Four Young Chefs Battle for Russia's Top Culinary Title in Gelendzhik

Four Finalists Named in Russia's National Gastronomic Contest Lavry

The seaside city of Gelendzhik has announced the four finalists of the Lavry National Gastronomic Contest: Aleksandr Ryzhanok from Sheregesh, Ilya Voroshilov and Alen Lukinykh from Gelendzhik, and Ivan Golubev from Moscow. They will compete in the final round to determine Russia's best young chef, organizers told Kubanskiye Novosti.

The contest's semifinal stage has just concluded in Gelendzhik, where 16 chefs from 11 Russian regions vied for a spot in the finals. A panel of 11 judges—both technical and tasting experts—evaluated their work, assessing not only flavor but also the precision and professionalism of each dish.

"This year's progress compared to the first season is striking," noted Oksana Albina, the contest's executive producer and co-organizer of the Yest Fest food and culture festival in Tomsk. "Alen Lukinykh and Kazbek Ostayev, for example, competed last year and now understand the contest's nuances. Overall, we see how participants grow with each stage, developing a deeper connection with ingredients and local culinary traditions. For us, this semifinal is proof that Lavry is fulfilling its mission as a platform for professional growth—and moving in the right direction."

Designed as a springboard for young chefs across Russia, Lavry offers regional talents a chance to gain national recognition, receive expert feedback, and map out their career paths. During the semifinal, contestants prepared dishes using local ingredients, showcasing their ability to reinterpret regional cuisine and unlock its potential.

On April 29, the finalists will face their last challenge of the season in Gelendzhik, along with a special nomination: "Borjomi's Choice: Harmony of Taste." This award will honor the chef who crafts the most outstanding dish in terms of flavor balance and ingredient synergy. The winner will receive a professional prize—a internship under Chef Andrey Shmakov at Savva, one of Russia's leading gastronomic venues, offering hands-on experience alongside a master of the craft.