Gijón Hosts Final of Spain’s Fourth Annual Taco Championship

Mexican cuisine continues to gain popularity across Spain, a trend highlighted by the fourth annual Spain Taco Championship. The final round of the competition takes place this Tuesday, June 30, in Gijón.

The event follows a month-long selection process that began on May 28. During this time, a panel of food critics, industry experts, and members of the public evaluated entries based on technique, flavor balance, and ingredient quality.

Among the 15 finalists is "Chile Verde," a restaurant based in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. Their entry, the "Taco de Asada," features a guajillo chili-infused corn tortilla topped with guacamole, beef entrecôte, ranchero sauce, onion, cilantro, and lime. With a mild spice level, the dish will be judged tonight in a blind tasting, where a professional jury will crown the "Best Taco in Spain 2026."

Competitions like this serve as a platform for local restaurants and reflect the growing sophistication of the Spanish culinary scene. The increasing use of authentic ingredients like tomatillos and jalapeños in high-end cooking shows a shift toward specialization. This trend allows restaurants outside of major cities to compete for national recognition on an equal footing. Tonight’s final marks the end of a rigorous process that has helped elevate the taco from a simple quick-service meal to a dish worthy of serious gastronomic appreciation.