The GastroMater university cooking competition is an essential part of the SZTE Alma Mater Weekend.

Please let us know by email if you would like to participate in the cooking competition with a team! - almamater@szte.hu

Dear Participants,

Please read the following information about GasztroMater, the university cooking competition, in order to make it run smoothly.

Meals that can be prepared:

Teams may enter the friendly-spirited competition with any dish prepared over an open fire using firewood, based on their preferences.

Special professional award based on the teams' votes

This year, we are introducing a new opportunity: teams can taste and rate each other's food. There won’t be a formal tasting tour, but after visiting each other, the teams will be able to evaluate the 3 best dishes on 1 voting sheet per team, and the special prize winner will be selected based on the total of these votes.

Evaluation:

The competition will be judged by a jury of 3–5 members.

Members of the jury: Coming soon

Evaluation criteria:

• Taste
• Texture
• Presentation

The jury will start from one end of the area and visit each team in turn. Please prepare a tasting portion of your dish in a separate plate/pot for the jury. Since the evaluation process takes about one hour, it’s enough to plate the finished dish right before their arrival, to prevent it from getting cold.

Prizes:
The winning team will receive the “SZTE Alma Mater Golden Spoon Award” and sponsor gifts. Additional special prizes and gifts will also be awarded in consultation with the professional jury.

Conditions provided by the organizers:

Ingredients:

Based on a pre-agreed list, we can provide ingredients for the registered teams (minimum 10 participants) in the following value:

• For up to 15 people: HUF 12,000
• For teams larger than 15 people: HUF 17,000
• For teams larger than 25 people: HUF 22,000

Based on the experience of previous years, we recommend using the offered budget to purchase larger items and to individually source ingredients that ensure uniqueness and specialness (spices, certain vegetables, etc.).

Cooking and Technical Equipment Provided:

• 1 cauldron per team, with a stand and fire pit - teams may bring their own cooking equipment
• Firewood based on estimated usage
• One 3x3 meter tent per team
• Two beer table sets (benches and table)

For any extra equipment or ingredients beyond the provided list, the team is responsible. Teams are welcome to bring additional items as needed.

Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring extra cauldrons, as cooking spots are limited.

For registration, please provide (or complete if not yet submitted):

• Team name
• Number of people who would like to eat (including number of children) and whether you’ll bring your own cauldron or cooking equipment
• Team captain’s name and contact information
• Each team member should register for the event and mark the section indicating participation in the cooking competition.

Location:

The cooking will take place at the fire pit area of the SZTE Sports Centre.

In case of continuous rain, the competition is likely to be canceled.

Competition start & procedures:

• Cooking spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• First, teams will receive the cauldrons and stands.
• Then firewood will be distributed.
• Finally, ingredients will be handed out.
• If firewood runs short, please first ask another team for help. Emergency reserve wood will be available at the central tent.

Items to  bring:

• An axe for chopping wood
• Knives for peeling and cutting, and bowls for water collection
• Umbrella or parasol for rain/sun protection (useful even in light drizzle)
• If bringing your own cauldron, please inform us

Water & dishwashing:

• A designated dishwashing station and water source are located next to the fire pit area.
• Dishwashing is only allowed here!
• Detergent and sponges will be available on-site.
• A metal abrasive scrubber for heavier dirt can be requested from the on-site coordinator.

Fire safety

• No fires are allowed under the tents!
• Fire extinguishers are available at the central tent.
• Embers must always be extinguished if left unattended.

End-of-event responsibilities:

After the competition, please help with the following:

• Wash and dry cauldrons, return them and the cauldron stands to the central tent.
• Return any leftover firewood to the central tent – it will be donated to those in need.
• After extinguishing and cooling, place fire trays next to the bins.
• If you cooked on the ground, extinguish the embers with water.
• Clean your area before leaving – trash bags are available at the central tent. Collected waste should be placed next to the metal bins.

Schedule:

7:30 – Gathering

7:35 – Start (wood chopping, dishwashing, prep)

12:00 – Judging begins – dishes should be ready

After judging, teams may enjoy their food

13:30 – Planned award ceremony on the main stage – all team captains will be asked to come up when called

On-site coordinator: Zsolt Bolgár | +36309556860

Pre-event communication: almamater@szte.hu