„Tajik Melting Pot” – Winner of the BEST OF THE BEST TAJIKISTAN Award at the Gourmand Awards!

We are proud to announce that the book „Tajik Melting Pot – Reflections of Middle Asian Nature in the Culinary Culture of Tajikistan,” authored by Marcin Kotowski, Alidovar Sodatsairov, Arkadiusz Nowak, Murodbek Laldjebaev, and Barfiya Palavonshanbiev, has won the prestigious „BEST OF THE BEST TAJIKISTAN” title at the international Gourmand World Cookbook Awards! The publication was honored during a ceremony in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) as part of the Saudi Feast Food Festival. The award was presented by Edouard Cointreau, founder of the Gourmand Awards, who highlighted its exceptional scientific and cultural value.

Why is this award special?

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards is the only international competition dedicated to cookbooks and wine books, often compared to the „Oscars” of the culinary world.
Since 1995, it has recognized the best publications from around the world—in 2024, authors from 221 countries and regions participated. The contest is free and open to all languages, promoting cultural and culinary diversity.

About the book „Tajik Melting Pot”

This is an extraordinary ethnobotanical journey through the landscapes, culinary traditions, and heritage of Tajikistan. The authors have combined science, culture, and cuisine to create a unique tribute to the biodiversity of Central Asia. The publication is available online on ResearchGate at the following link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366192376_Tajik_Melting_Pot_-_Reflections_of_Middle_Asian_nature_in_the_culinary_culture_of_Tajkistan

The Significance of the Gourmand Award

The ceremony takes place in locations of special significance to gastronomy—this year in Riyadh, with guests from 96 countries in attendance. The next global gathering will be held in Paris in September 2026, during the Village International de la Gastronomie.

Congratulations to the authors! Here is the award certificate: