Salamatkhan IBRAGIMOVA

“I found Kyrgyz cuisine delightful, and the people of Kyrgyzstan welcoming and hospitable,” - these words of the President of Finland, Urho Kaleva Kekkonen, were primarily addressed to her - Salamatkhan Ibragimova.

Traditionally in the East, hosting guests is a man's duty. But Salamatkhan is a brilliant exception to this centuries-old “rule.”

Having risen from a regular cook to the head of the Public Catering Department of the Ministry of Trade of the Kyrgyz Republic, Salamatkhan knows the intricacies of culinary arts and Kyrgyz national cuisine inside out. Behind these words lies the tantalizing aroma of hot beshbarmak, the intoxicating taste of kumys, and the fragrance of tea brewed with mountain herbs, steaming in a painted bowl.

This and much more is found under the cover of Ibragimova's book “Modern Kyrgyz Cuisine,” which has gone through four editions in our country, providing the industry with regulatory and technical documentation for the first time, and public catering enterprises with necessary standards. The proceeds from the book have been entirely donated by the author to the Lower-Serafimovsk Home for the Elderly.

Natural beauty, grace, charm, wisdom - this is also Salamatkhan. She is a great worker: at home, a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. At work, an excellent organizer and talented technologist.

Usually, those who “conjure” over delicious pilaf keep their professional secrets until the right moment. But our heroine generously shares her experience and the culinary wisdom of her ancestors. The Kyrgyz-Turkish University “Manas” and the National Academy of Tourism utilize Ibragimova’s developments in their educational practices. She has trained over 70 master chefs and confectioners.

Salamatkhan is also not a stranger to sports enthusiasm. As the head of the Kyrgyzstan team, she has won prizes in five all-union and international (in Poland) professional cooking competitions!

It is no surprise that the sorceress of taste, or officially - the master chef - was trusted with organizing meals for Especially Important Persons.

Among them are diplomats and cosmonauts, figures of science and art, athletes, and presidents (including the already mentioned guest from distant Finland). Ibragimova has received a number of state and industry awards, the title of “Master Chef,” and the honorary title of “Excellence in Soviet Trade.”

...For some time now, the residents of Bishkek have loved to hold family celebrations at the café “Zharkyn.” The dishes served there are not only masterfully prepared but also created with special imagination. Many of the recipes are authored by the hostess herself - Salamatkhan Ibragimova. The family business thrives because her loved ones - husband and daughter - are not only like-minded individuals but also a reliable support in all her endeavors.

Salamatkhan Ibragimova is confident: “The main thing in culinary art is the soul and heart of the master.”

WOMEN OF KYRGYZSTAN