Inspiration: 15 foreign pastry chefs to follow
Amaury Guichon, Cédric Grolet, Christophe Michalak, Mercotte and Nina Métayer are at the head of the tribe of pastry chefs who have become stars in France and around the world ; if the art of French pastry remains their colleagues abroad have nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes passed through French schools ( cocoricooo !), they are also sources of ideas for any pastry chef who is looking for inspiration or original influences to develop their art and creativity.
Here are some accounts of foreign pastry chefs to follow for the quality of their creations*: they are sometimes recognized by the profession or simply talented amateurs, but one thing is certain: they will be able to inspire you, amaze you and make you want to try others flavors, textures or formats!
1. Jordi Roca i Fontané, Spanish
In 2014, this Spanish pastry chef won the first prize for “Best Pastry Chef in the World” awarded by Restaurant magazine. Suffering from dysgeusia (the taste he perceives is modified and often unpleasant) and speech problems, he shares videos full of humor and self-deprecation on his
Instagram: 919,000 followers | https://www.instagram.com/jordirocasan/
2. Toufik Faradji, Algerian →
If you like trompe-l'oeil, go to Toufik Faradji's thread. This passionate pastry chef will make you drool with his cakes imitating hazelnuts, cocoa beans, tangerines, lemons and pears that are more real than life. In the window, nothing but beauty and deliciousness, beautiful finishes and inspiring creativity!
Instagram: 6653 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/toufik_faradji/?hl=fr
3. Antonio Bachour, Puerto Rican
Antonio Bachour is a world-renowned pastry chef known for his innovative desserts. Originally from Puerto Rico, he studied at the Valrhona School and honed his skills at prestigious establishments before settling in Miami. Author of several books, he was named Best Pastry Chef in the World in 2022 and won the Pastry Innovation Prize in 2024 from La Liste, presented by Cacao Barry. Bachour is known for his avant-garde techniques, placing him among the leaders of contemporary pastry.
Instagram: 1.4M subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/antonio.bachour/
4. Janice Wong, Singaporean
Janice Wong is a pastry chef and chocolatier from Singapore, known for her artistic and avant-garde creations. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2006, she was named Best Pastry Chef in Asia in 2013 and 2014. She is the founder of 2am in Singapore, where she combines French techniques and Asian ingredients to create innovative desserts. Wong is also famous for his edible installations and multidisciplinary approach to baking.
Instagram: 136,000 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/janicewong2am/
5. Ernst Knam, German living in Italy
Ernst Knam is a German master chocolatier based in Milan, recognized for his artistic and innovative creations. He opened his first patisserie in 1992 in Milan and is famous for his chocolate sculptures, tiered cakes and wedding cakes and unique flavor combinations. Knam has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world and published fourteen books on pastry and chocolate. His work combines creativity, technique and the use of high quality ingredients.
Instagram: 948,000 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/ernstknam/
6. Albert Adria, Spanish
Albert Adrià is a Spanish pastry chef and head chef recognized for his culinary innovation and his central role at elBulli restaurant, where he worked alongside his brother Ferran Adrià. He founded several restaurants in Barcelona, such as Tickets, Pakta and Enigma, all awarded Michelin stars. Albert is also the author of numerous culinary books and was voted Best Pastry Chef in the World in 2015 by “Restaurant” magazine.
Instagram: 177,000 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/albert.adria.acosta/?hl=fr
7. Kirsten Tibballs, Australian
Kirsten Tibballs is an Australian pastry chef and chocolatier, proclaimed by MasterChef Australia “The Queen of Chocolate”. She has won several world championships and gold medals in international competitions. Kirsten runs the Savor Chocolate & Pâtisserie School in Melbourne, where she teaches and shares her innovative techniques. She is also a judge at global pastry events and regularly contributes to the evolution of the profession with her artistic creations and specialized courses.
