Aydin Gasanov

Aydin Gasanov is from Almaty, 29 years old. Between 12 and 15 he lived in Turkey — where his aunt taught him to bake sponge cake. After school he enrolled in culinary college, graduating with a fifth-level pastry and fourth-level cook's qualification.

At 16 — first kitchen: Georgian restaurant Avlabar in Almaty. At 18 — a permanent position at Tsentral Café at Dostyk Plaza, European author's cuisine. Then Chayna Gold restaurant: hot section, European and Chinese cuisine.

At 22 he joined Manana Almaty as sous chef. Stayed for five years. Three months ago he came to Tashkent to align the Manana kitchen — and stayed.