Islom Kurbonov

Islom Kurbonov is a chef, whose story is not about quick success, but about a conscious path shaped by the experience, mistakes and constant growth. He did not enter the profession right away. Before cooking, he was working in construction and retail, as well as in physically demanding jobs, which made him realize: it is essential to find something that is truly yours. At 21, he entered the kitchen in Yunusabad, a district in Tashkent. For three months he was working for 15 hours without payment, gaining experience, and it was there that he understood his true vocation. Next, there was a path through dozens of kitchens. In 2017 - "Trueffel", where he deliberately chose lower pay in exchange for experience. In 2018 - Moscow, White Rabbit and Mushrooms, then Sartorio Lambetti at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. In 2021 - Beluga: before and after earning a Michelin star. There, Islom was cooking sauces up to 20 litres, experimented with fermentation, and realized that future lies in honest and comfortable food. In 2022-2023 he was a sous-chef in Yauza Place. In october of 2023, chef Dovran Mutalimov recommended him for a project. The "12" Restaurant was an empty space without windows back at that time. Islom built the kitchen from scratch - from logistics to the menu. Today, "12" has ranked first in Tashkent for two years continiously. In 2025 he opened Ora. In 2025-2026 he did internships in DUO gastrobae in the UAE and Mr. Bo in Saint Petersburg. He is 32 years old. His pronciple: first - the team, everything else comes later. In both restaurants there is no employee turnover. Only a strong team of current and future professionals.