The Academia Puertorriqueña de Gastronomía (APUGA) held its first edition of the Premios Nacionales de Gastronomía 2025, an evening dedicated to culinary excellence, creativity and commitment to local gastronomy.
The event took place on November 14, 2025, at the Urban Hub at Popular Center, bringing together chefs, producers, industry leaders, international guests and lovers of Puerto Rican cuisine.
During the ceremony, winners were announced in 12 official categories, selected by a top-tier international jury.
The awards recognize professionals and projects that contribute to a Saludable, Solidaria, Sostenible y Satisfactoria (4S) gastronomy, a model promoted by the Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía (AIBG).
In addition, the winners of the 4S categories and the Galardón Global will officially represent Puerto Rico at the AIBG awards in Madrid, alongside representatives from 17 member countries.
"These awards are much more than recognition: they are a pioneering platform to advance Puerto Rican talent, celebrate our culinary heritage, strengthen the agri-food chain and position Puerto Rico as a gastronomic destination of excellence"
César Cordero Krüger, president of the Academia Puertorriqueña de Gastronomía (APUGA)
🏆 APUGA 2025 Winners
4S Categories
Gastronomía Satisfactoria – Chef Carlos Portela, Orujo Taller Gastronómico
Gastronomía Saludable – Chef Gabriel Hernández, Verdemesa
Gastronomía Solidaria – Chef Iván Clemente, El Comedor de la Kennedy
Gastronomía Sostenible – Crystal Díaz, El Pretexto
Galardón Global
Chef Mario Pagán, Mario Pagán Restaurant Group
Special recognitions
Servicio con Pasión – Chef José Santaella, Restaurante Santaella
Mixología con Identidad – Aramis Castillo, MARO
Producto Agroculinario – Efrén Robles y Angelie Martínez, Frutos del Guacabo
Innovación y Fusión Creativa – Chef Natalia Vallejo, Cocina al Fondo
Preservación del Patrimonio Culinario – María Dolores de Jesús, Burén de Lula
Educación y Mentoría – Chef Giovanna Huyke
Talento Emergente – Chef Francis Guzmán, Vianda
Honorary recognitions
Dedicatoria de Premios – Cruz Miguel Ortíz Cuadra, historian of Puerto Rican gastronomy and food culture
Invitado de Honor – Rafaél Ansón Oliart, founder of the AIBG and honorary president of the Real Academia de Gastronomía de España
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🌱 About APUGA
The Academia Puertorriqueña de Gastronomía (APUGA) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía (AIBG). Its mission is to promote, preserve and celebrate Puerto Rican gastronomy as an essential element of the country's culture, identity and sustainable development.
Through educational programs, research and awards, APUGA works to advance local gastronomic excellence and its global reach.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
