Move over, soccer—there’s another World Cup in town, and this one is packed with sugar, chocolate, and jaw-dropping desserts!
The 2025 Pastry World Cup took place on January 20 and 21, bringing together the world’s top pastry chefs in a high-stakes culinary showdown in Lyon, France.
Teams from across the globe, including Egypt, South Korea, and Mauritius, whipped, sculpted, and glazed their way to the ultimate pastry prize.
This year’s competition came with a twist—time constraints were tightened, and an exciting new challenge, the Chocolate Show, was introduced. This segment saw pastry maestros craft 26 bite-sized delights using Valrhona chocolate, embracing a street-food-inspired concept.
To keep things extra intense, competitors had to step out of their kitchens mid-battle to showcase their creations before a live audience and panel of judges. Talk about pressure!
The Ultimate Pastry Challenge
Each team featured three specialists: a chocolate expert, an ice cream guru, and a sugar sculptor. Their mission? To create three stunning desserts—one frozen, one plated for fine dining, and one grand chocolate showpiece—all within a grueling five-hour window.
The competition wasn’t just about taste; it was about artistry, culture, and national pride.
Teams infused their creations with flavors and symbols unique to their homelands.
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China wowed the crowd with an intricate sugar dragon, while Mexico celebrated its roots with chocolate, corn, and other native ingredients.
And let’s not forget the fashion! France’s chefs donned classic Breton stripes and berets, Mexico’s team rocked Day of the Dead-inspired masks, and the UK’s contestants served up their sweets in vintage newsboy caps and bow ties.
And the Winners Are…
🥇 Japan: Back-to-Back Champs!
For the second tournament in a row, Japan stole the show!
Their gold medal-winning menu featured a restaurant dessert shaped like an Asanoha (hemp) leaf, made with lemon, pear, marigold, and chocolate granita. Their frozen masterpiece? A playful apricot treat designed to look like a spinning top toy.
“We packed the history and culture of Japan into the design,” said Masanori Hata, the team’s chocolate expert. “Winning two times in a row is an incredible honor.”
🥈 France: A Decadent Silver Medal
Despite hosting the event, France had to settle for second place.
Their showstopper? A series of chocolate eggs filled with chocolate-hazelnut soufflé mousse, drenched in citrus-vanilla-infused clarified butter, and paired with grilled vanilla ice cream and clementine confit. Tres magnifique!
🥉 Malaysia: A Historic Bronze
Malaysia made history by securing its highest-ever finish in the competition.
Their frozen dessert—a blend of citrus, apricot, and delicate spices—was a love letter to the nation’s multicultural culinary heritage.
The Full Top 10 Ranking:
- 1. Japan (🥇 Gold)
- 2. France (🥈 Silver)
- 3. Malaysia (🥉 Bronze)
- 4. China
- 5. Belgium
- 6. Italy
- 7. South Korea
- 8. Singapore
- 9. United Kingdom
- 10. Argentina
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Belgium may not have taken home a medal, but they did snag the prestigious Eco-Responsibility Prize for their commitment to sustainable pastry-making. A win for both the planet and the palate!
What is the Pastry World Cup?
For those new to the sugar-coated spectacle, the Pastry World Cup (French: Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie) is a biennial international pastry contest held in Lyon, France.
Teams qualify through national competitions, like Italy’s Campionato Italiano di Pasticceria Seniores, before facing off in the ultimate test of pastry prowess.
