Spain Crowns Best Sandwich of 2026 at National Championship Finale
Fifteen finalists are competing in Madrid today for the title of Spain’s best sandwich at the grand finale of the 3rd Spanish Sandwich Championship.
Today marks a major milestone for Spanish cuisine as the 3rd Spanish Sandwich Championship holds its grand finale. Following a selection process that drew over 112,000 votes, the event highlights how the humble sandwich is being transformed into a professional culinary craft, while also showcasing how food competitions are helping to boost the hospitality industry.
The final will take place at El Puerto del Escondite in Madrid’s Santander Financial City. A panel of expert judges—including Michelin-starred chefs Julián Mármol and Óscar Velasco, alongside industry professionals Sacha Hormaechea and Pipo Paniceres—will decide which entry earns the title of Spain’s best sandwich for 2026. To ensure complete objectivity, the judges will use a blind tasting method, focusing on technique, ingredient balance, bread texture, and overall execution.
Of the 15 finalists, the Canary Islands have a particularly strong showing, with 10 establishments competing for the top prize. Among the contenders are Gran Canaria’s "Oh My Boc," which features spiced chicken thigh, aioli, caramelized onion, and cheddar on ciabatta, and Tenerife’s "Cafetería Los Majuelos," which is presenting "Origen"—a creative mix of pickled chicken, flower cheese, arugula, pepper jam, pickles, and roasted garlic aioli.
This championship reflects a growing trend in Spain: the elevation of street food to haute cuisine through high-quality ingredients and culinary creativity. The massive public participation in the voting phase proves that diners are eager to discover innovative sandwiches that celebrate local products and regional flavors.