Zaza Ivanidze

Zaza Ivanidze is one of the foremost representatives and international ambassadors of Georgia’s traditional baking heritage. Coming from a land with an ancient wheat culture and one of the richest bread-making traditions in the Caucasus, Ivanidze has dedicated his career to preserving, refining, and sharing the ancestral techniques of his country.

He is a true master of baking in the tone (the iconic vertical Georgian clay oven, similar to a tandoor), where traditional puri bread is stuck directly onto the burning walls to achieve its distinctive texture and flavor. His expertise covers not only the traditional doughs and fermentations of his region, but also the use of native wheat varieties and the preparation of the iconic khachapuri (the famous cheese-filled bread that has become a global phenomenon). His work reflects a deep respect for the history of his craft combined with impeccable technical skill.