14 Costa del Sol beach bars battle to be named Malaga’s Ultimate Fried Fish Champion

Let the sizzling culinary showdown commence. 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). Running from June 1 to 15, 14 beach bars from across the Malaga coastline will battle it out for the ultimate bragging rights, the title of the best fried food in the province.

Why Fritura Malagueña is the ultimate taste

The fritura is fresh mixed fish lightly tossed in flour and flash-fried in scorching olive oil. Get the oil temperature or the catch slightly wrong, and it’s a greasy disappointment. Get it right, and it’s pure culinary gold.

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 Tornay, president of the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga, says that the contest celebrates centuries of local identity “Frying is a technique deeply linked to our seafaring tradition and the cultural heritage left by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabic Andalucian cuisine. This contest is about valuing 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 that are entering to compete for the crown

The competition has grown year on year. Winners from the previous round were, Bar Guerra in San Pedro de Alcantara scooping the top judge’s prize, and Estepona’s La Escollera won the public vote. 

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 and win a free meal for two

Two prizes will be up for grabs for the restaurants taking part, awarded in two separate categories. Best overall fried fish and Best fried anchovies. 

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

Then the public gets their say too. Foodies can cast their votes directly via the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga’s official website. By voting for your favourite beach bar, you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a spectacular meal for two at one of the participating venues.

If you are heading to the beach between June 1 and 15, what a great excuse to grab a seafront table, order a cold drink, and help decide who should be the fried fish champion.

For more information visit the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga’s official website