.org. The selection of participants will be based on professional career, gastronomic proposal, and affinity with the project's values.

The 2026 edition incorporates the highest number of qualifiers to date, reinforcing the international projection of the contest and its goal of finding the best paella ambassador in the world. On September 20, València will once again become the international gastronomic epicenter with an event open to the public that will unite tradition, innovation, and culinary culture.