A celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and young pastry talent in the UAE.
A stage for emerging talent
At Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, the Cheesecake Competition offered a space for young pastry chefs to share their interpretation of a classic dessert. Sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel in collaboration with Norohy, the event brought together rising talents from across the UAE, each presenting their own perspective on what a contemporary cheesecake could be.
Participants represented hotels, cafes, restaurants and professional kitchens, contributing a varied set of techniques and inspirations. Their creations balanced flavor, texture, precision and narrative, with each dessert reflecting the chef’s personal approach and identity.
Where quality ingredients meet imagination
This year’s competition highlighted a selection of ingredients from Elle & Vire and Norohy that shaped the chefs’ creations. Contestants worked with Elle & Vire Professionnel, known for its Normandy-sourced dairy products used daily in pastry production. The range featured during the competition included Original American cream cheese, Excellence whipping cream and a variety of butters adapted to professional needs.
Norohy, focused on vanilla, supplied chefs with beans and extracts sourced from distinctive origins, including Tahitian and Madagascan varieties. The brand also offers floral waters such as organic rose water and orange blossom water, as well as a concentrated coffee bean paste, giving chefs additional aromatic tools to build layered flavor profiles.
These ingredients allowed chefs to explore smooth textures, balanced structures and aromatic depth across a wide range of interpretations. From fruit-led combinations to chocolate notes and floral nuances, each dessert demonstrated how thoughtful ingredient selection can guide creativity.
Spotlight on the jury members
The competition was judged by a panel of industry professionals, whose varied experience offered a balanced view of technique and creativity. Here’s a look at the jury members:
Bernard Charles
Bernard Charles has spent more than 20 years working across pastry and culinary production. He began his career in hotel kitchens, holding pastry roles in Dubai, Barbados and other destinations. He joined Bateel in 2007, contributing to the opening of the brand’s first cafe and later supporting the rollout of more than 30 outlets. Today, he is Bateel’s culinary director for dates and confectionery, overseeing production lines and leading a team of over 100 staff.
Paul Hayward
Paul Hayward is a British chef with three decades of experience in pastry and culinary development. Trained by master pastry chefs from France, Germany and Switzerland, he has held positions in five-star hotels in London, Florida, the Bahamas and Dubai. In 2019, he established Ph by Design, a Dubai-based consultancy through which he develops concepts, supports restaurant launches and advises on kitchen design. His work spans both pastry and savory, with a focus on training, workshops and culinary development.
Karim Bourgi
Karim Bourgi, Elle & Vire brand ambassador, has built his career between Paris, Beirut and Dubai. Born in Senegal to Lebanese parents, he trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris before starting out at La Cigale in Beirut. He then joined Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées and later Fauchon in Dubai. In addition to his collaborations with global brands, he founded Kayu Bakehouse, a concept centered on modern luxury pâtisserie.
Celebrating the winners
Three chefs stood out for their creativity, precision and overall balance. Their cheesecakes were noted by the judges for their solid technique, clear flavors and well-defined concepts:
- Amila Ian Monarawilla — Pullman Deira City Centre
- Krisha Mae Gonzales — Orto Café
- Kafil Beg — Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC)
A celebration of taste and passion
The competition showcased the UAE’s pastry talent and the skills of young chefs. It also gave Elle & Vire Professionnel and Norohy the chance to once again underline their commitment to supporting this new generation — encouraging creativity, sharing expertise and recognizing excellence.
