The culinary creativity of Aragon once again demonstrated its exceptional form at the final of the Paquito Awards for Ternasco de Aragón 2026. The big winner in this edition was the Paquito Tonnato, crafted by the restaurant El Ambigú, which claimed the title of Best Paquito de Ternasco de Aragón 2026 at the final held at Restaurante Gayarre.
The winning sandwich, which also received recognition as the best proposal from the province of Zaragoza, combines roasted and sliced Ternasco de Aragón leg with a delicate tuna mayonnaise, green sprouts, and cristal bread. This contemporary reinterpretation is inspired by the traditional Italian tonnato sauce and impressed the jury with its balance of flavors and meticulous execution.
A route that keeps growing
The competition is part of the Ruta del Paquito de Ternasco de Aragón, an initiative led by the Regulatory Council of the IGP Ternasco de Aragón to introduce this emblematic product to new audiences through a popular format like the sandwich. The 2026 edition took place from June 4 to June 21, featuring no fewer than 74 culinary proposals spread across 22 Aragonese towns, solidifying itself as one of the most attractive culinary events on the regional calendar.
Participation has grown by over 17% compared to the previous year, reflecting the increasing interest of restaurateurs and consumers in this formula that combines livestock tradition, culinary innovation, and local products.
The best Paquitos from each province
In addition to the overall winner, the final recognized the best proposals from the other two Aragonese provinces.
In Teruel, the award went to the Paquito Chocolatero from La Esquinita de Boltaña, a surprising creation that combines a stew of leg and shoulder of lamb with chocolate, almonds, and aromatic nuances that lend a unique personality to the dish.
Meanwhile, in Huesca, the Paquito Goyo from Taberna Aragonia was a success, served on Arabic semolina bread and accompanied by brain cream, roasted garlic emulsion, and pickles, a proposal that champions Aragonese culinary tradition from a contemporary perspective.
Ten finalists and great culinary diversity
The final brought together the ten highest-rated establishments during the route. Alongside the winners, proposals from venues such as Gastrobar El Perdido, Olla de Huesca, Inspira Delice, La Fábrica de Solfa, Pome, Kempape, and La Social competed, reflecting the creative richness that currently characterizes Aragonese cuisine.
Aragon heads to the national final
Thanks to this victory, El Ambigú will represent Aragon in the national final of the Best Paquito in Spain, organized by the interprofessional INTEROVIC and scheduled for next September. This presents a perfect showcase to further position Ternasco de Aragón as one of the leading culinary references in the country.
Beyond the competition, the success of the Paquito confirms the ability of Aragonese gastronomy to reinvent its most traditional products and engage new consumers, transforming a simple sandwich into a true ambassador of the territory, livestock, and culinary culture of Aragon.
