Registration is now open for the XIV International Creative Cooking Competition of the Red Prawn of Denia
The Denia International Creative Cooking Competition for Red Prawns celebrates its fourteenth edition in 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the most prestigious gastronomic events in Spain.
The competition is open to professional chefs working in restaurants or accredited culinary schools, who must submit an original recipe featuring the Denia red prawn as the star ingredient. After the registration period closes on March 3rd, a jury of chefs, critics, and food experts will select the eight finalist dishes, which will be prepared live on the day of the competition. The jury will particularly value the flavor, presentation, and central role of the Denia red prawn in each dish before announcing the three winners of this edition.
Organized by the Marina Alta Hospitality and Tourism Business Association (AEHTMA), in collaboration with the Dénia City Council, the competition has attracted renowned chefs, critics, and industry professionals over its thirteen previous editions. This year, the objective remains the same: to reinterpret the Dénia red prawn with respect, technique, and innovation, placing it at the heart of dishes designed to surprise both the judges and the public.
The competition will award three cash prizes, in addition to the Dénia Red Prawn Trophy, an original sculpture by the artist Toni Marí. The competition aims to be not only a tribute to a product considered a gastronomic gem, but also a platform for Mediterranean cuisine.
