From April 29 to May 29, the first ever Spanish Sandwich Championship is taking place, bringing together 126 establishments from all over Spain, including four prominent participants from Canarias (one from Gran Canaria, another from Fuerteventura, and two from Tenerife). This competition aims to highlight innovation and quality in the realm of traditional and modern sandwiches.
The proposals, showcasing the culinary richness and diversity of the islands, are as follows:
- Collective Demand Meloneras Cheesesteak: inspired by the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, this sandwich has been reinvented with a European twist at Cervecería La Ruta, located in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. For 14 Euros, it offers an exquisite combination of Picaña, Monterey cheese, red onion, green pepper jam, and mustard, all mounted on a sturdy ciabatta bread and drizzled with garlic butter. This proposal captures the essence of the famous American sandwich, adapting it with ingredients and flavours that resonate with the European palate.
Fuerteventura
- American Guacamole Sandwich: at K-revuelto Fast Good, located in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, this sandwich deviates from the traditional sandwich concept. Priced at 8.50 Euros, it is served on toasted brioche bread, filled with bacon, tomato, fresh guacamole, egg, Monterrey Jacks and mozzarella cheese, all complemented with a mild aioli. The combination of juicy flavours and rich textures makes this sandwich a popular and standout choice in the competition.
American Guacamole Sandwich, at K-revuelto Fast Good, in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura). / LP/DLP
Tenerife
- Aldeano Sandwich from Cafetería Majuelos (La Laguna): priced at only 3.50 Euros, this sandwich combines grilled cheese with cinnamon, roasted turkey, and an intriguing black fig jam, complemented with basil aioli. This mix of sweet and savoury has been well received by customers, making it a favourite.
Aldeano Sandwich, at the Los Majuelos Cafeteria (La Laguna, Tenerife). / LP/DLP
- Crispy Prawn Sandwich at Como decía mi padre Gastro Café (La Laguna): priced at 7 Euros, this sandwich brings a fusion of flavours pairing crispy prawns breaded with Japanese panko, coleslaw with a sweet and sour dressing, fried onions, and a spicy Japanese aioli, all between brioche buns.
Crispy Prawn Sandwich, at ‘As my father said Gastro Café’ (La Laguna, Tenerife). / LP/DLP
Evaluation and Awarding: An Inclusive Process
The evaluation of the sandwiches is carried out by both a popular jury and a team of culinary experts. Customers who try these sandwiches can vote for their favourites based on the quality of the bread, ingredients, presentation, and taste. Additionally, by participating in the voting, customers have the opportunity to win a prize of 500 Euros.
The event is also actively promoted on social media, where followers can win additional prizes by following the official championship account on Facebook and Instagram.
Culmination of the Championship
The championship finalists will be determined by combining the scores from the public and evaluations from a group of inspectors, who are professionals in the gastronomic sector. The finalists will face off in a blind tasting to be held on June 4th in Oviedo, where a professional jury will select the winner.
This event not only tests the creativity and culinary skills of the participants but also promotes a culture of appreciation for quality and accessible food. With over 5,000 votes registered in the first week, the championship has proven to be a success, highlighting the enthusiasm and support of the public towards their favourite sandwiches.
