I was born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan—a country where food and hospitality are at the heart of life. My first career chapter began early, as a TV and radio presenter in my hometown, and continued in Moscow, where I studied journalism at Lomonosov Moscow State University and hosted the Good Morning show on Channel One Russia. For years, I balanced high-pressure broadcasting, public life, and academic research—until I reached complete burnout. That moment became a turning point: I chose to pause, leave television behind, and move to Amsterdam in search of quiet and meaning. There, I wrote my first book about the art of presenting—based on my academic research and everything I had learned and experienced in media.

Later, in The Hague—a city that encourages slowing down and savoring life—I found myself back in the kitchen. I started cooking more of the family recipes I missed and felt closer to home through the familiar smells and tastes of my childhood. After the pandemic, I continued traveling for culinary discovery—taking cooking classes, collecting stories, and immersing myself in the flavors of the world.

That’s how Spoonful Journeys was born: a space where I bring together everything I love—writing, cultural exploration, and the universal language of food. So far, I’ve visited over 40 countries, and my list keeps growing. Life is full of unexpected chapters, and I’m here for every single one—one spoonful at a time.