An extraordinary event that united creativity, speed, and culinary mastery in a truly captivating challenge

Archipelago, the largest hotel management group in Southeast Asia, successfully hosted the Black Box Battle culinary competition to enhance the quality of food and beverage offerings across its hotel network. The event took place at Aston Bogor Hotel & Resort on August 25, 2025, and brought together 22 chefs and 22 F&B service team members from Jakarta, Bogor, Banten, and Sumatra.

Participants faced an exciting challenge: creating dishes and beverages using secret ingredients from a mystery box within a strict time limit. Chefs had 60 minutes to prepare their dishes, while the F&B service teams were given 30 minutes to craft their beverages. The competition aimed to refine the skills of talented individuals across Archipelago hotels while ensuring exceptional quality for guests.

“We are proud to have once again presented the Black Box Battle. This competition was not only about testing culinary and beverage-making skills, but also demonstrated Archipelago’s commitment to giving our chefs and F&B teams opportunities to grow, innovate, and deliver outstanding culinary experiences,” said Winston Hanes, Vice President of Operations at Archipelago.

This year’s challenge was particularly exciting. Chefs were asked to create innovative dishes using ingredients such as Gindara, Beef Ribeye, and Silk Tofu. Meanwhile, the F&B service teams crafted beverages featuring Mango, Lychee, and Espresso Liquid made with a blend of 70 percent Arabica and 30 percent Robusta.

Food Category Winners

• First Place: Aris Triyono from favehotel Padjajaran Bogor, winner of the Charles Brookfield Trophy and a cash prize
• Second Place: Febrian Sjarif from Aston Priority Simatupang, winner of the John Flood Trophy and a cash prize
• Third Place: Ari Gusti from favehotel Gatot Subroto, winner of the People’s Favorite Trophy and a cash prize

Beverage Category Winners

• First Place: Micki Rizard from Harper Premier Nagoya Batam, winner of the Charles Brookfield Trophy and a cash prize
• Second Place: Ade Agung Firmansyah from Grand Aston Puncak Hotel & Resort, winner of the John Flood Trophy and a cash prize
• Third Place: Ricky Rukmana from The Alana Hotel & Conference Center Sentul City, winner of the People’s Favorite Trophy and a cash prize

The Black Box Battle 2025 once again showcased the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and excellence among Archipelago’s F&B professionals, setting a higher standard for hospitality service. Archipelago congratulated all the winners and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of culinary talent in Indonesia.

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