In search of the world's best paella

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Does the best paella in the world come from Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville or Alicante? Or maybe Japan or Mexico?  

The seafood and rice dish comes in multiple versions, including those featuring chicken, rabbit, vegetables and other regional ingredients. 

The lovely city of Valencia is preparing to host the World Paella Day 2026, an international culinary celebration and competition. 

To be held on September 20, the World Paella Day Cup final will bring together elite chefs from around the world in the birthplace of paella. 

Competitors are currently involved in a series of qualifying events across three continents for the chance to represent their countries in the final.

Organisers have expanded the competition to include 12 qualifying rounds in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

At each location, professional chefs will prepare paella live before panels of culinary experts. Competitors will be judged according to strict standards established by the World Paella Day organisation.

Key evaluation criteria include flavour, texture, rice quality, cooking technique, and socarrat - the lightly caramelised layer of rice that forms at the bottom of the pan and is considered one of the defining characteristics of a perfectly cooked paella.

One winner from each qualifying event will earn a place in the grand final in València.