Tajikistan’s Best School Cook 2024 competition final to reveal school feeding gurus

2024-11-06 15:58 Tajikistan

On November 7, 2024, the final round of the third annual Best School Cook competition will take place at School No. 19 in Dushanbe, bringing together the best school feeding professionals from across the country. This event is part of the School Feeding Programme supported by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) and implemented under the auspices of Tajikistan's Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Health.

The competition aims to improve the quality and nutritional value of school meals, encourage school cooks to create innovative recipes, and promote the establishment of a strong professional community of school canteen employees. This final round offers school cooks a unique platform to showcase their talent, exchange ideas, and once again underscore the importance of healthy meals for children.

Launched in 2022, the competition has quickly become an eagerly anticipated event, motivating school cooks to prepare nutritious, affordable, and appetizing meals for children.

This year’s contestants embarked on a challenging journey to reach the finals. In the qualifying rounds held at school canteens across Tajikistan’s five regions, they demonstrated their expertise in preparing school meals. In the semi-finals, they made set meals that included a soup, a main dish, a drink, and pastries, aiming to highlight their skills and experience.

Out of dozens of participants, the top five cooks from each region reached the finals:

Dilorom Jabborova – Secondary School No. 49, Asht District, Sughd Region
Sarvinoz Pirova – Secondary School No. 4, Nurek, Khatlon Region
Zulfiya Aliyeva – Secondary School No. 44, Farkhor District, Kulyab Region
Zulaykho Mahmadiyeva – Secondary School No. 3, Rogun, DRS
Bahargul Tamashaeva – Secondary School No. 9, Murghab District, GBAO

Finals agenda

The competition final will unfold in two rounds. In the first round, the cooks will present their signature dishes, specially prepared for the event. The jury will assess the creativity, taste, and presentation of each dish, as well as how well it aligns with school feeding standards. In the second round, the contestants will engage in a culinary duel, preparing a school lunch within a set timeframe, which will include a hot main dish, salad, and a drink.

An interactive program will immerse the guests in the world of school meals. They will gain insights into the daily life of a school cook through a documentary and can attend a culinary masterclass led by a well-known food blogger and the winner of the 2023 competition, learning to make simple and healthy dishes.

“The Best School Cook competition has become an integral part of Tajikistan’s School Feeding Programme. Every year, we witness a growing commitment from cooks to hone their skills and genuine care for children’s health. This event recognizes their talent and underscores the importance of healthy school meals,” SIFI President Vladimir Chernigov says.

This competition not only highlights the role of school meals but also celebrates the country’s rich culinary traditions within the national education system. The winners will receive awards and certificates of appreciation, making the event an inspiration for both the participants and all those who understand the value of nutritious meals for the young generation.