"Shokugeki no Soma" chapter 157 can be read online through Manga Reader. The current chapter continues the food war between Central vs. Cutting Edge Research Society as represented by Rentaro and Ryo. Before any predictions and speculations on what could happen in the next chapters, here is a brief recap.
Rentaro completed his Salmon Confit Flamme first and it immediately got great reviews from the judges. The Central chef even has something special prepared for Momo who was watching the shokugeki: a salmon ice cream with the help of cryogenic grinder Rentaro brought out at the beginning of the competition.
Ryo also finished his dish: Salmon Coulibiac and it's considered a classic dish that was only available to the royals in the past. The judges' reviews were also positive and one of the judges declares it a tie. However, the chapter ends with one of the judges announcing a major difference between dishes that could become a factor for winning.
The deciding factor that could mean victory will be revealed in the next chapter. However, it is possible that the deciding factor could be in bringing out the best in salmon - a factor that Ryo has since Rentaro has also taken advantage of the bacon flavor to enhance the main ingredient. Ryo on the other hand, used his expertise in working with salmon to bring up a really good dish.
User TotalEcon at Manga Helpers forum also shared the same sentiment, "The difference has already been laid out: Which dish allows for the salmon to speak the loudest. Rentaro added bacon and berries to his dish, which takes away from the focus. Also Salmon Ice Cream in my mind would get lampooned, just like tuna sorbet on 'Iron Chef'. Ryo's dish absorbs the salmon flavor through the rice....that's why I think Ryo will win." User Gradien at Reddit forum has a unique speculation and it concerns the status Erina, "I believe Azami is gonna take Erina back home, maybe threatening her or something. It's been ages since we saw her. Right after the Ryo vs. Rent match (btw, Ryo will win) we will see that."
