The culinary quiz 'Battle of Chefs' is taking place in the city of Tashkent, where participants are given only one hour to prepare three different dishes to impress the judging panel.
The culinary quiz 'Battle of Chefs' is taking place in the city of Tashkent, where participants are given only one hour to prepare three different dishes to impress the judging panel.
The culinary tournament is held at the Tashkent City Mall shopping center from July 28 to 30. Chefs from eight capital restaurants compete for the title of the strongest team.
The competition is organized with the support of the Uzbekistan Association of Chefs. The evaluation criteria and competition rules were developed in accordance with the practice of international culinary competitions. Two teams work simultaneously in a specially equipped kitchen.
Before the start of the competition, each team receives a set of products called the 'black box'. Three different main ingredients from this set must be part of the menu prepared for the competition.
First, the chef and their assistants are given 15 minutes to develop the concept of the future menu. During this time, they must determine which dishes they will prepare and present their idea to the judging panel. After that, the main stage begins—the process of preparing the dishes. Teams are allocated only one hour to create three dishes: an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert.
Judges evaluate the participants' work based on seven criteria. In addition to culinary skill, participants are required to be able to make quick decisions, correctly distribute tasks, and create a complete menu from unexpected ingredients under these conditions.
The winners will be announced on July 30. The team that finishes in first place will receive a cash prize of 15 million sums, second place—10 million sums, and third place—5 million sums. The prize is awarded not to the participants themselves, but to the restaurant they represent.
According to tournament participants, such competitions allow for a vivid demonstration of a chef's true skill, as they have to prepare delicious and original dishes under limited conditions, with unfamiliar products, and in a short time, competing with others.
Food safety is one of the most important aspects of protecting human health and the nation's gene pool. Unfortunately, some individuals do not hesitate to endanger people's lives and health for a faster increase in income. The latest case identified in the Bukhara province once again demonstrated the potentially harmful consequences of such illegal activities.
According to the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, during operational measures conducted by employees of the Kogon Department of the Department and other law enforcement agencies, the activity of an underground workshop producing oil unfit for consumption was stopped.
It was established that on the territory of a farm owned by the head of 'E.' farm in the village of 'Khoja Yakshanba' of the Kogon district, oil was produced by pressing using outdated equipment. Production took place under conditions that absolutely did not meet sanitation and safety requirements, leading to the output of inedible oil.
As a result of the inspection, 102 kilograms of inedible oil, 351 kilograms of raw materials, 26.9 tons of cotton, two oil pressing machines, as well as other products and equipment used in production, were officially seized from this illegal workshop. Experts emphasize that food prepared in unsanitary conditions without proper control can pose a serious threat to human health, causing various intoxications and severe diseases. Therefore, decisive measures against such illegal activities are of great importance for protecting public health.
Currently, a criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident based on Article 186-2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan—production or handling of products derived from raw materials in violation of the law. Investigative actions are ongoing. Authors remind us that attempts to enrich oneself at the expense of people's health are never justified, and the timely uncovering of such illegal activities not only ensures the rule of law but also protects the lives and health of hundreds of people, reminding every producer of the need to strictly follow laws and responsibility requirements.
Kharamon Quronboev, Chairman of the Neighborhoods Society of Uzbekistan and head of the republican working group on studying youth issues, held a meeting with young people in Samarkand, Samarkand region.
The working group conducts research in areas of activity to further improve the system of working with youth in neighborhoods, based on the instructions and tasks given by the head of state during his meeting with the country's youth this year.
During the work of the working group in the Samarkand region, the group leader, Chairman of the Neighborhoods Society of Uzbekistan, K. Quronboev, held a meeting with young people in the city of Samarkand. This meeting took place in an atmosphere of openness and sincerity, during which the problems worrying the youth, as well as their suggestions and initiatives, were heard.
Kharamon Quronboev paid special attention to each problem and gave instructions to responsible persons for its positive resolution, defining the necessary measures. In particular, the youth of the Maroqand neighborhood in the city put forward an initiative to create a modern library in the neighborhood. After the meeting, Kharamon Quronboev visited the neighborhood to inspect the local infrastructure and assess the possibilities of creating a library.
In addition, during the conversation with activists, issues such as filling youth free time with meaningful content, increasing reading culture, effective use of existing opportunities in the neighborhood, and creating modern and comfortable conditions for young people were discussed.
In accordance with the Regulation approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 152 of April 8, 2026, the national professional skills competition 'New Builders of Uzbekistan' has been organized and is underway. This competition is held for students of technical colleges aged 16 to 30, youth, students, and unemployed individuals, with the aim of awarding the President's Prize of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Currently, the republican stage of this competition is taking place in various regions of the country. In the city of Tashkent, the republican stage of the 'New Builders of Uzbekistan' competition has started to receive the President's Prize of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the fields of carpentry, vehicle maintenance, and computer graphics. The start of the competition in the carpentry field was organized at the building of the Tashkent Higher Vocational Technical College.
The most deserving young people who have shown high results at the district (city) and regional (oblast) stages in the respective professions are admitted to the republican stage, coming from the Karakalpakstan Republic, all regions, and the city of Tashkent. Practical mentors who prepared each of them for the competition also actively participate in the competitions.
The competition across 10 professions is running in parallel in 4 regions of the republic. Specifically, in Samarkand, the fields of electrical installation, welding technologies, plumbing, and fashion technologies are being held. In Bukhara, the fields of dry construction and water supply, as well as culinary arts, are taking place. In the Karakalpakstan Republic, the competition is held in the field of medical and social care.
The knowledge and skills of the participants are assessed by qualified experts who possess an evaluation methodology in accordance with international WorldSkills standards. A special appeal commission has been established to ensure the fairness of the assessment process in each field.
According to the Regulation, winners of the republican stage and their accompanying practical mentors are awarded lump-sum cash bonuses. Furthermore, winners of the republican stage are given the right to participate in the 'WorldSkills International' championship as part of the Uzbekistan national team.
According to the organizers, a winning student at the 'WorldSkills' championship will receive a monetary payment equivalent to 2500 times the basic rate, which amounts to 1 billion 30 million sums. His practical mentor will receive 450 times the basic rate, or 185 million 400 thousand sums. The 'New Builders of Uzbekistan' competition was launched to ensure the implementation of the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated October 23, 2025. The main objectives of the event include increasing youth interest in professions, creating a healthy competitive environment among middle-level personnel, and expanding opportunities for participants and winners to find high-paying jobs both in the domestic and external labor markets.
