Chef Ryu So-jeong of DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo wins first place at JKM F&B Masters 2026 with the award-winning Miso Hazelnut Tart, now available for a limited time.

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo has announced the exciting victory of its pastry chef, Ryu So-jeong, who claimed the grand prize in the pastry category at the prestigious Hilton JKM (Japan, Korea, and Guam) Food & Beverage Masters 2026 competition. This year’s event marks the 10th anniversary of the celebrated competition, and Chef Ryu’s winning creation, the Miso Hazelnut Tart, has been widely praised for its innovative flavors and exceptional presentation.

Celebrating Culinary Excellence at JKM F&B Masters 2026

The JKM F&B Masters competition, which took place from February 3rd to 5th, 2026, at the Hilton Hiroshima, brought together 135 participants from 32 Hilton properties across Japan, Korea, and Guam. The competitors showcased their skills in six categories: Cooking, Pastry, Sommelier, Bar, Barista, and Food Photography. Chef Ryu So-jeong, with her unique approach to pastry, stood out among the participants and clinched first place in the pastry sector, impressing judges with her ability to blend traditional ingredients with modern dessert techniques.

The event, which celebrated its milestone 10th year, is known for its ability to uncover and nurture the next generation of food and beverage talent, providing a platform for Hilton team members to demonstrate their creativity and technical expertise. This year’s competition was held under the theme “Let Taste & Talent Shine,” reflecting the focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and the artistry behind food preparation.

Innovative Desserts from Chef Ryu So-jeong

Chef Ryu entered two desserts into the competition: the Miso Hazelnut Tart and the Miyajima Melon Parfait. While both were well-received, it was the Miso Hazelnut Tart that ultimately won the judges’ favor. The tart is a reimagining of the savory flavors of miso, a traditional Japanese ingredient, combined with the nutty richness of chocolate and hazelnut. The dessert also features an orange zest cream and miso salted caramel, creating a balanced and flavorful experience that impressed the judges with its creativity and technical execution.

Speaking about her victory, Chef Ryu expressed her gratitude and pride: “I am incredibly honored to have won this competition, especially in its 10th year. It has been a wonderful experience, and I am committed to continuing my growth as a chef based on what I have learned here.”

The Winning Dessert Now Available at DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo

To celebrate her victory and share the award-winning dessert with guests, DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo will be offering the Miso Hazelnut Tart at its first-floor cafe (Caffe) starting March 9, 2026. The tart will be available for a limited time, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the same innovative dessert that earned Chef Ryu first place at the competition.

The Miso Hazelnut Tart is available in two sizes: full-size for 38,000 KRW and mini for 15,000 KRW. The tart’s blend of miso, hazelnut, and caramelized flavors offers a truly unique dessert experience that reflects Chef Ryu’s creative vision and passion for culinary excellence.

Hilton’s Commitment to Culinary Innovation

The JKM F&B Masters competition plays an important role in Hilton’s commitment to fostering talent within the food and beverage industry. Hilton’s regional president, Joseph Khairallah, emphasized the importance of the competition in creating opportunities for team members to showcase their skills: “Exceptional food and beverage experiences are key to Hilton’s continued growth. The skills, passion, and creativity of our team members lead to special, memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

The competition not only encourages personal development among Hilton staff but also contributes to elevating Hilton’s global reputation for outstanding hospitality. By integrating creative culinary practices and pushing the boundaries of traditional food offerings, Hilton continues to set new standards for quality service and exceptional guest experiences.

The Legacy of the JKM F&B Masters Competition

Since its inception, the JKM F&B Masters competition has been an integral part of Hilton’s efforts to support the growth of its food and beverage team members. By offering a stage for innovation, creativity, and technical excellence, the competition has created opportunities for culinary professionals to advance their careers and gain recognition for their contributions to the industry. Hilton’s longstanding commitment to culinary arts has fostered a legacy of excellence, with past winners and participants making significant strides in the food and beverage sector.

Chef Ryu So-jeong’s victory in 2026 adds to this legacy, further solidifying the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing top talent in the food and beverage industry.

Conclusion: A Sweet Victory and a Bright Future

Chef Ryu So-jeong’s win at the Hilton JKM F&B Masters 2026 is a testament to her culinary creativity and technical skill. The Miso Hazelnut Tart serves as a perfect example of how traditional flavors can be reimagined to create innovative, modern desserts that captivate the palate. Guests visiting DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo can now experience the award-winning dessert for themselves, celebrating the culmination of Chef Ryu’s hard work and dedication.

As Hilton continues to invest in its culinary talent and provide a platform for growth, we can expect more exciting innovations and achievements in the food and beverage industry. Chef Ryu’s victory is just one example of Hilton’s commitment to excellence, and it signals an exciting future for culinary creativity and hospitality innovation.