A tasty triumph at the Salón Gourmets
The Salón Gourmets, held in Madrid, has been the stage where Spanish gastronomy has shone brightly. In its 39th edition, this event has established itself as the largest showcase of high-end products in Europe, welcoming chefs from all over Spain who seek to redefine the concept of fast food.
In an exciting championship known as Burger Masters, Santiago Salgueiro, chef of La Pepita Burger Bar in Vigo, was awarded the title of best burger in the country. His creation, a masterful blend of four types of premium meat —village beef, ox, wagyu, and angus— was designed to highlight the meaty flavour without distractions. Accompanied by glazed mushrooms and a crispy potato rosti, this burger not only conquered the jury but also marked a milestone in fine dining.
Santiago expressed his excitement after receiving the award: “We created it specifically for the competition and we are considering including it on our menu due to the great reception.” This recognition not only highlights his culinary talent but also the evolution of the burger concept in Spain.
Joining Salgueiro on the podium were Jon Dávila from the restaurant Kai Street Food (San Sebastián) and Ramón Francho from Salvaje Burger (Vitoria), who demonstrated that the culinary proposals from the north are worthy competitors in this field. The quality and creativity shown by these chefs underline a growing interest in elevating burgers to new culinary heights.
Aside from the burger championship, the Salón Gourmets offered an impressive variety of contests and activities. From the 31st Ham Cutting Competition, where Javier Campos was crowned Best Ham Cutter in Spain 2026, to the search for the best national cheese at GourmetQuesos. Every corner of the hall was infused with a passion for authentic flavours and refined techniques.
There was also room for tradition; Tacomanía was celebrated, a championship dedicated to Mexican tacos where Daniel Martínez took the honours with his innovative proposal using Canarian IGP avocado. This type of event reflects how Spanish gastronomy is open to international influences while keeping its roots firm.
As La Pepita Burger Bar celebrates its victory, it is clear that Santiago Salgueiro has not only won a trophy; he has put Vigo on the national gastronomic map. With plans to incorporate his award-winning creation into the regular menu, it is evident that this bar is ready to keep surprising gourmet burger lovers.
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