Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta, a four-star hotel located at Jalan Mangkubumi No. 52, Yogyakarta, has recently achieved an outstanding accomplishment at the Archipelago Black Box Battle. This event, organized by Archipelago International, took place at The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel & Conference Center on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta secured the first place in the Black Box Battle - Food Category, represented by Executive Chef Anas Harsanto, triumphing over 16 Executive Chefs from Archipelago International hotels across Yogyakarta and Central Java.

The Black Box Battle is a regular event held by Archipelago International, featuring competitions among Executive Chefs and Food & Beverage Managers from its hotels. The unique aspect of this cooking competition is that each participant receives a black box containing secret ingredients. Participants are challenged to create a menu using these secret ingredients, demanding spontaneity and creativity to craft a delicious and innovative dish.

In this year's Black Box Battle, the secret ingredients included lamb rack, tamarind, pumpkin, and baby green beans. During the 60-minute competition, Executive Chef Anas Harsanto swiftly cut and ground the lamb, mixing it with various spices and tamarind water, which helps tenderize the tough meat and break down its fibers. His dish, Sate Buntel Kambing, won first place. The judges praised his creation not only for its uniqueness and creativity but also for its impeccable taste.

"The concept and theme of this competition are focused on Indonesian cuisine, so I chose to make Sate Buntel using the lamb rack, as Sate Buntel is an authentic dish from Yogyakarta and Solo. It is important for us to preserve and promote this dish, especially within the professional culinary world," said Anas Harsanto, Executive Chef of Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta.

Image: Manu Sate Buntel Kambing and Activity Executive Chef Harper Malioboro at Archipelago Black Box Battle

The award-winning Sate Buntel Kambing will be featured as a promotional menu item at Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta next month. This will allow the public to experience the culinary creation of the hotel's Executive Chef.

Additionally, Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta also won third place in the drink creation category at the Archipelago Black Box Battle. Food & Beverage Manager Iis Martanti crafted a drink using avocado, tubruk tea, and pandan leaves, earning accolades for its innovation and taste.