Every Offering in Kudus Strengthens the Strides of HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 Athletes

KUDUS — While matches take place on the pitch, for athletes in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, their journey in Kudus has also been defined by the local flavors that fuel their performance.

Between a packed schedule of training and games, players from across Indonesia have seized the opportunity to explore Kudus through its culinary heritage. Some are sampling buffalo soto for the first time, while others begin their competition days with a serving of lentog tanjung.

These simple experiences have created a narrative beyond just sports. The influx of hundreds of athletes, staff, families, and spectators has not only enlivened the tournament but has also provided a significant boost to local culinary businesses and the hospitality sector in the City of Kretek.

Nina Khasanah, a local lentog tanjung vendor, is among those feeling the impact. Since the start of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League, her stall has seen a noticeable increase in foot traffic compared to usual days.

“Praise be to God, there has been an approximate 30 percent increase in sales since the HYDROPLUS Soccer League began,” she said on Sunday (July 5, 2026).

According to Nina, lentog tanjung has become the most sought-after dish for out-of-town visitors, many of whom specifically seek out the local delicacy out of curiosity.

Lentog tanjung typically consists of rice cakes, young jackfruit stew, tofu, and braised eggs, served in a savory broth. To accommodate athletes and guests, Nina opens her stall as early as 4:00 a.m. WIB.

“The flavor profile is distinct from dishes in other regions, which is what sparks the curiosity of many visitors,” she said.

For Nina, hosting sports events has provided substantial support for her livelihood. “Sports events like these are vital to us, as the increase in sales is quite significant,” she said.

Beyond lentog tanjung, other Kudus staples have introduced athletes to new culinary experiences. Samba Persada team captain Khalishah Safitri said it was her first time tasting buffalo soto. “I have only tried the buffalo soto so far as local Kudus food,” she shared.

Khalishah noted that the buffalo soto offers a savory flavor distinct from the dishes in her hometown. “It contains buffalo meat, bean sprouts, and eggs. I am from East Java, so it’s definitely different from the chicken soto I usually eat at home,” she added.

For her, the experience extends beyond simply enjoying local cuisine. The meals consumed also help replenish the energy needed throughout the tournament.

“It is rich in protein, which helps boost stamina after training and before matches,” she said.

Khalishah noted that sampling local dishes is part of the experience of competing in a new city, as every region has a culture that can be discovered through its culinary offerings.

Dietary attention is also a crucial aspect for athletes during the competition. At the hotel where they are staying, every menu is prepared with the nutritional needs of young athletes in mind to ensure they remain in peak condition throughout the tournament.

Hotel Sapphire Kudus Executive Chef Ali Mustawa stated that the menu provided differs from the standard hotel fare. Aside from avoiding overly spicy foods, every dish is designed to meet the athletes' nutritional requirements.

“Since the majority of the athletes are children, we create mild, non-spicy menus. We always provide two protein options, typically boneless chicken and fish fillets,” Ali explained on Sunday (July 5, 2026).

He explained that every meal is accompanied by vegetables, porridge, various steamed tubers, fruits, and desserts. “It is important that their carbohydrate, protein, and fiber needs are consistently met,” he added.

Although the menu is customized to athlete needs, Hotel Sapphire continues to highlight local Kudus culinary specialties to its guests. “Soto Kudus, chicken pindang, beef pindang, and buffalo soto are among the local dishes introduced to guests from various regions,” he said.

Ali revealed that the most popular request among the athletes is for simple meals consisting of rice, chicken, and fresh fruit.

"Athletes naturally have higher caloric demands. They gravitate toward complete main courses featuring chicken, followed by fresh fruit. Our main challenge is ensuring food availability aligns with their tight schedules, which requires rapid meal replenishment," said Ali Mustawa, Executive Chef at Hotel Sapphire Kudus.

The tournament's impact is also being felt by hotel management. Sahid Bawono, Executive Housekeeper at Hotel Sapphire, noted a significant increase in occupancy as participants and officials arrived in Kudus. "This event has had a very positive impact on our hotel occupancy," he stated.

Beyond room bookings, athletes are actively utilizing various hotel facilities to support their competition-related activities.

"In addition to high room occupancy, athletes are making use of our amenities, including open areas for jogging and stretching, as well as the swimming pool for post-match recovery. To accommodate the influx of guests, we have increased our staff, which has created new employment opportunities," he explained.

The 93-room hotel has tailored its services for athletic delegations by optimizing room assignments and ensuring all facilities are prepared to meet the needs of those participating in the tournament.

For the players, nutritional intake is a vital factor in maintaining performance and accelerating recovery following training and matches. Samba Persada team captain Khalishah Safitri believes the hotel's food offerings complement the athletes' requirements.

"I had fried rice and chicken porridge this morning. The hotel is comfortable and the food is good. I enjoyed the chicken porridge the most," said Khalishah.

However, she expressed hope that future menus would continue to adapt to athletes' needs, particularly regarding protein content.

"In the future, perhaps they can provide more protein to help us recover faster after competing," Khalishah added.

The athletes' time in Kudus is defined by more than just competition on the field. Between training sessions and matches, they are experiencing local flavors, supporting local business growth, and benefiting from hotels that have adapted to accommodate them. It is through these collective efforts that their journey in the 'City of Kretek' becomes a complete component of the tournament experience. (ITN/mainkekudus)