LYON (France), Jan 25 — Malaysians will be among aspiring pastry chefs, chocoholics and sweet tooths taking part in a competition that stakes a country’s honour on flour, chocolate, sugar and butter starting today in France.

At the World Pastry Cup in Lyon, Malaysia will be among 21 teams represented by a pastry chef, chocolatier and master ice cream maker to compete for the chance to be named the best in their class for the next two years.

A presentation by Team Japan in 2013.©Sirha

Singapore is also taking part, among 11 countries competing on the first day today.

Malaysia will be among the 10 countries competing on the second day tomorrow.

The World Pastry Cup is held alongside the Bocuse d’Or every two years.

Making their debut this year will be Algeria, the Philippines and Guatemala.

Rules of the game have also changed. Alongside plated chocolate and fruit desserts, teams will also be tasked with carving a block of chocolate and integrating the piece in their chocolate sculpture.

Countries competing today, January 25:

China South Korea Tunisia Switzerland Denmark Algeria Philippines Colombia Taiwan Morocco Singapore

Countries competing tomorrow, January 26 Guatemala Malaysia United States United Kingdom Sweden Argentina Japan Mexico Italy Egypt

Follow the event on Twitter at @CMP_Lyon and the hashtag #CMpatisserie, and on Facebook here. — AFP-Relaxnews