Spain's best Russian salad is once again in Málaga: Tragatá wins the Champions' Championship

Tragatá restaurant in Málaga has earned another gastronomic distinction after being crowned winner of the 9th Spanish Russian Salad Championship, held as part of San Sebastián Gastronomika 2026. This edition was exceptional, bringing together the eight winners of previous editions to determine the best Russian salad in the competition's history.

Chef Benito Gómez, who heads Tragatá, has once again demonstrated that a seemingly simple preparation can become a first-class gastronomic speciality. The recipe presented by his team, prepared by chef Daniel Mozzar, prevailed over the creations of the other seven champions.

The winning Russian salad stands out for its lightness, balance and respect for traditional flavour. Its base combines potatoes, carrots and bonito tuna, with a light, well-integrated mayonnaise that complements the ingredients without overpowering them.

One of the recipe's distinctive elements is the addition of very finely chopped green beans, a detail Benito Gómez attributes to his mother, which brings freshness and a particular texture to the dish.

The jury particularly appreciated the balance of flavours and a contemporary texture that preserves the essence of traditional Russian salad while preventing the dish from becoming excessively heavy or cloying.

The ninth edition of the championship was unique because, for the first time, former winners competed against one another in the same final. The competition therefore sought to recognise not only the year's best preparation but also the achievements of chefs who have helped raise the gastronomic prestige of this recipe.

Russian salad is one of the most popular tapas in Spanish gastronomy and is also a regular feature on the menus of bars and restaurants in Menorca. Tragatá's victory demonstrates how ingredient quality, cooking precision, the proportion of mayonnaise and the final balance can make a significant difference in a preparation that forms part of everyday cuisine.

With this latest award, Tragatá and Benito Gómez further consolidate their reputation in a speciality that combines family tradition, culinary technique and a personal interpretation of one of the great tapas classics.

FOODIES ON MENORCA FACT SHEET

Event: 9th Spanish Russian Salad Championship

Edition: Champions' Championship, featuring the eight former winners

Winner: Tragatá, Málaga

Chef: Benito Gómez

Recipe prepared by: Daniel Mozzar

Competition venue: San Sebastián Gastronomika, San Sebastián, Basque Country

Award-winning speciality: traditional Russian salad with a light, balanced interpretation

Key ingredients: potatoes, carrots, bonito tuna, light mayonnaise and finely chopped green beans

Instagram: @tragatabenitogomez

Congress website: https://www.sansebastiangastronomika.com/

Tip: for tapas lovers travelling to Málaga, Tragatá is a recommended destination for discovering one of Spain's most acclaimed Russian salads.