José María Borrás, the Best Young Chef in Spain and Portugal

After an intense preparation of more than six months with his mentor Andreu Genestra, the young chef José María Borrás, has been recognized as the best young chef in the Iberian region in the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition. This award will lead him to represent Spain and Portugal in the 2025 World Grand Final, where he will compete to become the best young chef in the world.

With the support and guidance of his new mentor, the renowned Portuguese chef José Avillez, from the Belcanto restaurant (Lisbon) and holder of two Michelin stars, Borrás will perfect his emblematic dish for the world competition. “I feel very fortunate and at the same time with a great responsibility, because this is only the beginning,” said Borrás, visibly excited after learning the jury's decision.

The dish that has brought Borrás victory is his innovative “Balearic Lobster and Suckling Pig”, a creation that unites the essence of the Mediterranean with a focus on sustainability. “Our dish unites the gastronomic tradition of Mallorca and Menorca, highlighting local products and working sustainably. The Mediterranean is our source of inspiration and in the Balearic Islands we have an incredible product,” he explained.

The jury, made up of prominent chefs such as José Avillez, Quique Dacosta (Quique Dacosta Restaurant, Denia), Martina Puigvert (Les Cols, Olot), and Rui Silvestre (Fifty Seconds, Lisbon), highlighted Borrás’ talent and commitment, awarding him a place in the grand international final in Milan. In addition, Borrás received the Acqua Panna Award for Connection in Gastronomy, an additional recognition of his culinary proposal.

In parallel to the competition, the Brain Food Forum, organised in Lisbon, saw the participation of key figures in Iberian gastronomy who discussed essential topics for the new generation of chefs, such as identity, the work environment and teamwork.

To keep up to date with the progress of this exciting initiative and the achievements of José María Borrás on his way to the 2025 Grand Final, visit sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is a global platform that seeks to nurture the next generation of culinary talent through education, mentoring and networking. With participants from over 70 countries, the Academy is a meeting point where passionate young chefs interact with the most influential figures in global gastronomy.