Today we’d like to introduce you to Liat Tzionov
Hi Liat, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Food has always been at the heart of my life, deeply rooted in my Central Asian Bukharian heritage.
Growing up, every meal in our home was more than just food—it was a story, a tradition, and a connection to our roots. The flavors, spices, and cherished family recipes were a constant reminder of where I came from.
It wasn’t until I was away from my family that I truly realized how important those roots are. Being distant from the traditions and the warmth of shared meals brought me to a profound understanding of the role food plays in keeping culture alive. It was then that I felt a deep longing to reconnect—not just for myself but to share these traditions with others.
Challah baking and traditional Bukharian cooking became my way of bridging the gap. I poured my heart into learning and perfecting these skills, not just to recreate the flavors of my childhood but to share them with others. I discovered a passion for bringing people together around the table, where food becomes a vessel for stories, laughter, and connection.
Each loaf of challah I bake and every traditional Bukharian dish I prepare carries the essence of home and heritage. Teaching others through my classes has been a beautiful way to pass on not only the recipes but the special stories and traditions behind them.
For me, this journey is about more than just food. It’s about celebrating my roots and helping others connect to theirs. I love bringing people together to share meals, stories, and traditions. It makes me so happy to see these recipes and cultural traditions passed down and enjoyed by others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey is still in its early stages. I’ve only recently started my business, and it’s been an exciting learning experience so far. For many years, my focus was on raising my kids and taking care of my family. Now that they’re older and more independent, I finally have the time to focus on myself and pursue something I’m truly passionate about.
One of the challenges has been introducing my Bukharian culture—a rich tradition rooted in the Central Asia region—to people who may not be familiar with it. While it’s exciting to share our unique food, stories, and traditions, it’s also a big step in helping others connect with something new to them. Additionally, I offer well-known Mediterranean cuisine cooking classes, which provide a more familiar and accessible introduction to these flavors and techniques, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Another challenge has been stepping out into the world after 20 years of focusing on my family to start building a business from the ground up. It’s a completely different experience, but one that I’m proud (and excited!) to take on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I run Challah bake classes and traditional Bukharian hands on cooking classes, where I guide participants through the process of making delicious dishes while sharing the stories and traditions behind them.
Additionally, I sell freshly baked challahs as well as frozen traditional pastries and dumplings, making it easy for people to enjoy authentic Bukharian flavors at home.
I am a speaker who brings the rich heritage of Bukharian culture to life through engaging talks at senior centers and community spaces. If you’re looking to offer your audience a unique and meaningful cultural experience, I’m your person! to share stories, traditions, and insights about the Bukharian way of life.
What I’m most proud of is the way my work brings people together. Food has the power to connect people, and I love seeing strangers become friends while sitting around a table and enjoying the meals we’ve created together. It’s more than just cooking—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and keeping traditions alive.
What sets me apart is my focus on sharing a culture that many people are unfamiliar with. Bukharian food and traditions are unique and rich with history, and I take pride in introducing them in a way that’s approachable and engaging. I put my heart into everything I do, whether it’s teaching a class, giving a lecture, or braiding a challah, and I think people can feel that passion.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Currently, I am working on opening a unique culinary social space where people can fully immerse themselves in the authentic experience of Central Asian and Mediterranean traditional cuisine. The combination of my knowledge, the hands-on approach, and the cultural depth I bring creates a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond just learning how to cook.
This space will be a place where people can connect—whether they’re meeting new friends, spending time with family, celebrating special moments, or participating in team-building activities. It will host companies and corporations for employee fun days, offering a creative and interactive way to bring teams together.
At the same time, I am expanding the distribution of my frozen traditional pastries so that more people can enjoy the flavors of Bukharian cuisine in their own homes. These unique flavors are my way of sharing the richness of this culture, allowing people to experience a taste of tradition in the comfort of their own kitchens. My goal is to bring these rich traditions to as many people as possible, creating both meaningful experiences and a lasting connection to this incredible herita
Pricing:
- Cooking class – $85-$100
- Challah Bake class- $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/crazyaprons
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_crazy_apron
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazyapronsbyliat
Image Credits
Noam Tzionov
