Bandung - September 2023, Archipelago International, Indonesia’s largest hotel chain with an extensive presence across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and Latin America, hosted the 2nd Archipelago’s Young Chef and Barista Challenge on September 5, 2023, at the elegant ASTON Pasteur Hotel's Khayangan Lounge. This exceptional event promised to be a feast for the senses, as young culinary talents from within the Archipelago International brands showcased their extraordinary skills and creativity in an intense culinary and coffee competition.

After the overwhelming success of the inaugural competition held during the 25th Anniversary of Archipelago International, the group is once again on the hunt for fresh and innovative culinary and coffee talent from its hotels' kitchens. This unique competition served as a platform for young chefs and baristas to shine, pushing the boundaries of their culinary artistry while embodying the essence of Archipelago's commitment to excellence.

John Flood, President and CEO of Archipelago International, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Archipelago’s Young Chef and Barista Challenge is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of culinary and coffee excellence, adhering to the discerning taste of our guests. Following the success of last year’s event, we would like to showcase the incredible skills and talents of our young chefs and baristas and show our dedication to innovation and creativity in our kitchens."

Three Categories, One Remarkable Event

The 2nd Archipelago’s Young Chef and Barista Challenge featured three exhilarating categories: Young Chef, Pastry Chef, and Barista. Each category highlighted the participant's remarkable talents using distinct main ingredients.

• Archipelago Young Chef Challenge: The participants crafted their culinary masterpieces using the versatile main ingredient: Chicken. This challenge tested their ability to transform this ingredient into a gastronomic delight showcasing innovation and skill.
  
  The 1st Winner of Archipelago Young Chef & Barista Challenge, category Young Chef is Deni Saputra from ASTON Nagoya City Hotel. Kadek Gito Ratono from ASTON Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center secured 2nd place, while Sigit Ibnu Wibowo from The Alana Hotel & Convention Center Solo emerged as the 3rd place winner, earning the favorite winner title.
  
  The other finalists who made it to the top 5 from the Chef Category are Bryan Sukma from Harper Malioboro and Satrio Gustiar Subagti from The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel & Convention Center.
   
• Archipelago Pastry Chef Challenge: Sago took the spotlight in this category, challenging pastry chefs to craft delectable creations that showcase the unique attributes of this ingredient in its various forms.
  
  The 1st Winner of Archipelago Young Chef & Barista Challenge, category Young Pastry Chef is Farhan Mohammad Rizki from ASTON Cilegon Boutique Hotel. Nur Fitnani from ASTON Sentul Resort & Conference Center secured 2nd place while Mohammad Aditiya from Harper Cikarang emerged as the 3rd place winner, earning the favorite winner title.
  
  The other finalists who made it to the top 5 from the Pastry Chef Category are Husni Thamrin from ASTON Imperial Bekasi Hotel & Conference Center and Ketut Adnyani from ASTON Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center.
   
• Archipelago Barista Challenge: Local Coffee Bean, a true gem of the region, became the central ingredient in this barista battle. Contestants harness their coffee expertise to craft beverages that capture the essence of this beloved ingredient.
  
  The 1st Winner of Archipelago Young Chef & Barista Challenge, category Young Barista is Sang Made Wahyu Rusmayana from ASTON Canggu Beach Resort. Iyan Budiyanto from ASTON Sentul Resort & Conference Center secured 2nd place, while Akbar Hutama from ASTON Batam Hotel & Residence emerged as the 3rd place winner, earning the favorite winner title.
  
  The other finalists who made it to the top 5 from Barista Category are Buja Aziz from The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel & Convention Center and Lutfi Suyudi from ASTON Imperial Bekasi Hotel & Conference Center.

With over 200 participants from across the Archipelago umbrella, the competition intensified and showcased the group's dedication to fostering emerging talents. After rigorous evaluation, only 15 finalists—five from each category—were selected to compete in this ultimate showcase of skill, creativity, and passion.

A prestigious panel of judges evaluated the participants' creations. The judges assessed each entry based on multiple criteria, including presentation, taste, preparation techniques, workplace organization, and cleanliness. The competition not only encouraged participants to follow recipes but also challenged them to infuse their souls into their creations, elevating them beyond the ordinary.

The triumphant young chefs and baristas received the esteemed Charles Brookfield Trophy, John Flood Trophy, and Favorite Winner Trophy, as well as generous cash prizes. These accolades not only recognize their exceptional talents but also serve as a stepping stone to further success within the culinary and coffee industries.

"In Archipelago, we take pride in our culinary offerings as we foster and cultivate our skilled young chefs. This challenge goes beyond culinary expertise; it is about embracing passion, creativity, and the desire to create memorable experiences for our guests. As a chef myself, I am excited to witness how our young talents infuse their personality and skills into their creations," says Winston Hanes, Vice President for Operations, Archipelago International.

The event promised not only an exceptional display of culinary and coffee expertise but also a celebration of innovation, talent, and the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines Archipelago International.

For more information, visit www.archipelagointernational.com and follow @archipelagointernational on Instagram.