Catalan chef Marta Minoves wins 2024 European Young Chef Award

Catalan chef Marta Minoves, 22, has won the 2024 European Young Chef Award.

Representing Catalonia in the 8th edition of the prestigious competition, held in Sicily from November 27-30, Minoves won the judges' unanimous approval with her winning dish, 'Fonda Tor.'

The creation is a comtemporary "interpretation of Grandma Marta’s masked potatoes," a traditional mountain dish from Berguedà, northern Catalonia.

Earlier this year, the dish earned her the title of Best Young Chef of Catalonia, but now she's taken her 'Fonda Tor' continental.

The dish takes its name from Minoves’ family establishment, Fonda Tor, a cornerstone of her culinary inspiration.

“I wanted to convey my deep respect for local ingredients, my homeland, and the Catalan culinary heritage passed down by my grandmother, the cook at Fonda Tor,” Minoves said after her victory.

“This dish pays homage to the mining tradition, preserving its essence as a cuisine of resourcefulness," she added. "My goal was to introduce the jury to Catalonia’s mountain cuisine, which remains largely unknown to the world.”

In preparation for the competition, Minoves received mentorship from esteemed chef Carme Ruscalleda, who guided her on perfecting the dish’s presentation.

Additionally, Minoves collaborated with Luesma Vega, a workshop specializing in bespoke gastronomic tableware, which crafted the plates used in her final presentation.