To strengthen culinary quality across its hotel network, Archipelago—Southeast Asia’s largest hotel management group—held the 15th Archipelago Black Box Battle at Aston Sidoarjo City Hotel & Conference Center on 15 September 2025.
The competition brought together 18 chefs and 18 F&B service talents from hotels across East and Central Java. Participants were challenged to create dishes or beverages from a mystery box of ingredients, with chefs given 60 minutes and F&B service teams 30 minutes. The initiative highlights Archipelago’s commitment to developing hospitality talent and delivering outstanding food and beverage experiences for guests.
“We are proud to once again host the Archipelago Black Box Battle, especially with the involvement of top talents from hotels across Java. This competition is not only about testing cooking and mixology skills, but also about giving our chefs and F&B teams a platform to grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional culinary quality and service,” said Winston Hanes, Vice President of Operations, Archipelago.
This year’s secret ingredients for the food category included squid, prawns, milkfish, rice paper, nori, and miso paste, while the beverage category featured matcha powder, pineapple, and ginger.
Winners – Food Battle
- First Place: Muhammad Zainuri (Aston Inn Jemursari) – Charles Brookfield Trophy + cash prize
- Second Place: Guntur Ari Prakoso (favehotel Rungkut Surabaya) – John Flood Trophy + cash prize
- Third Place: Josua Kevin Pratama (Aston Inn Batu) – Favourite Trophy + cash prize
Winners – Beverage Battle
- First Place: Irawan Wisnu (Hotel Neo Malioboro) – Charles Brookfield Trophy + cash prize
- Second Place: Rezaldi Nuzul Fajri (Hotel Neo+ Waru – Sidoarjo) – John Flood Trophy + cash prize
- Third Place: Sumardiono (Quest Hotel Darmo Surabaya) – Favourite Trophy + cash prize
The competition once again showcased the creativity, collaboration, and passion of Archipelago’s F&B talents, reflecting the group’s ongoing drive to elevate hospitality standards. Archipelago congratulates all winners of the 2025 Black Box Battle in East and Central Java.
For more information, visit www.archipelagohotels.com or follow @archipelagointernational on Instagram.
