This weekend, we had the pleasure of attending a very special paella competition at the Alicante Tasting Club. And what an experience it was! Three chefs, three different styles, and plenty of surprises in an event filled with flavour, creativity, and laughter. If you love rice as much as I do, keep reading – this is a story you don’t want to miss.
Three Chefs, Three Takes on Paella
Let’s start with the competitors. Three chefs faced off in the kitchen: Juanjo Gimeno, from Alicante; Alex, who came from Onil; and Benjamin Karch, an international guest from Mexico. Each one had a unique vision of what a paella should be, and that made the competition even more exciting.
Juanjo, being a local, went with a classic recipe with his own twist: rabbit paella. Sounds standard, right? Well, not quite, because there was a secret ingredient in his sofrito that left the judges intrigued. No one could figure out what it was, but whatever it was, it gave his paella a unique flavour that we won’t forget anytime soon.
Next up was Alex, who played it safe with a more traditional recipe: chicken and chickpea paella. If you’ve ever had a rice dish made with love and care, you know what I’m talking about. The flavours of his dish were balanced, honest, and a true tribute to the roots of Alicante’s cuisine.
But the real surprise of the day came from Benjamin Karch, who brought his own interpretation of paella all the way from Monterrey, Mexico. Imagine a paella with pork, gelatinous broth, a spicy kick, and fresh prawns. That’s what Benjamin presented, and let me tell you, even though it sounds unusual, it totally worked! It was as if the flavours of Mexico and Spain had the perfect conversation on that plate.

The Moment of Truth: Who Won?
After enjoying all three dishes, it was time for the verdict. And, against all odds, Benjamin took the prize. His Mexican-style paella broke all the rules, but that’s exactly what won over the judges. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients are the ones that make all the difference.
A Day to Remember
Beyond the competition, the best part of the day was the atmosphere. Between anecdotes and laughter, the chefs shared some of their secrets, and we all enjoyed a fantastic morning filled with good vibes and a shared love for cooking.
So, if you’re a paella lover, keep an eye out! I’m sure the next edition of this competition at Alicante Tasting Club will bring even more surprises. Who knows what unexpected ingredients we’ll see next time?
See you in the kitchen. Until next time!