Excelling at EASTFOOD 2026: Sages Academy Secures 16 Awards at the Renowned Bakat Boga Challenge

Surabaya, June 2026 – The EASTFOOD Indonesia 2026 exhibition, held from June 18 to 21, 2026, at Grand City Surabaya, once again brought together leading professionals, businesses, and emerging talents from Indonesia’s food, beverage, pastry, bakery, and culinary sectors. Organized through the collaboration of Krista Exhibitions, the Association of Culinary Professionals Indonesia (ACPI), and the Indonesia Pastry Bakery Society (IPBS), the event served as a prominent platform for industry engagement, innovation, and professional development.

Among the most anticipated programs was the Bakat Boga Challenge, a prestigious culinary competition that provides aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, technical proficiency, and culinary innovation. Competing against talented participants from various institutions and organizations, Sages Academy delivered an outstanding performance, earning a total of 16 awards across multiple competition categories. This achievement reflects Sages Academy’s ongoing commitment to nurturing competent, industry-ready culinary professionals through high-quality education, practical training, and continuous mentorship. The success of its students highlights the institution’s dedication to excellence and its ability to prepare future culinary leaders for the demands of the professional world.

Award Recipients from Sages Academy

Bronze Medal

• Patricia Christie Wen – Lapis Surabaya

• Gamar Hisham Alhureibi – Swiss Roll

• Vioren Tricia Innocentia E. – Chiffon Cake

• Allia Swasti Setyoputri – Swiss Roll

• Ryan Taqwa – Soto Ayam

• Aurelia Saron Boentoro – Swiss Roll

• Julianto – Chicken Main Course

• Farrell Aurelio Tjokrowinoto – Seafood Spaghetti

  
  

Silver Medal

• Adelia Mutia Zahira & Felicia Alexandra – Traditional Indonesian Snacks (Jajan Pasar)

• Nicholas Christian Salindeho – Rawon

  
  

Diploma Award

• Ebbya Kamga Rasyid Mugzani – Chicken Main Course

• Leony Mutia Shafna Sulistio – Swiss Roll

• Felicia Alexandra – Swiss Roll

• Farrell Aurelio Tjokrowinoto & Rolands Do Viery Nainggolan – Traditional Indonesian Snacks (Jajan Pasar)

• Julianto – Spaghetti

  
  

Special Recognition

• Gamar Hisham Alhureibi – The Best Rawon Broth

The impressive accomplishments achieved by Sages Academy students not only bring honor to the institution but also demonstrate the effectiveness of vocational culinary education in developing highly competitive talent. The diversity of winning categories—from traditional Indonesian culinary heritage such as Rawon, Soto Ayam, Jajan Pasar, and Lapis Surabaya to international cuisine including Seafood Spaghetti and Chicken Main Course—illustrates the students’ versatility and mastery of a broad range of culinary techniques. Beyond the awards themselves, these achievements serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring culinary professionals to continually refine their skills, foster creativity, and embrace a spirit of lifelong learning and excellence. Success in competitions of this caliber underscores the importance of dedication, innovation, and professional discipline in building a successful career within the culinary industry.

Sages Academy’s participation in EASTFOOD 2026 further highlights the value of collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders in shaping future-ready professionals. Through platforms such as the Bakat Boga Challenge, students gain meaningful exposure to industry standards, receive valuable feedback from respected judges and practitioners, and expand their professional networks within the culinary community. By securing 16 prestigious awards, Sages Academy has once again reinforced its reputation as a leading institution committed to excellence, innovation, and professionalism in culinary education. This remarkable accomplishment is expected to inspire future generations of culinary talent to pursue their ambitions with confidence and contribute to the continued growth and international recognition of Indonesia’s culinary industry.