HSCC 2026 Competition Encouraging Students’ Creativity and Innovation In Street Food

The High School Cooking Competition (HSCC) 2026 was successfully held on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Pandaan. The event was attended by high school students from various institutions who have an interest and talent in the culinary field, particularly in the development of innovative street food concepts. HSCC 2026 served as a platform for the younger generation to express their creativity and technical skills in preparing and presenting street food with creative, innovative, and marketable concepts, while maintaining the distinctive character of traditional street cuisine. Participants were challenged to create menus that were not only delicious but also unique in terms of flavor, presentation, and overall concept. Through this competition, participants gained hands-on practical experience, starting from ingredient selection and processing techniques to flavor development and professional food presentation. In addition, HSCC 2026 aimed to nurture students’ interest and talent in the culinary field while broadening their perspectives on career opportunities within the Food and Beverage industry. The event also functioned as an educational platform emphasizing the importance of innovation and product differentiation in the development of street food, enabling it to remain competitive and add value amid the dynamic growth of the culinary industry. The evaluation process was conducted by a panel of competent culinary judges, who assessed participants based on creativity, taste, processing techniques, and presentation. Beyond the competition itself, HSCC 2026 also fostered networking among schools and strengthened collaboration between educational institutions in advancing vocational education and culinary interests at the secondary school level. In the competition, SMK Mater Amabilis won first place, while SMA Xaverius Bandar Lampung secured the runner-up position. Victoria Jones, representing the first-place winner, expressed her joy in participating in the competition and admitted that she and her teammate, Esterra Beatrix, did not expect to achieve first place. Victoria stated that their success was the result of diligent practice and a strong focus on innovation. She also acknowledged that their achievement would not have been possible without the guidance and support of their teacher, who continuously directed and mentored them. With the successful implementation of HSCC 2026 in Pandaan, it is hoped that this event will inspire the emergence of creative and innovative young generations who are ready to contribute to the advancement of Indonesia’s culinary industry in the future.