Plano’s own Mohammad Alqawasmi is officially one of the best gelato artisans in North America. His flavor “Fig Krokan” — a dreamy almond gelato swirled with caramelized figs and crunchy almonds — just earned him second place at the Gelato Festival World Masters North American Semifinals, held May 7 in High Point, North Carolina.
Now he’s off to Los Angeles this August to compete in the North American Finals. If he wins there? He’ll represent the region in the world championship of gelato. That’s right: World. Championship. Of. Gelato.
What Is The Gelato Festival World Masters?
The Gelato Festival World Masters isn’t your average dessert showdown. It’s the Olympics of gelato. Held every four years in Italy, the tournament brings together the best gelato chefs on the planet to compete for the title of Best Gelato Master in the World. To get there, chefs must first earn their spot through a series of qualifying events across 22 countries, with up to 50 competitions held annually. Only the most skilled, imaginative and passionate artisans advance, making the road to the World Finals as intense as it is delicious.
Not Your Average Scoop
Taste, texture, creativity and the ability to talk about your gelato without sounding like a robot were the judging criteria. Alqawasmi nailed them all. According to event organizers, the competition included 21 gelato chefs from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Only five advanced.
While others went tropical or boozy, Alqawasmi kept it classic with a Middle Eastern twist. His Fig Krokan hit that sweet spot between rich and refreshing — and the judges noticed.
From Spring Creek to the World Stage
You might know Bazaria Sweets & Ice Cream as the cozy Plano shop with the pistachio green sign and rows of baklava behind glass. But inside, big things are happening. As previously reported by Local Profile, Alqawasmi’s small-batch, high-quality gelato has been gaining traction thanks to its beautiful presentation, global inspiration and inclusive approach. (Think halal, kosher, gluten-free and soon, sugar-free.)
And yes, it’s all just as tasty as it sounds.
The Scoop On The Competition
Alqawasmi placed right behind Missouri’s Tassia Vicentin Rezende, who took top honors with a peanut butter-dulce de leche-Belgian chocolate combo called “Arachidi.” Other flavors in the top five? Yuzu and white chocolate, pumpkin with rum and coffee, and a malted coconut caramel dark chocolate dream called “Sea Turtle.”
These finalists join five others who qualified in 2023, rounding out the elite group headed to the North American Finals this summer.
Plano Pride In Every Bite
Bazaria’s loyal fan base already knew their gelato was next-level. But now, with Alqawasmi headed to the finals, it’s official. If he wins in L.A., he’ll go head-to-head with international champs for the Gelato Festival World Masters crown.
No pressure.
In the meantime, Plano residents can still get a taste of the now-famous Fig Krokan — but fair warning: you might want to grab a scoop before the rest of the world catches on.
Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.