Spanish Paella Festival

Crowds are expected to flock to the Queen Victoria Market this weekend as the aromas of authentic Spanish paella fill the air. Think giant pans of rice and chicken, flamenco dancers and tasty Spanish tapas as the world’s best chefs compete in the 57th Concurs International Paella Competition’s Semi-Finals.

The weekend-long festival will host a league of 20 top paella chefs in the Australia/Pacific region as each entrant is required to cook a traditional paella recipe and will have one hour to race through the market for ingredients and throw it all together in their pan. The winner of this round will then get the chance to compete in Valencia to take the corona as premi a la Millor Paella — otherwise known as the Best Paella Outside Spain. 

‘Authentic Valencian paella uses rabbit, chicken and beans. And on no accounts should you stir, the rice should stick to the pan to create the delicious caramelised flavour’, says Simply Spanish chef Leno Lattarullo, and winner of last’s year competition.

Come down and feast your eyes on some of the best paella in the region, immerse yourself in Spanish culture, and for those bold enthusiasts, take part in a paella cook-off to put together your most flavoursome version of the popular dish.

Spanish Paella Festival  
Queen Victoria Market
Saturday, 22 and Sunday, 23 April, 10am to 3pm
qvm.com.au/event/paella-festival