Battle Of The Pans: Saigon’s Top Chefs Face Off At Ibérico Tapas Y Vino’s Paella Cup 2025

The heady smell of saffron mixed with sweat will soon waft through Thao Dien as seven of Saigon’s heaviest hitters throw down in Ibérico’s second annual paella competition. This is Ibérico Tapas Y Vino’s Paella Cup 2025. Ingredients: paella and pressure.

On March 15th, the restaurant’s original location transforms into a slice of Valencia, with chefs from Quince, Roast & Smoke, Okra, and Octo ready to prove their paella prowess.

The Gloves Are Off And The Chef’s Aprons Are On For The 2nd Ibérico Tapas Y Vino Paella Competition 

Last year’s champion Rubén Lao returns to defend his title, going up against a stacked field including Julien Perraudin (Quince), Huynh Chi Khang (Roast & Smoke), Jamie Celaya (Okra), and the Octo power duo of Julien Thabault and Nacho Sarasa. Ibérico’s own Pedro Goizueta rounds out the competition.

They’re Judging You: Introducing Judges Sakal Pheuong, Thuy Minh, David Kaye

The judging panel brings together three of Saigon’s most influential food voices. Sakal Phoeung, who’s shaped the city’s fine dining scene since 2000, brings his French-trained expertise and deep understanding of Vietnamese ingredients. The Cambodian-born chef once served French President François Hollande at his restaurant Le Corto and now leads both Les Disciples d’Escoffier Vietnam and Bocuse d’Or Vietnam.

Joining him is Thuy Minh, the straight-shooting media powerhouse known for speaking her mind. From her early days crafting school newspapers to hosting shows like VTV6’s IME Fingerprint and YanTV’s Red Chair, she’s built a reputation for unfiltered honesty. “I have to say what I think, even though I’m very aware of the consequences,” she’s noted of her approach – which should make for some spicy judging commentary.

Rounding out the panel is David Kaye, The Dot Magazine’s editor and Wink Hotels’ brand director. His fingerprints are all over Saigon’s cultural scene. Having built publications focused on Vietnam’s emerging food culture, he brings both local knowledge and international perspective to the judging table.

An Intense Format And Plenty Of Ibérico Tapas Y Vino’s Paella To Go Around

The competition format is intense: sixty minutes to create the perfect paella, balancing the crucial elements of proper socarrat (the prized crispy bottom layer), perfectly cooked rice, and harmonious ingredients. While the judges deliberate, guests won’t go hungry – the Ibérico Tapas Y Vino team will serve up tapas and their own massive paella for all attendees.

This sophomore edition marks a significant evolution from last year’s amateur competition. “We’re stepping it up,” says Ibérico, which has been dishing out authentic Spanish cuisine since emerging from lockdown in November 2021. The restaurant has become a cornerstone of Thao Dien’s dining scene, known for bringing genuine Spanish flavors to Saigon.

Post-verdict, the event morphs into a proper Spanish fiesta, with a special paella menu and DJ sets spinning late into the night. It’s a fitting celebration for a dish that’s all about community and sharing – paella traditionally brings people together around the pan, and this competition honors that spirit while adding a competitive edge.

Get Ready For The Culinary Showdown Of The Year So Far

The venue choice is significant: Ibérico’s original Thao Dien location at 33 Vo Truong Toan Street has grown from a post-lockdown opening to a local institution. Now with additional locations in District 1 and Hoi An, their expansion mirrors Saigon’s growing appetite for authentic Spanish cuisine.

For those looking to witness this culinary showdown, Ibérico’s Thao Dien location is taking reservations (0326 498 956) . Given last year’s turnout and this edition’s elevated chef lineup, early booking is recommended. Between the competitive heat, flowing wine, and promise of multiple paella interpretations, March 15th is shaping up to be one of Saigon’s most anticipated culinary events of 2025.