Ecuador hosts major international culinary competitions

Ecuador is hosting significant culinary events aimed at promoting national gastronomy and international talent. The second edition of the Guayaquil Food Show has launched, organized by La Escuela de los Chefs, the Academy of Gastronomy of Ecuador, and the Hilton Colón Guayaquil. The event features various competitions, including the 2026 National Gastronomy Cup for Young Talents and the Ecuadorian qualifiers for the World Tapas Championship in collaboration with Valladolid, Spain.

Additionally, the province of Manabí will host the first American edition of the Young Chef Award in October 2026 at the Iche Culinary School in San Vicente. This international competition, supported by the International Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism Institute (IGCAT), focuses on sustainable cooking and cultural identity. Participants will be evaluated by an international jury on their ability to prepare both traditional and innovative versions of dishes representing their home territories.