Archipelago Black Box Battle 2025 Returns to Yogyakarta

Food & Beverage Competition Showcases Culinary Talent at 
Neo Malioboro Yogyakarta and Royal Malioboro by Aston

The Archipelago Black Box Battle is back in Yogyakarta to challenge the creativity and skills of chefs and F&B staff from the Archipelago hotel network. This recurring competition is designed to foster unique culinary creations using mystery ingredients revealed only at the event — the hallmark of the “Black Box” challenge.

This year’s Black Box Battle welcomed participation from 15 hotels across Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Rembang. A total of 15 chefs and 14 F&B staff competed to showcase their talents in crafting exceptional dishes and beverages. The competition was prestigious, with trophies from Charles Brookfield (First Place), John Flood (Second Place), and the “Favorite Winner” for Third Place, along with cash prizes and gifts from sponsors.

“This event is not just a competition but also a platform for learning and inspiration among culinary professionals. The Archipelago Black Box Battle aims to help participants refine their techniques and develop the skill to creatively work with unfamiliar ingredients,” said Winston Hanes, Senior VP of Operations Archipelago.

The Beverage Battle competition occurred at Royal Malioboro by Aston, where F&B staff were challenged to create exceptional drink creations using secret ingredients: basil, jasmine tea, and kedondong (ambarella). Meanwhile, the Food Battle was held at Neo Malioboro Yogyakarta, where chefs competed to create delicious and innovative dishes using secret ingredients: chicken, pumpkin, tamarind, and cinnamon.

To maintain high judging standards, the panel of judges — comprising Yohanes Sulistiyono Hadi, Corporate Regional General Manager of Archipelago; Chef Denny Frederick, Corporate Executive Chef; Denny S. Wasana, Corporate F&B Manager; and Sari Kusumaningrum, Senior Director of Corporate Communications and PR — evaluates each creation based on creativity, technique, taste, and presentation according to international standards.

The winners of the Food Battle category are as follows:

1. First Place: Domas Muhammad Pilar – favehotel Malioboro Yogyakarta

2. Second Place: Winarno – Aston Solo Hotel

3. Third Place: Bayu Kusuma – The Alana Hotel and Conference Center Malioboro

The winners of the Beverage Battle category are as follows:

1. First Place: Andi Izzaudin Mahendra – The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel and Convention Center

2. Second Place: Hanif Anshori – The Alana Solo Hotel and Conference Center

3. Third Place: Andryan S. – The Alana Hotel and Conference Center Malioboro

“I felt challenged because we had to cook with ingredients we hadn’t known before — it really pushed us out of our comfort zone. I hope Archipelago continues to create opportunities like this so we can keep growing,” said Domas Muhammad Pilar. Andi I. Mahendra added, “I’m very grateful and relieved with today’s achievement, especially after preparing for it over the past month. I also hope Archipelago continues to grow and become even more innovative in the future.”

The purpose of this event is to encourage and uncover the creativity of chefs and Food & Beverage teams in designing menus using previously unknown ingredients. With limited time, they are expected to create the best food and beverages that meet Archipelago’s standards.

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