Gastronomic Ambassador of Ecuador by the World Association of Chefs Societies, Edgar León joined the jury of the 1st Americas Young Chef Award, which took place in Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy 2026, from 8-12 October 2026.
Edgar Gustavo León Ordóñez is a food business administrator and an expert in fine dining and hospitality. He has served as manager, founder and director of hotel and tourism institutions in Ecuador and abroad, and is an international speaker and competition judge.
He is the author of the book “Sopas, la identidad de Ecuador” (Soups, the Identity of Ecuador) and a culinary ambassador for Ecuador in the Americas and Europe. He has contributed to radio programs, food festivals and training programs, and is a leading figure in promoting Ecuadorian cuisine around the world.
About IGCAT’s Young Chef Awards
The first ever Americas Young Chef Award is an expansion of its European version, an annual competition organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT) that gathers young culinary talents from the awarded and candidate European Regions of Gastronomy. This year, finalists from 7 different countries in the Americas came together in Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy 2026, to share their local food culture and test their skill in innovating a traditional dish from their region.
About the World & European Regions of Gastronomy
The World Regions of Gastronomy and the European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT is the official secretariat for the World Region of Gastronomy and the European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites Award and the international Food Film Menu.
