Vietnam clinched victory at the 2025 Battle of The Pastry & Bakery, an international pastry and bread competition, highlighting the rising stature of Vietnamese culinary talents on the global stage.

The competition took place from July 18 to 20 in Penang, Malaysia, hosted by the Penang Chefs Association and endorsed by Worldchefs, one of the world's leading culinary organizations. The event attracted over 400 chefs from countries and territories including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Vietnam’s team of 15 chefs was organized by the Saigon Chefs Association (under the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association) in collaboration with the Vietnamese Bakery Sub-Association (under the Vietnam Tourism Association).

The contestants competed in a wide array of categories, including wedding cakes, chilled desserts, artistic bread, chocolate sculptures, and intricate sugar decoration displays.

Over three days of intense competition, the Vietnamese team demonstrated exceptional preparation, composure, and teamwork. They outshone many formidable opponents to secure an impressive 16 gold medals, 5 silver medals, 11 bronze medals, and 2 prestigious championship trophies.

Chef Duong Minh Tri delivered an outstanding individual performance, taking home three gold medals and receiving the Best Chef Cup. Vietnam was also awarded the overall championship trophy, showcasing the strength and consistency of its team across all competition categories.

Chief Judge Kenny Kong, a renowned chef from Singapore, praised the Vietnamese team for their passion, teamwork, and inspiring work ethic.

“They worked tirelessly, demonstrating skills honed through rigorous training and practice. The resulting creations were truly imaginative and remarkable,” Kong noted.

Beyond the medals, this achievement cements Vietnam’s growing reputation in the global bakery industry.

Nguyen Thi Khanh, Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association and President of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, personally welcomed the returning team at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

“I was deeply moved to receive such a dedicated and talented group. Your achievement brings immense pride to Vietnam’s tourism and culinary sectors,” she said. “Your victory reflects the strength of Vietnamese pastry craftsmanship and enhances our national culinary identity across the region.”

This historic win in Malaysia is more than just a collection of medals. It is a symbol of how far Vietnam’s bakery sector has come - steadily advancing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world’s culinary giants.

PV