Международный турнир молодых поваров Исламских стран

Day Two of the 3rd Young Chefs International, held as a part of the KazanForum 2026!

The international contestants officially began the "Black box" competition. We witnessed the tension, as well as the excitement of the final dishes’ presentation.

On this day, the YCI took place not only at Kazan Expo — together with the international participants, we headed to Bauman Street for a vibrant parade of flags, music and dancing in the heart of Kazan.

Thank you to everyone who became part of this event!

Why is the Young Chefs International named after Yunus Akhmetzyanov?

Zufar Gayazov shared that, while attending international gastronomic tournaments, he was inspired by their format and decided to create a similar platform in Kazan for young chefs — naming it after the legendary Tatar chef, Yunus Akhmetzyanov.

For the first time as part of the third Young Chefs International, an international forum was held on the topic: «The Price of the Profession: A Chef’s Health as the Industry’s Main Resource».

If you’re a chef and the topic of your health and professional development matters to you, swipe through

What did the Young Chefs International contestants take home this year?

First and foremost, the contestants left the YCI with an unforgettable experience — complemented by gifts from the organisers and partners: a backpack, merchandise, and accessories that will keep the memories of this journey forever!

Next year, your partner gift could be inside one of these backpacks too. To find out more about becoming a partner, send us a direct message.

Emotions and memories from the YCI

Exactly one week ago, the third Young Chefs International began.

Now it has come to an end, leaving behind vivid emotions and unforgettable memories for both the contestants and chefs.

Three amazing days of the third Young Chefs International within KazanForum 2026 have come to an end

We had been waiting for this for so long, and now it feels as though it all flew by far too quickly!

16 countries, black box competition, masterclasses from renowned chefs, a food festival, dish presentations, international participants, new connections, tense moments before the start, and the atmosphere of a truly major international gastronomic event!

Thank you to everyone who spent these three days with us!

Share your impressions under this post, and tell us which moment of the YCI you will remember most!

Emotions, excitement, joy, and a moment that will be remembered for a long time…

The Junior League of the third Young Chefs International is all about young, talented, and courageous participants who were not afraid to showcase themselves, their ideas, and their vision of modern gastronomy.

Congratulations to the winners and all participants! We wish you never to stop and to keep developing further!

Following the results of the Young Chefs International, the Grand Prix was awarded to Edris Abdelrahman Mohsen Abdo Khalil from Egypt.

Winners were also announced in the special nominations:

“Fundamental Knowledge” – Isa Halynyyazov, Turkmenistan

“Preserving Traditions” – Arnur Aubakirov, Kazakhstan

“Social Responsibility” – Sena Balbay, Turkey

“Locality on Trend” – Ammar Shadi Husni Alkarmi, Jordan

“Design as a Means of Communication” –Shokhruzkhon
Ibragimov, Uzbekistan

“Technologies of the Future” – Maram Rezgui, Tunisia

“A Vision Without Borders” – Yousef Abelouss, Morocco

“Culinary Art in Culinary Traditions” – Wan Amirul Asyraaf Bin Wan Rosidi, Malaysia

“Creativity and Innovation” – Heydar Kalantarli, Azerbaijan

“The best Presentation” – Vladislav Romanov, Russia

“Taste of Memory” – Mbow
Maimouna, Senegal

“Golden Technology” – Mochamad Brian Faisal Putra Bhakti, Indonesia

“Gastronomic Etude” – Edris Abdelrahman Mohsen Abdo Khalil, Egypt.