The Paraguayan BBQ team brought home the bacon, winning the “Best Pork” category at the 2024 World BBQ Championship in Montevideo, Uruguay!
The team, led by renowned pitmaster and culinary entrepreneur Leyzman Salim, faced off against 41 teams from 12 countries during the competition held from September 19th to 22nd. Salim, a true ambassador of Paraguayan grilling, has been recognised with the Paraguay Country Brand since 2022 and boasts an impressive resume in the world of barbecue, alongside his successful ventures in catering and specialty food products.
Their winning dish was a four-kilogram pork masterpiece, accompanied by a side of sweet potato and a tangy vinaigrette with onion and orange. Though they used Paraguayan charcoal, the rest of the ingredients were sourced locally in Uruguay.
Nicolas López, speaking to Chaco Boreal 1330 AM, described the challenging conditions inside the competition venue, which was held in a closed space similar to a bustling market. “It was very tough because there was a lot of smoke and heat,” he recalled. “But we persevered, and we’re happy with everything the team achieved with this big step forward.”
Salim, in an interview with Radio Nacional, revealed that the team has already set their sights on their next challenge: a competition in Indianapolis, USA, in November. This is just one stop on Salim’s busy BBQ calendar, which includes competitions and events in countries like Costa Rica, Chile, Germany, and Uruguay throughout 2024.
The Paraguayan BBQ team finished a respectable seventh overall in the championship. But with their “Best Pork” title under their belt and Salim’s leadership and expertise, they’re sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive BBQ.
How Leyzman Salim became a Paraguayan BBQ legend
Leyzman Salim’s journey in the culinary world began in his adolescence, helping out in his parents’ butcher shop in Asunción. He later honed his skills in sausage making and catering, eventually establishing his own company, which now boasts the largest grill service park in Paraguay, capable of catering events for up to 25,000 people.
Beyond catering, Salim is the proud owner of the “Chorizos Caseros” and “Ja’u La Asado” brands, specialising in artisanal sausages and other high-quality meat products. His commitment to using top-notch ingredients and traditional methods shines through in these ventures.
Salim’s passion for BBQ has taken him around the world, competing in prestigious competitions like the World Grilling Championship in Belgium, where his team, Barbakuá, achieved 11th place globally and 1st in Latin America. He is a certified BBQ judge, the Vice President of the Paraguayan Grillers Association, and the President of the World Barbeque Association’s Paraguay chapter.
Salim is a strong advocate for elevating Paraguayan grilling on the international stage. He actively participates in competitions, teaches courses, and even aims to bring the World BBQ Championship to Paraguay in 2026. His dedication to perfecting grilling techniques and showcasing Paraguayan cuisine has earned him accolades like the “Grand Champion 2024” award from the Rural Association of Paraguay.
With his extensive experience, passion for Paraguayan BBQ, and dedication to promoting Paraguayan gastronomy through his catering business and specialty food brands, Leyzman Salim is a true leader in the world of grilling and a source of national pride.
