The lobster Cuban paella with enchilado sauce is set to face off against the traditional Valencian paella in the grand finale of the Paella World Cup. This exciting culinary competition, which has taken the internet by storm, was created in the Canary Islands by influencer Special Six and Cuban chef Ariel Patai.
According to the Instagram reel shared on Monday, influencers have already sampled both dishes, and now it's up to social media users to decide the winner. The contest's format is straightforward: participants cast their votes by commenting on Instagram and TikTok posts, with the dish receiving the most support advancing to the next round.
A Culinary Clash of Nations
The final pits Spain, representing the original Valencian paella, against Cuba, which offers a lobster enchilado version infused with saffron and Cuban spices. So far, the numbers are telling: the comment "VOTE CUBA" has amassed 3,870 likes compared to 587 for "VOTE SPAIN", showcasing a clear lead for the Cuban dish among Instagram's audience.
Chef Ariel Patai shared his strategic choice with a mix of respect and determination: "Even with congri, we would have won, but out of respect for the paella we're facing, which is Valencia, I decided to make it as fair as possible."
Flavorful Fusion
Patai described his creation as a "saffron infusion, Cuban lobster enchilado, with all its spices and characteristics, to stand out in flavor and quality." In contrast, the traditional Valencian paella is made with chicken, rabbit, classic green beans, beans, saffron, and olive oil.
During the tasting video, Special Six acknowledged the quality of both dishes, though he leaned toward the Spanish recipe. "The Cuban paella is very good, and I could eat it perfectly; it has a flavor that suits what a paella should be. But without a doubt, and speaking from the heart and truth, the Valencian paella is more appetizing," he stated.
A Personal Bet
The competition also includes a personal wager between its creators. "If Spain manages to win this Paella World Cup through the comments' votes, chef Ariel will dress in the full uniform of the Spanish national soccer team for a day. If I lose, I'll carry the Cuban flag during my walk back to Fuerteventura," announced Special Six.
The tournament reached this final after several rounds. Cuba defeated the Canary Islands in the quarterfinals with a congrí rice paella accompanied by pork cracklings, fried ripe plantains, and crispy yucca, a proposal that was pleasantly surprising. Spain, meanwhile, triumphed over Venezuela in the semifinals last Sunday.
Ariel Patai, a Cuban chef based in Fuerteventura, runs Patai Beach Club, a restaurant specializing in rice dishes that blend Cuban culinary traditions with local Canary Island products. He is also one of the competition's two creators, representing Cuba in each round.
The Cuban diaspora has rallied to support the Creole proposal. One comment on the final's reel warned, "My people, we cannot be complacent because on TikTok, they're sweeping us very strongly. To win, we must gather all the votes." Another user summed up the collective sentiment with a phrase: "Cuban seasoning is unique."
Special Six concluded the video with a statement that captures the contest's spirit: "Whoever wins, Spain wins because Cuba is also Spain."
FAQs on the Paella World Cup
What is the Paella World Cup?
The Paella World Cup is a viral culinary competition created in the Canary Islands by influencer Special Six and Cuban chef Ariel Patai, where dishes compete for the title of best paella.
How do participants vote in the Paella World Cup?
Participants vote by leaving comments on Instagram and TikTok posts, with the dish receiving the most support advancing to the next round.