The Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie 2025 in Dubai once again showcased the region’s most talented chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and cake artists. This prestigious event celebrated creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship, and this year’s Gold Winners truly raised the bar for culinary artistry in the world of chocolate and pastry.

From breathtaking 3D cakes to delicate handmade pralines and innovative plated desserts, each winner demonstrated exceptional skill and passion. Here’s a look at the Gold Medalists who shone brightest this year:

Best 3D Cake Design

Shashi Fonseka – The Cake Craze by Shashi Fonseka
A masterclass in structure and imagination, Shashi Fonseka’s 3D cake captured both technical precision and artistic flair, earning top honors in this highly competitive category.

Handmade Pralines

Mohammad Ataul, represented by Chef Mulyatna Sardiono – Arada Hospitality and Entertainment
His exquisite pralines stood out for balance, texture, and innovative flavor combinations that delighted the judges’ palates.

Best Three-Tier Wedding Cake

R.A. Chamidu Nishara Ranasinghe – Fumée Restaurant and Café LLC
Chamidu’s elegant wedding cake design showcased refined craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty, a stunning tribute to the artistry of modern celebration cakes.

Elle & Vire Professionnel Best Cheesecake Competition (in collaboration with Norohy)

Amila Ian Monarawilla – Pullman Dubai Creek City Center
Amila’s cheesecake creation struck the perfect harmony of flavor and texture, redefining indulgence in this classic dessert.

Best Pastry Showpiece

Shashi Fonseka – The Cake Craze by Shashi Fonseka
A double Gold winner this year, Shashi once again impressed with a showpiece that was both technically flawless and visually mesmerizing.

Best Pain au Chocolat

Aman Saini – Address Sky View Hotel LLC
Flaky, buttery perfection with a rich chocolate heart,  Aman’s pastry embodied excellence in traditional Viennoiserie.

Arla Pro Gâteaux Class

Prerna Baldev Motwani – Richemont Masterbaker
Prerna’s gateaux creation combined artistry and flavor in perfect measure, earning her the top spot in this distinguished class.

Best Chocolate Showpiece

Dhanushka Hemal – Bateel International LLC
Dhanushka’s intricate chocolate sculpture highlighted extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity, a true celebration of cocoa artistry.

Best Macaron

Kichu Mulangil Balan – Emirates Flight Catering
Kichu’s flawless macarons impressed with their perfect shell, delicate texture, and exquisite flavor balance.

Best Three-Plated Dessert Presentation (Joint Winners)

R.A. Chamidu Nishara Ranasinghe – Fumée Restaurant and Café LLC
George Gomes – Pullman Dubai Creek City Center
Both chefs wowed the judges with refined techniques, harmonious plating, and memorable flavor profiles, earning them shared gold recognition.

KitKat with a Twist

E. Aruni Udeshika Kumari De Silva – Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre
Aruni’s inventive take on the classic KitKat showcased creativity and modern flair, offering a delightful surprise in every bite.

Honoring Culinary Brilliance

The 2025 edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai was more than a competition, it was a celebration of the region’s growing influence in the world of fine pastry and chocolate. Each Gold Winner demonstrated artistry, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, inspiring a new generation of pastry professionals across the UAE and beyond.