Spain’s 7th Masterchef series closes in Denia following semi-final insult to Valencian cuisine

MASTERCHEF España has come to a close in Denia with Aleix Puig, 26, winning the 7th edition of the series.

The series descended into scandal in the semis when the four hopefuls served up Catalan dishes, including crema catalana, in Valencia.

To save its reputation, the hit cooking show visited Quique Dacosta’s three Michelin-starred restaurant in Denia.

Participants were asked to make traditional almond turrón, followed by Callosa d’En Sarrià cheese and truffles from Morella.

Aleix, a fishmonger from Barcelona, beat contestants Aitana and Valentin to secure the top prize.

Denia is renowned as a hotspot for Valencian cuisine, having been named as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.