International Award
World Tapas
Champion 2025
Chef Andrea Vignali of Al Dente Enoteca, Melbourne, wins the IX World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain, the first Australian chef to claim the title.
Prize
€10,000 First Prize
Location
Valladolid, Spain
Date
12 November 2025
"Humo bajo la tapa"
Smoke beneath the lid. The winning tapa from Al Dente Enoteca that took the top prize at the IX Campeonato Mundial de Tapas, judged by a panel including Michelin-starred chefs, presided over by Pichaya 'Pam' Soontornyanakij, named Best Female Chef in the World 2025.
The dish
A smoked kangaroo consommé served beneath a theatrical lid of smoke, accompanied by a hand-cut kangaroo tartlet with Iberian ham, a uniquely Australian interpretation of the Spanish tapa tradition.
The IX World Tapas Championship attracted entries from across the globe. Andrea represented Australia as the chef and founder of Al Dente Enoteca in Carlton, Melbourne, the restaurant he built from a pandemic-era pasta delivery service into one of Melbourne's most recognised Italian dining destinations.
The championship is presided over by the Mayor of Valladolid, Jesús Julio Carnero. Andrea's victory was covered internationally by Europa Press, La Rioja, and the official competition body.
Al Dente Enoteca was partnered (hermanado) with El Corregidor restaurant in Valladolid for the competition, a cultural exchange that brought Melbourne's modern Italian-Australian identity to the heart of Spain's culinary tradition.
EU GEM HAM Ambassador
Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO, officially appointed ambassador for the EU co-financed European quality ham campaign, 2025.
Good Food Guide, Top 50
Al Dente Enoteca listed in Melbourne's Top 50 Restaurants and Australia's Top 25 Italian.
Gourmet Traveller Contributor
Multiple signature recipes published including tortellini cacio e pepe, prawn ravioli, and signature pasta dough.
16M+ Monthly Social Views
One of Australia's most-watched food creators across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
International Press Coverage
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