Brazilian chef Janaína Torres is named the best female chef of 2024

In the first of a series of special awards announced ahead of the award ceremony The World’s 50 Best RestaurantsJanaína Torres has been named The World’s Best Female Chef 2024. The chef and co-owner of award-winning gastronomic initiatives in São Paulo, such as A Casa do Porco, is also an activist and sommelier.

Torres was named Latin America’s Best Female Chef as part of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 and is now recognized for her significant culinary contribution on a global scale. As chef and co-owner of São Paulo fine dining restaurant A Casa do Porco, casual Bar da Dona Onça, hot dog stand Hot Pork, lunch and sandwich shop Merenda da Cidade, and ice cream parlor Sorveteria do Centro, Torres has become a fundamental figure in the culinary scene of the Brazilian city.

The Chef is also deeply involved in social activism projects, having worked with the São Paulo government to train school cooks to improve the nutrition of 1.8 million children in just four years. During the pandemic, the chef engaged her community by mobilizing thousands of Brazilian chefs and hospitality workers to pressure the government to provide vital financial support to the industry.

A Casa do Porco, ranked No.12 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list. The restaurant co-owned by chef Torres, is famous for its inventive menu, where every part of the pork is used: from nose to tail.

William Drew, Chief Content Officer of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “It is a true privilege to announce that the incomparable Janaína Torres is named The World’s Best Female Chef 2024. Her contribution to establishing Brazil as a leading force on the global gastronomic landscape cannot be underestimated and his philanthropic projects highlight an ongoing commitment to his community. This award is a recognition of her talent and her deep commitment to driving positive change.”

Chef Torres commented: “I am delighted to have been named The World’s Best Female Chef 2024 and to join the incredible list of those who have been awarded before me. I hope to inspire the next generation of cooks and continue building a legacy for Brazilian gastronomy, together with my community. For me, this award represents an important platform to give visibility to education through and for food, which I consider essential for a fairer future in my country and around the world.”