Alena Solodovichenko : A Chef Defining Her Own Path Through Intuition, Precision, and Purpose

From Kyiv to Culinary Stardom

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Alena Solodovichenko’s culinary journey began when she started working in professional kitchens at the age of 19. Her first experience was in the pastry section of a local restaurant, where her natural talent and passion quickly stood out. Within a few short years, she rose through the ranks and became an executive chef by the age of 21.

What fueled her rapid rise? Determination, discipline, and an unshakable belief in her own vision. From her earliest days, Alena treated food as an art form — a way to tell stories, evoke emotions, and express creativity. This perspective would shape her path as she ventured into some of the toughest kitchens in the world.

Gaining Ground Across Eastern Europe

Alena gained valuable experience across Eastern Europe, leading acclaimed kitchens and refining her approach to modern Slavic cuisine. One of the highlights was Doctor Zhivago, a celebrated restaurant known for its elevated take on Slavic classics, where she earned a Michelin recommendation during her time as Executive Chef.

This period wasn’t without challenges. Being a young woman in a male-dominated environment meant that she had to fight for respect daily. But instead of backing down, Alena leaned into the pressure, letting it shape her resilience and sharpen her focus. Her efforts were recognized with a prestigious “Super Woman of the Year” award by GQ Russia.

Executive Chef in Dubai: Sfumato and Soirée

After relocating to Dubai, Alena became Executive Chef of two concept-driven venues located in the iconic Opus Tower by Zaha Hadid — Sfumato and Soirée. At Sfumato, she led the creation of a modern, vegetable-forward fine dining experience. Simultaneously, she launched Soirée, a refined wine bar offering curated European snacks. Alena oversaw both concepts from menu creation to team leadership and brand identity.

Building New Icons: FrouFrou at The Lana

Building on her launch expertise, Alena joined the pre-opening team of FrouFrou, the signature restaurant at The Lana, Dorchester Collection. She was instrumental in shaping the culinary direction, operational structure, and overall concept during the crucial development phase.

Alena’s Leadership Philosophy

Alena’s leadership is grounded in emotional intelligence, structure, and calm authority — with a focus on collaboration and clarity rather than hierarchy. Her cooking style blends discipline with emotion, art with science. Her background in Japanese kitchens — known for their rigorous standards — taught her structure and precision. But it’s her ability to soften that structure with soul and subtlety that sets her apart.

At her former projects, dishes like beetroot stracciatella and celeriac tartare surprised and delighted guests. Her signature is a kind of minimalism that’s rich in detail — clean presentations, unexpected flavor combinations, and an intuitive, refined approach.

She believes that food should nourish, excite, and inspire — not just impress. And that belief flows into every plate she serves.

Empowering Women in the Kitchen

Throughout her career, Alena has pushed back against outdated notions about who belongs in the kitchen. She’s been very open about the need to create more inclusive, empowering environments — especially for young women entering the field.

Her own journey — from a teenage pastry assistant to the creative force behind multiple acclaimed venues — is a masterclass in perseverance. It’s also a powerful message to women everywhere: you don’t need to prove yourself to everyone, every day. Trust your instincts, protect your creativity, and say no when you need to.

Alena leads by example — with confidence, clarity, and kindness.

Honoring Heritage Through Cuisine

While Alena is a modern chef, she stays connected to her roots. Ukrainian culture and culinary tradition are never far from her work. She frequently reimagines familiar dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.

Even the design elements of her past restaurants reflected her values. Alena personally sourced tableware and textiles from Ukrainian artisans, helping to spotlight and support small makers from her home country. Her attention to detail — right down to the plates and lighting — turned dining into a thoughtful, immersive experience.

She believes that food carries memory — and her cuisine honors that memory while still looking forward.

Beyond the Kitchen: Author, Designer, and Visionary

Alena’s creativity doesn’t stop at the stove. She is the author of two cookbooks, both of which sold out shortly after publication. The first, Miss Varenichnaya, blends personal anecdotes with refined takes on traditional Eastern European dishes — all delivered with her signature wit and warmth.

She has also partnered with fashion designers to create stylish, high-quality chef coats specifically tailored for women. For Alena, it’s about more than aesthetics. It’s about confidence, comfort, and claiming space in a male-dominated industry — without compromising femininity.

Public Profile and Culinary Influence

Beyond the kitchen, Alena is a sought-after voice in the culinary world. She is a featured speaker at The Best Chef Awards, and an established culinary influencer with over 113,000 followers on Instagram. She regularly collaborates with premium brands in food, wellness, and design, using her platform to spotlight sustainability, aesthetics, and modern dining culture.

Creating Her Dream Restaurant Concept

Currently, Alena is developing a new restaurant concept in Dubai that takes her vegetable-forward philosophy to an even bolder level. The project blends sustainability, artistry, and culture in a space that challenges traditional ideas of luxury.

She envisions a dining experience that is more than just food. It’s about connection, creativity, and conscious living. The concept will also focus on collaboration with local growers and global chefs, allowing her to introduce new ingredients, flavors, and cultural stories to the UAE’s vibrant food scene.

It’s a vision years in the making — and one that reflects everything Alena has fought for and believed in since her very first day in a professional kitchen.

Words to Live By

When asked what advice she would give to young chefs or creatives finding their way, Alena said:

“Don’t rush to prove everything to everyone. Take care of your energy, build your voice, and say ‘no’ more often — your worth isn’t defined by how much you endure.”

And perhaps the most powerful lesson of all:

“No one will believe in your vision more than you do — and that’s your power.”

Alena Solodovichenko’s story isn’t just about food. It’s about passion, purpose, and the courage to carve your own path — even when the odds are stacked against you.

Her journey is a reminder that with heart, hustle, and honesty, anything is possible.