Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I want to become the first Favorite Chef from Central Asia, sharing our rich culture, flavors, and stories with the world through food
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
My signature dish is plov because it reflects my culture and brings people together. It is made with rice, tender pieces of meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and aromatic spices, slowly cooked together to create a rich and comforting flavor. For me, it’s more than just food it’s tradition, warmth, and connection in one dish.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My first culinary inspiration was Gordon Ramsay. As a 10-year-old, I used to watch his shows and try to recreate dishes at home every day, even when many of the ingredients were not available in my city. I would still improvise and experiment with what I had. Those moments sparked my love for cooking, creativity in the kitchen, and the desire to turn simple ingredients into something special.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to invest in my culinary education at a professional culinary school. My goal is to refine my skills, deepen my knowledge of global cuisines, and grow into a more confident and professional chef. This investment would help me turn my passion for cooking into a real career and take my creativity in the kitchen to the next level
Vote for Iroda Alibekova to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.
