The first qualifying round of the 4th National Best School Cook of Tajikistan competition has concluded in the country’s capital. Out of 145 applications submitted by school cooks from across the country, the expert jury selected 57 semifinalists who will continue competing for the ultimate symbol of culinary excellence — the perpetual Golden Spoon trophy.
Nationwide talent celebration
For the first time, the competition brought together cooks from both rural and urban schools, representing the country’s major areas. The list of semifinalists spans an impressive geographic range:
Who judged the applications?
Applications were reviewed during the initial paper-based round by a distinguished panel of experts, including:
Next stage: practical cooking challenges
From July 14 to August 15, the 57 semifinalists will face hands-on challenges that include:
The finals will take place on September 18 in Dushanbe, where the winner of the Golden Spoon and the recipient of the Student’s Choice award will be announced.
The Best School Cook initiative is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of the tireless dedication of those who pour their hearts into the health and future of Tajikistan’s children.
Nationwide talent celebration
For the first time, the competition brought together cooks from both rural and urban schools, representing the country’s major areas. The list of semifinalists spans an impressive geographic range:
- Khatlon Region: 21 cooks
- Sughd Region: 10 cooks (including 8 from Khujand)
- Bokhtar Region: 11 cooks
- Kulob Region: 10 cooks
- Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO): 6 cooks
- Dushanbe: 7 cooks
- Districts of Republican Subordination (DRS): 4 cooks
Who judged the applications?
Applications were reviewed during the initial paper-based round by a distinguished panel of experts, including:
- Jaloliddin Amirov (Chair) – Chief Specialist, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Kholmurod Alizhonov – Head of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Zulfiya Faiziyeva – Food Technology Trainer, Tourism and Service College, Vahdat
- Maksuda Raupova – Food Technology Trainer, Caravan of Hope (NGO)
- Mahbuba Rasulova – Representative, UN World Food Programme (WFP)
- Shoira Mengyarova – Representative, Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI)
- Solor Isomidinzoda – Representative, Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI)
Next stage: practical cooking challenges
From July 14 to August 15, the 57 semifinalists will face hands-on challenges that include:
- Preparing hot dishes and drinks from the everyday school menu
- Demonstrating baking skills with traditional Tajik bread and flatbreads — a cornerstone of national cuisine
The finals will take place on September 18 in Dushanbe, where the winner of the Golden Spoon and the recipient of the Student’s Choice award will be announced.
The Best School Cook initiative is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of the tireless dedication of those who pour their hearts into the health and future of Tajikistan’s children.