The ultimate fried fish champion of Malaga is a battle between 14 Costa del Sol beaches bars

The sizzling culinary battle is about to begin. The Gastronomic Academy of Malaga has officially launched the third year of the ‘Malaga Frying Contest: Fried with Art’ (Concurso de Fritura Malagueña: Fritos con Arte). From June 1 to 15th, 14 beach bars along the Malaga coast will compete for bragging rights and the title of best fried food.

Why Fritura Malagueña is the ultimate taste

Fritura is a mix of fresh fish that has been lightly dusted in flour, then flash-fried with scorching olive oil. The oil temperature is important, as well as the quality of the fish. It’s pure gold if you get the temperature and catch right.

At the heart of any great fried feast are ‘boquerones’ (anchovies). They are so central to local culture that Malaga residents are affectionately nicknamed ‘Boquerones’ across Spain. Traditionally fried whole and joined at the tail, they are eaten bones and all—salty, crunchy, and taste of the Mediterranean.

Manolo Toray, President of the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga says the contest celebrates centuries of identity. “Frying has a deep connection to our seafaring traditions and the cultural legacy left by the Phoenicians and Romans as well as Arabic Andalucian Cuisine. This contest is all about appreciating that history.”

Leonor Garcia-Agua, director of the Diputacion de Malaga’s ‘Sabor a Malaga’ brand, agreed, calling the event a celebration of “our coast, our fishermen, and the families who have made this technique a symbol of our way of understanding life.”

The 14 Chiringuitos competing for the crown

The competition has been growing year after year. Bar Guerra from San Pedro de Alcantara took home the top judges’ prize and Estepona’s La Escollera was voted the winner by the public. 

This year’s 14 contenders stepping up to the hot oil are – 

Malaga – La Marisca, Los Delfines, El Cabra Ovidio Playa, La Recaleta, Las Palmeras

Estepona – El Palangre, La Escollera

Torremolinos – La Jabega, El Canarias

Rincon de la Victoria – Taberna Marinera, La Victoria, Marina Playa

Marbella – Scama

Cala del Moral – Avante Claro

Caleta de Velez – Tropy

How to vote for a meal for two and get rewarded

Restaurants participating in the competition will receive two prizes, each awarded under separate categories. Best overall friedfish and Best fried Anchovies. 

A professional jury made up of food journalists, professional chefs and institutional representatives will secretly grade the venues on their presentation, frying method, taste, aroma and texture.

Also, the public can have their say. Foodies can vote directly on the official website of Gastronomic Academy of Malaga. Voting for your favorite beach bar will automatically enter you into a prize drawing to win an amazing meal for two.

It’s a good excuse to grab a table at the beach, order a cool drink and decide the fried fish champion.

To find out more, visit the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga website