The Best Burger Spain Championship: A Culinary Showdown in Malaga
The Best Burger Spain championship is back for its sixth edition, and this year, it promises to be more exciting than ever. Set to run until March 1, 2026, this competition aims to crown the best burger in Spain, with a spotlight on creativity, technique, and flavor. Malaga, known for its vibrant culinary scene, is once again in the running, with ten local establishments vying for the coveted title.
The Competition Format
The championship operates on a dual scoring system, combining votes from the public and a panel of expert inspectors. The scores will determine which restaurants make it to the finals, culminating in a blind tasting event on March 10 in Madrid. This year, over 400 restaurants across the country are competing, making the stakes higher than ever.
The Contenders from Malaga
Among the ten establishments representing Malaga, each burger showcases unique ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout competitors:
1. Restaurant América: Smoking Black Bull
Located on Calle San Ginés in Torremolinos, Restaurant América offers a burger that features Juanito Baker’s black brioche bread. This creation includes two smash burgers made from Angus beef tenderloin, smoked Monterrey cheese, homemade bone marrow mayonnaise, halal cured meat from Finca Los Rosales, and a touch of homemade tomato jam, topped with slow-cooked ribs.
2. Diavolo: Panzona
In homage to the nickname “panzones” given to the residents of Riogordo, Diavolo presents the Panzona. This burger features brioche potato rolls, a Galician beef medallion, Savel blue cheese cream, bacon jam with cocoa, peanut honey, and diavola sauce, all topped with a sprinkle of peanut powder.
3. Kanivalkroquetería: The Kroquetona
Kanivalkroquetería, located in the Salamanca Market of Malaga, takes a creative approach with The Kroquetona. This burger combines brioche bread with beef and, of course, homemade croquettes, offering a delightful twist on traditional flavors.
4. Lalo’s Teatinos: German 2.0
Known for its innovative takes on classic dishes, Lalo’s Teatinos presents the German 2.0 burger. This creation features a black Angus medallion, Emmylagueña sauce, beef jerky, tomato chutney, brie cheese, fried onion, pickled gherkins, and sauerkraut, all nestled in a soft bun.
5. La Burguesita: Gourmet Reflection
At La Burguesita in Paseo Cerrado de Calderón, the burger reflects the gourmet world with a blend of 100% beef, smoked English cheddar, caramelized onion, foie mayo, truffle-cured egg yolk, fresh grilled foie gras, and bits of white chocolate, all served on potato roll bread.
6. La Mamma Burger: La Payoya
In Ronda, La Mamma Burger showcases the La Payoya burger, featuring Payoyo cheese from the Sierra de Grazalema. This burger combines matured beef, maple syrup, Serrano ham, and creamy Payoyo cheese for a rich and flavorful experience.
7. The Tombola: Double Smash Pop Corn
Steak House La Tombola, located on La Carihuela promenade in Torremolinos, offers an innovative recipe with popcorn brioche bread, a double smash burger of 45-day matured Angus, crispy bacon crystals, meringue crunch, pistachio cream, and cheddar cheese cream.
8. Momag Burgers: Buffalo Soldier
Momag Burgers, situated along the Fuengirola promenade, presents the Buffalo Soldier burger. This spicy yet sweet creation features Galician blonde smash, double melted cheese, crispy buffalo chicken, homemade pickles, hot honey, and a special sauce.
9. The Gallery: Burger of the Month
Originally a burger of the month special, The Gallery’s offering has become a permanent fixture on the menu. This burger includes potato brioche bread, Galician blonde matured beef, cheddar cheese, red pepper chutney, caramelized onion, and crispy bacon.
10. USB Burger: Special Bacon Burger
Last but not least, USB Burger in Calle Carretería, Malaga, features its best-selling Special Bacon Burger. This burger embodies the philosophy of “less is more,” with simple yet flavorful ingredients: beef, cheddar cheese, gherkin relish, bacon bits, and a special sauce.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
As the competition heats up, the excitement surrounding the Best Burger Spain championship continues to grow. With each establishment bringing its unique flair and culinary creativity to the table, burger enthusiasts are in for a treat. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these innovative burgers in Malaga is sure to be a delicious adventure.
