One of the stages of the Miss Almaty 2025 beauty pageant has concluded, where contenders for the title took on the role of chefs at a premium restaurant, guided by past winners. Kursiv LifeStyle describes how the high-heel cook-off unfolded.
The participants showcased their cooking skills at the recently opened Alcha, a Kazakh-Azeri cuisine restaurant. Aygerim Ormakhayeva, the restaurant’s manager, emphasized that the venue’s team wanted to contribute to the development of the creative industry and support young talent by hosting the contest.
«It’s actually quite nerve-wracking to host such events, especially since we just opened in May. The event program was created by the team at the Creative Industries Park. Participants can’t see the ingredients on their tables in advance — they take everything from the shared table,» Ormakhayeva said.
The restaurant’s chefs, Damir Atmyshev and Elin Ismailov, representing Kazakh and Azeri cuisine, assisted the future Misses with their cooking.
The contest participants were divided into four teams by drawing lots, with each team led by one of the past winners: Farida Malik (Miss Almaty 2012), Diana Abisheva (Miss Almaty 2019), Regina Valter (Miss Almaty 2015), and current Miss Almaty, Yeldana Sauranbaeva.
Kursiv LifeStyle asked the former winners how their lives had changed after receiving the title of the city’s most beautiful woman, and what advice they had for current pageant participants.
Malik has participated in Miss Almaty as a mentor every year and conducts masterclasses for the contestants. According to her, the key piece of advice she gives is not to try to prove oneself to others, but rather to believe in oneself.
«Believing in yourself is the most important. You can’t please everyone. There will always be negative comments and sharp words. But it’s essential to remain confident in yourself and share your beautiful smile,» the model shared with Kursiv LifeStyle.
By the way, the recent runway walk performed by Malik and her apprentices through the central streets of Saint Petersburg generated buzz on social media.
Valter won the title 10 years ago. Before her victory, she had retired from professional sports and later left the media industry — including modeling and public projects. She is now working in the banking sector.
«Of course, the standards for selecting girls have changed in 10 years. For instance, the height is no longer strictly viewed. I observed the contests of past years and saw women who weren’t tall win. But at the same time, they were very worthy, beautiful and creative,» Valter said.
In response to a question about what helped her win 10 years ago, she replied: «Self-confidence.» She added that sports helped her find inner strength and peace.
The 2024 winner and current Miss Almaty, Yeldana Sauranbaeva, said the changes in her life since the win have been noticeable, though not pivotal.
«It’s not my first year in the beauty industry, and I’ve already walked on catwalks around the world. Still, the title gave me additional motivation to keep going and reach new heights. I have many friends who hold ‘Miss’ titles, but after I won the crown, I noticed more and more girls began dreaming about it,» Sauranbaeva shared.
Miss Almaty 2024 also noted that after her victory, she was invited to events not just as a model, but as the active titleholder. This, she said, noticeably raised her status and public interest in her persona.
After drawing lots, the teams with their fabulous captains headed to their tables. Sixteen participants put on aprons, grabbed knives and got to work. According to the contest rules, participants had to prepare three dishes within 30 minutes. All the ingredients were laid out in advance and the contestants chose what to cook themselves. Taste and presentation creativity were evaluated.
Valter’s team was victorious, impressing the judges most with their dishes.
Previously, Kursiv LifeStyle reported that the finals of the Miss Qazaqstan beauty pageant — which holds the national license for Miss Universe — are set to take place in the Almaty Metro.
