Announces the Top Three Winning Dishes Created by High School Students, One Dish to be Selected for Astronauts Aboard the ISS
Students’ pasta dishes are on display at Space Center Houston for HUNCH’s Culinary Challenge Finals. (Photo Courtesy, Space Center Houston).
HOUSTON, TX (MAY 1, 2025) – After weeks of careful evaluation, one of three finalist student teams will have their winning pasta dish selected to be sent to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to enjoy in orbit.
On April 8, Space Center Houston hosted the 10th annual HUNCH Culinary Challenge Finals, where 10 student teams competed to have their pasta dishes judged by culinary experts.
HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) is a national program that engages high school students in developing real-world products for NASA. The Culinary Challenge is one of the many programs under HUNCH, inviting student teams from the U.S. and abroad to experience the one-day challenge at Space Center Houston.
After advancing through local and regional rounds, the 10 finalist teams are invited to compete live at the center, presenting their entrées to a panel of guest chefs, food industry professionals, JSC personnel, and astronauts.
This year’s esteemed judges included Emmanuel Chavez—Houston’s 2024 Chef of the Year, owner of the Michelin-starred Tatemó, and a 2025 James Beard Best New Chef semifinalist—alongside European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano.
Beginning left to right: Space Center Houston President and CEO, William T. Harris; European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, and Tatemó Chef and Owner, Emmanuel Chavez at Space Center Houston on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Photo Courtesy, Space Center Houston).
The Top Three Winning Dishes:
- Phoebus High School, VA – Rasta Pasta
- Wekiva High School, FL- Spinach Linguini with Creamy Mushrooms
- RCTC, MI -Spicy Cajun Fettuccini with Roasted Veggies
These teams will receive scholarships and prize opportunities through the American Academy of Chefs and Sullivan University.
The first-place team will have their dish processed for spaceflight at the NASA Johnson Space Center Food Lab and served aboard the ISS. Additionally, they will be invited to present their creation at the American Culinary Federation National Convention.
To see related posts, visit Space Center Houston Hosts 10th Annual HUNCH Culinary Challenge Finals – Space Center Houston.