The competition in "Shokugeki no Soma" is heating up as Soma faces Hayama for his promotions. The stakes are high not only for Soma but also for Hayam as he fights one of the brightest freshmen in Tootski in order to save the career of Jun.
The battle for the best bear meat dish continues in chapter 186 of "Shokugeki no Soma." The latest edition is already available in Manga Stream. This is most likely the penultimate chapter before the winner is declared as each chef reveals their secret weapon to bring out the best in bear meat.
Soma's technique was first revealed as he used ground bear meat while carefully combining lean and marbled meat from different parts of the bear. He also made added sauce made of bear meat which pushed its flavor but risks creating a stinky smell. The judges noted that Soma is practically on a tightrope in bringing out the best meat flavor.
On the other hand, Hayama is taking advantage of his best asset: spices. The central chef added his special Cajun blend to bring out the unique taste of the meat. But Hayama also pushed the taste with something unique by adding juniper.
Hayama combined the spices and juniper, cream, milk and wheat flour to create gravy. The two children judges asked Hayama if they could taste the gravy and was deeply impressed with the flavor.
Even though his opponent already impresses the judges with the sauce, Soma has started frying the bear meat. On the other hand, Erina recalls her encounter with Soma while cooking where she remembers that Soma is actually thankful that he lost during the autumn tournament since it has pushed him to improve his cooking skills. The chapter ends with Soma presenting his minced bear meat katsu to the judges.
The forum thread in Manga Helpers offers different perspective on who will eventually win. Soma is the first to serve the dish which could be ominous since the second dish always gives a better impression. However, Soma was already beaten by Hayama and he is not planning in losing again.
The next chapter will shift its focus on Megumi and Takumi facing Rindo. However, Soma will also walk away as the winner in the next issue.