From September 18 to 22, Andorra will become the world capital of high mountain gastronomy
Andorra Taste returns from September 18 to 22, offering a unique and exclusive immersion into high mountain cuisine. It kicks off with the Professional Sessions from September 18 to 20, aimed at the gastronomic sector, under the theme «Altitude vs. Latitude», these sessions will feature world-renowned chefs, including prominent representatives from the Nordic countries, this year’s guest region.
Spanish chefs such as Elena Arzak, Raül Balam, Ricard Camarena, and sommelier Almudena Alberca will also be present, sharing their knowledge and experiences. The event will be held both in person in Andorra and online, with prior registration required on the event’s website, for industry professionals and specialized media.
The popular gastronomic event will be held from September 20 to 22
From September 20 to 22, the Popular Sessions will take place, open to the general public. These sessions will bring Andorran cuisine to everyone, with the participation of 20 local restaurants offering tastings in various themed spaces. Additionally, the program will include outdoor activities, children’s workshops, live cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, and live music by Andorran artists.
Nordic Countries, Guests of Honor
A hundred chefs from around the world will be invited to reflect and debate on the challenges of cooking in mountainous environments, where extreme climates and different soils from the plateaus present unique challenges. Countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, characterized by cold temperatures, abrupt climate changes, and limited sunlight, have turned these conditions into an opportunity to excel in global gastronomy.
To explore the philosophy of Nordic cuisine, Andorra Taste will feature prominent chefs from these countries. Søren Selin from AOC (Copenhagen) focuses on natural flavors and sustainability; Christopher Haatuft from Lysverket (Bergen), with one Michelin star, combines modernity and tradition in his sustainable cuisine and collaborates in the MatTak project to address climate issues.
Filip Gemzell from Äng (Tvaaker, Sweden) merges global techniques with local roots. The Finnish restaurant Nolla (Helsinki), led by Albert Sallent, Luka Balac, and Carlos Henriques, stands out for its zero-waste and sustainability approach, using local and recyclable products.
Filip Gemzell, Christopher Haatuft, Frédéric Molina, Albert Franch & Luka Balac, Roberto Ruiz, Søren Selin and Carme Ruscalleda
Andorra Taste Award
In this edition, Andorra Taste will pay tribute to Carme Ruscalleda, who has been awarded seven Michelin stars. Starting from a family of farmers and merchants, her passion for cooking led her to open the restaurant Sant Pau in 1988, earning three Michelin stars. Later, Ruscalleda opened a branch of Sant Pau in Tokyo and, together with her son Raül Balam, the Moments restaurant in Barcelona, both recognized with Michelin stars. The Catalan chef has received numerous awards, such as the National Gastronomy Award and the Creu de Sant Jordi.
Top Chefs at Andorra Taste 2024
Top Spanish chefs will participate in this third edition. Elena Arzak, head of the Arzak restaurant (San Sebastián), which has maintained its three Michelin stars since 1989, will participate in the congress, known for her evolution and creativity in Basque cuisine. Valencian chef Ricard Camarena, Ricard Camarena Restaurant, known for his cuisine based on garden and sea products, and chef David Yárnoz from Molino de Urdániz (Navarra) will also be present, bringing their expertise in wild and Pyrenean cuisine.
Andorra Taste 2024
From Pakistan, Akhond Ishaq, chef at Garibolo (Bilbao), will share his experience from the Karakoram mountains. Roberto Ruiz from Hika Gastronomika (Villabona-Amasa, Gipuzkoa), Eduardo Salanova from Canfranc (Huesca), and Carles Gaig from Gaig (Barcelona) will contribute their perspectives on Basque, Aragonese, and Catalan cuisine, respectively.
The event will also feature sommelier Almudena Alberca, the first woman in Spain to achieve the title of Master of Wine and technical director of Entrecanales Domecq, who will offer an enticing tasting of high-altitude wines.
Andorra’s rich gastronomic culture will be represented by local chefs like Àlex Kinchella (La Cort del Popaire, Soldeu) and Rodrigo Martínez, chef at Beç (Escaldes-Engordany), along with international figures such as Italian Andrea Tumbarello and Jordi Grau, the right-hand man of Francis Paniego at the Michelin-starred Sol i Neu of the Club Hermitage (Soldeu), bringing diversity and creativity to this third edition of Andorra Taste.
For more information and registration, visit https://www.andorrataste.com.