The Pastry World Cup 2025 is no ordinary competition. It’s a global stage where national pride, culinary artistry, and years of dedication collide. Held every two years, the event gathers pastry chefs worldwide to compete for the ultimate honor in their field.
This year, the sweet showdown occurred on January 20 and 21 in Lyon, France. Teams from countries as diverse as Egypt, Mauritius, and South Korea participated, creating desserts highlighting their national cultures and culinary traditions.
The Challenge
Each team consisted of three members specializing in chocolate, sugar, and ice. They had just five hours to create three extraordinary desserts:
- A frozen dessert.
- A restaurant-style dessert with customizable garnishes.
- A chocolate showpiece.
These desserts were judged on flavor, creativity, presentation, and their ability to reflect their country’s unique identity.
Culinary Art Meets National Pride
Competitors embraced their national heritage through flavors and designs. Team China crafted an intricate sugar dragon, while Mexico highlighted native ingredients like chocolate and corn. Teams even reflected their countries through their attire—France’s chefs wore Breton stripes and berets, and Mexico’s team donned Day of the Dead-inspired masks.
The Winners
Despite hosting the event, France finished second, securing the silver medal. The gold medal went to Japan, which achieved back-to-back victories. Team Japan impressed judges with their skill and creativity.
- Restaurant Dessert: A lemon, pear, marigold, and chocolate granita shaped like an Asanoha (hemp) leaf, showcasing Japan’s cultural patterns.
- Frozen Dessert: An apricot-flavored treat designed to look like a traditional spinning top toy.
Masanori Hata, the team’s chocolate expert, shared his excitement:
“We packed Japan’s history and culture into our designs. Winning for the second time feels unbelievable. I’m proud we represented Japan so well.”
France’s desserts included chocolate eggs filled with chocolate-hazelnut mousse, paired with citrus-vanilla ice cream and a clementine confit.
The bronze medal went to Malaysia, marking the country’s best-ever finish. Their frozen dessert blended bright citrus, sweet apricot, and spices, celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.
Final Rankings
- Japan
- France
- Malaysia
- China
- Belgium
- Italy
- South Korea
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- Argentina
Conclusion
The Pastry World Cup 2025 showcased the artistry and dedication of pastry chefs worldwide. Japan’s victory highlighted their ability to combine tradition and innovation, while other teams demonstrated impressive creativity and skill. The event not only celebrates desserts but also the diverse cultures and culinary traditions of its participants.
