Valencian gastronomy celebrates its first edition of the Best Paquito of Valencia 2026 contest, held today, Monday, May 25th. The award has gone to Maestro Bar, an establishment in the city of Valencia, for its innovative lamb sandwich creation. With this victory, Maestro Bar will have the honor of representing the Valencian Community in the national final taking place next September.

The competition, promoted by the Interprofessional Organization for Sheep and Goat Meat (INTEROVIC), was held at the prestigious Mediterráneo Culinary Center by Cámara de Comercio hospitality school. The main objective was to recognize and promote the best Valencian version of the well-known “Paquito,” a lamb sandwich that has established itself as a versatile and intriguing gastronomic option nationwide.

Maestro Bar's winning proposal differs from more traditional stewed lamb formats. The establishment opted for a unique preparation, featuring a breaded lamb cutlet accompanied by young garlic shoots and roasted garlic aioli, served on a toasted and crispy bun. According to Nacho Gómez, one of the owners, the intention was to offer a crunchier and more substantial experience, using a whole piece of meat.

The jury, which evaluated presentation, flavor, texture, originality, and overall balance of the sandwich in a blind tasting, was impressed by Maestro Bar's offering. Second place went to A Roig Viu, from Albaida, with a reinterpretation of roast lamb, and third place to Cal Carrero, from the Patraix neighborhood, with a Paquito designed for the Valencian lunch.

Fifteen establishments from across the Valencian Community, mostly from Valencia city, participated in this inaugural edition. The jury included chef Toni Boix, journalist Marta Hortelano, winemaker Pablo Calatayud, and gastronomic critic Jesús Terrés, who highlighted the high general standard and the difficulty in choosing a winner.

The Paquito, created in Madrid in 2019 by INTEROVIC, aims to modernize the image of lamb and attract new audiences. The "Ruta del Paquito 2026" (Paquito Route 2026), which includes this competition, continues until June 7th, offering various interpretations of this popular lamb sandwich in numerous venues in the city and surrounding areas.