Encamp's FesTAPA Sells Record 3,250 Tapas as La Borda Wins Top Prize

Encamp's fifth FesTAPA gastronomic event set a new benchmark with 3,250 tapas sold by 16 establishments during the parish festival, organisers confirmed after final tallies.

La Borda de l’Hereu 1693 won the jury's €200 prize for its creative "Niu de codorniu amb escuma de foie i gamba a la brasa japonesa" – a dish featuring a crisp potato nest cradling a poached quail egg, warm foie foam, shrimp tapioca made with fumet, Japanese-grilled prawns and fresh basil shoots for balanced textures and flavours blending European traditions with Asian influences. Restaurant directors Fonsi Lima and Xavi Segura highlighted the fusion of earthy foie and potato with subtle marine notes from the shrimp.

La Romànica secured the €300 public favourite award based on votes collected via visitor passports, while Hotel Niu took the €120 prize for the highest sales with its "Niu del Niu" tapa. A €100 dinner raffle went to one completed passport holder.

Councillor for Finance, Sports and Economic Reactivation Nino Marot praised the "exceptional" turnout and culinary quality at Plaça dels Arínsols on the public holiday Monday. He noted the record 16 participants – the highest yet – and called the event a vital showcase for local restaurants, bars, farms and cafés to draw fresh customers. Evolved from Encamp's former tapa route and organised with the Economic Reactivation Department, FesTAPA exceeded early expectations with strong crowds from the outset.

The festival paired the tapas competition with family activities, including a botifarra sausage contest at Espai de la Gent Gran, inflatables and water games for children at Parc de l’Ossa, and a beach volleyball match between singles and married players at Piscina de la Mola.

Other highlights featured ravioli with pig cheek and trotters, cod croquettes with stew meat, tortelloni with Barolo-braised beef, oxtail bikini sandwiches and homemade cheesecake.