Cat Nelson stuffs a baozi at the Chopsticks & Beyond event in Tianjin. Photo taken January 9, 2015.[Photo/Crienglish.com]

The professional and public judges proceeded to line up, grab tidbits of foods, and chewed thoughtfully. They noted contestants' efforts to separate themselves from the crowd. Some added special ingredients, whereas others focused on presentation to stand out.

After sampling the 21 separate dishes, the judges had a brief discussion before deciding that Alex Custeau's three dishes were enough to claim top prize. Interestingly enough, though he hadn't prepared in advance, he managed to get ahold of some wasabi which gave his food just enough zing to take it to the top.

The public judges, however, chose van Haastrecht as their man. "I learned something today," he said graciously, accepting his prize. However, as other contestants and audience members could attest, he wasn't the only one.