Instagram: 763,000 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/kirstentibballs/?hl=fr
8. Sadaharu Aoki, Japanese
Sadaharu Aoki is a Japanese pastry chef based in Paris, renowned for his creations that fuse French techniques and Japanese flavors. Graduated from the Machida cooking school in 1989, he worked in several Parisian establishments before opening his own patisserie in 1998. A member of Relais desserts, Aoki is known for his innovative and aesthetic desserts, such as his famous matcha éclairs. and its unique macaroons.
Instagram: 67,100 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/sadaharu_aoki/?hl=fr
9. Alberto Magrí, Italian
Alberto Magri, nicknamed "the Italian Cédric Grolet", is a pastry chef from Livorno who is causing a sensation on TikTok with his elegant and dynamic pastry videos. Working in his own pastry shop, Pasticceria Magri, he is known for his charisma and techniques similar to those of Grolet, particularly in the directing and editing of his videos. Its success on social networks is international, with millions of views and likes.
Instagram: 5.1 million subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/pastrychef_am/?hl=fr
10. Weilu Wang, based in Sweden
Weilu Wang is a pastry chef graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, who worked in Paris before joining Prince Philosopher in Stockholm. In 2018, she participated in the Valrhona C3 competition. She is recognized for her fresh, delicate and feminine style, using natural and seasonal ingredients to create harmonious and colorful plated desserts.
Instagram: 20,700 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/weilu_wa/?hl=fr&g=5
← 11. Valérie Scherer, German
Valérie Scherer, pastry chef and master baker, is passionate about French pastry which she learned in Sainte-Maxime, Côte d'Azur. A graduate of the Nice Academy in 2016, she also obtained a Bachelor's degree in economics and her master baker title in Frankfurt. Valérie offers beautifully designed wedding cakes and other delights from her boutique in Bad Nauheim, sharing her love for artisanal and creative pastries.
Instagram: 6888 followers | https://www.instagram.com/patisserie_chez_valerie/?hl=fr
12. Emilie Wyss, Switzerland
A true enthusiast and high-flying amateur, her creations could be summarized by graphic design work: the work of lines and curves indeed seem to be the signature of Genevan Emilie Wyss. His attention to detail, his delicate poaching and his gourmet and impeccably made decorations are a real invitation to contemplation!
Instagram: 35,600 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/emiliewyss/?hl=fr
13. Yusuke Aoki, Japanese →
Yusuke Aoki is a renowned Japanese pastry chef, having started his career in a French patisserie in Shiga, Japan. After stints at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, Toronto and Doha, and a stay in France with MOF Stéphane Glacier, he took the position of executive pastry chef at the Four Seasons Resort Bali in 2017. In 2020, he returned to Japan to oversee the pastry program at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo in Otemachi. He is notably the winner of the C3 Valrhona 2018.
Instagram: 117,000 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/yusuke.1019/?hl=fr
14. Darcie Maher, Scottish
Darcie Maher is a young Scottish pastry chef who opened the Lannan bakery in Edinburgh. Having started cooking at the age of nine, she was self-taught and worked in various bakeries and restaurants across the UK. Its bakery is known for its innovative creations and nostalgic pastries, such as croissant tarts and glazed donuts. She draws her inspiration from seasonal ingredients and family baking traditions. Its tartlets and pastries made with puff pastry are an invitation to indulge in indulgence!
Instagram: 39,700 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/darciebakes/
15. Karim Bourgi, Lebanese born in Senegal
Karim Bourgi, pastry chef based in Dubai since 2011, is famous for his creations combining multicultural influences and modern visuals. A graduate of Cordon Bleu Paris, he worked at Ladurée and Fauchon in Paris. Bourgi is a member of Toques Blanches du Monde: he shares his passion through masterclasses and his popular creations on Insta
Instagram: 685,000 subscribers | https://www.instagram.com/karim.bourgi/
* Clarification : This selection of 15 pastry chefs is not classified in a specific order; it is random and only involves the PETIT team, who selected these chefs for the quality of the visuals and desserts offered on their Instagram feed.
