The Deputy Minister of Cultural Action, Mar Sancho, has attended the IX International Congress of Mycological Cuisine and Tourism, ' Soria Gastronómica', which is being held in Soria between today and tomorrow under the motto 'From the mountain to the vanguard', turning the city and province into a world meeting point for lovers of mycology, in its different aspects, from the culinary, tourist and innovation point of view.
Sancho had the opportunity to meet and greet chef Marsia Taha Mohamed Sala, recognized as the best chef in Latin America 2024, who gave a presentation on 'Amazonian cuisine in Arami and its implementation with fungi and cyanobacteria' in La Paz, Bolivia.
The Deputy Minister highlighted "the importance of this congress and its being held in Castilla y León, which positions the region as a world leader in specialized gastronomic tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources, serving as an example of how to unite science, cuisine, sustainability, and rural development." In this regard, she noted that "mycology in Castilla y León is not only about nature, but also about innovation, research, gastronomy, and the local economy, capable of generating economic activity, employment, and international prestige," as is being demonstrated at this congress.
Sancho emphasized "the international standing of Castilla y León in this field, with a commitment to the best, such as those gathered in Soria these past few days, with experts and chefs from seven countries: Japan, India, France, New Zealand, Bolivia, Canada, and Spain, demonstrating the project's international reach." In addition, international journalists specializing in gastronomy are covering the congress, hailing from eleven countries: China, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Italy, Denmark, India, and Spain, "who have been traveling through the province of Soria for several days to explore its tourism resources related to mycology and mushroom tourism."
IX Congress
The 9th International Congress of Mycological Cuisine and Tourism is being held in Soria with the final participation of 14 renowned Spanish and international chefs, as well as experts in mycological cuisine and tourism.
Among the most outstanding gastronomic presentations are that of Marsia Taha Mohamed Sala (Bolivia), best female chef in Latin America 2024; the one held this morning with the participation of Igor Zalakain and Cynthia Yaber, from the Arzak restaurant (3 Michelin stars) or those that will take place tomorrow Tuesday, with the participation of Samy Benabed, from Canada, Michelin green star; Benito Gómez, from the El Bardal restaurant in Ronda (Málaga), with 2 Michelin stars, or that of Juanjo Losada, from the Pablo restaurant, in Leon, with one Michelin star.
In addition, there are different workshops, such as 'Indian Cuisine and Mushrooms' with Satish Sridhar, Manon Gingold and Naveen Patwal, or 'Mycological Cuisine of La Raya' with Mar Marcos from the España restaurant in Fermoselle (Zamora), and the 'Mushroom Cuisine at the El Tilo de Vallecas restaurant (Soria)' workshop with Carlos and Alba de Pablos.
Furthermore, this year the ' Soria Gastronómica' Congress is committed to engaging with the public and the city of Soria itself, with workshops and roundtables being held at the Santa Clara Convent, the Bécquer Civic Center, and the Municipal Market. These complement the official program of lectures and presentations in the Tirso de Molina Auditorium. This program fosters interaction between local and regional chefs—in this case, from Avila, Leon, Zamora , and Soria—and chefs and experts from the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, who are sharing their knowledge of international cuisine and the latest advancements in forest mycoculture.
The ' Soria Gastronómica' congress is organized by the Junta de Castilla y León, through the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sport, and has the collaboration of the City Council of Soria, the Provincial Council of Soria, the CSIC and the European Mycological Institute, as well as different institutions and private companies that collaborate in its development.
Thanks to this congress, Soria is projected as an international destination and driving force for specialized gastronomic tourism, reinforcing the ' Castilla y León' brand as a quality sustainable tourist destination.
