The debate over the name of the delectable chocolate-filled breakfast pastry continues in France, where it’s commonly referred to as either “pain au chocolat” or “chocolatine,” depending on the region. Despite this ongoing discussion, a competition called the Coupe du Monde de la chocolatine et pain au chocolat maintains a neutral stance, although its official Facebook page and email address use the term “chocolatine.”

In the latest edition of the contest held in Toulouse on Sunday, Dimitri Bordon, 29, emerged as the winner for his mastery of the buttery morning delicacy. Bordon competed against 19 other participants hailing from 12 different countries, including France, Vietnam, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

Each contestant was tasked with creating 24 pastries, half of which were traditional pain au chocolat or chocolatines, while the other half were inventive twists on the classic. A panel of 18 experts in the food and beverage industry evaluated the entries based on criteria such as pastry quality, taste, texture, and baking time.

“It’s an immense honor, especially considering the caliber of the other contestants,” remarked Bordon upon his victory. His winning creation featured a vertical pastry resembling a windmill, infused with a hint of Sechuan pepper and coated with a zesty citrus glaze comprising mandarin, bitter orange, and yuzu. Other participants showcased equally imaginative creations.

For instance, Thuy Vien, 35, from Vietnam, crafted a flower-shaped pastry adorned with vibrant pink dragonfruit and the tangy yellow fruit calamansi. Meanwhile, Guy Orsini, 29, representing Corsica, presented a bow tie-shaped pastry filled with chocolate-hazelnut paste and candied clementine cream, inspired by the fruits of his childhood.

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