The Culinary Olympics

And they're off! The Olympic torch is lit Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

The Israeli team fly their flag proudly ... Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

The Japanese team look overjoyed to be carrying theirs ... Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

But the Germans are strangely understated for a host nation Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

Chefs search for the secret of success in each others' hats Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

Britain's Mark Hill mixes turmeric-coloured dough Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

A sugar-coated lizard, made by the United Arab Emirates team Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

A competitor from Singapore gets technical Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

A marzipan and chocolate sculpture by the Hungarians Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP

This is what it's all about: gold medal glory Photograph: Jens Meyer/AP