Japan makes the best desserts in the world – it’s official

Japan has yet again proven it is the crème de la crème when it comes to pastry, winning the Pastry World Cup for the third time in its history.

France had to be content with second place, while Italy came third in the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, which was held at the Salon International de la Restauration in Chassieu, near Lyon.

Competition president, the legendary French pâtissier Pierre Hermé, praised Japan’s pastry chefs for their “attention to detail, perseverance, commitment”. Their prize-winning dessert was based on the theme of wind and lightness.

Seventeen teams of three (an ice cream specialist, a sugar expert and a chocolate maker) took part in the two-day competition, which has been running since 1989. 

The president of the French team, Yann Brys, admitted of their second prize: “It’s not the result we want”.

A special prize rewarded a creation inspired by the theme of climate change. Candidates had to use environmentally friendly raw materials, and additives and dyes were banned. Contestants had ten hours to prepare 42 tasting desserts, including popsicles, and three artistic pieces, including one made of carved water ice.

The UK came fourth in the contest and the USA seventh.

Lead photo credit : Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie (Facebook)