Janaina Torres’s story is a true testament to the power of resilience, talent, and a unwavering commitment to social change. Born and raised in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of São Paulo, Brazil, she began selling sandwiches on the streets at the tender age of 11 to help support her family. This experience, coupled with her inherent passion for food, ignited a fire within her, fueling a dream that would eventually lead her to the pinnacle of the culinary world.
From those humble beginnings, Torres’s culinary journey unfolded. She began catering Brazilian food to foreigners, a venture that marked the start of her remarkable ascent. In 2008, she opened her first restaurant, “Bar da Dona Onça,” in the very community where she grew up. Her establishment transformed the once-dangerous neighborhood into a vibrant culinary hub, drawing people from all walks of life to experience her unique blend of Brazilian flavors.
Torres’s dedication to social responsibility and her unwavering belief in the power of food as a vehicle for positive change have been recognized worldwide. In June 2023, she was crowned the “World’s Best Female Chef” by the prestigious “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. Her achievements are a testament to her unwavering commitment to using her platform to empower others and make a difference in the world.
Torres draws inspiration from her humble roots and her connection to Brazil’s culinary heritage. She proudly features “Feijoada,” a traditional Brazilian dish made with black beans and pork, often including pig ears and feet. This dish, once considered a meal for slaves, has historically been viewed with shame by some. Torres, however, embraces its rich history, incorporating it into her high-end restaurant, “A Casa do Porco,” which earned the 27th spot on the 2024 “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. She believes that every aspect of her culture, including its culinary traditions, deserves to be celebrated and embraced.
“A Casa do Porco” was established in 2015 with her ex-husband, Jefferson Rueda, a renowned chef who had previously represented Brazil at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or culinary competition. Together, they offer a unique dining experience, showcasing locally sourced produce and heritage breed pork raised on their own farm.
Looking back on her journey, Torres reflects, “I was in the kitchen every day as a chef, but I subconsciously felt inferior to my ex-husband, who had trained at three-star Michelin restaurants in Spain. I believed I needed to stay in the shadows.” In 2020, after their divorce, Torres faced societal pressures, with some questioning her ability to succeed as a chef without her influential ex-husband in a country where male dominance still prevails. But Torres refused to be defined by these limitations.
Over the past four years, Torres has made significant strides in promoting healthy food choices for schoolchildren in São Paulo state. Her efforts have resulted in the transformation of school lunches for 2 million students, replacing processed foods with fresh ingredients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she went above and beyond to support the Brazilian hospitality industry, advocating for government economic relief and providing meals to those experiencing homelessness.
Torres’s determination is unwavering. She says, “I am grateful for my ex-husband, but I don’t need to hide anymore. I want to celebrate my freedom from his shadow and embrace who I am.”
Her current focus is on helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds, mirroring her own early struggles. Many children from impoverished families in Brazil face hardship and are at risk of falling into crime, drug trafficking, or prostitution. Torres visits juvenile detention centers to introduce them to the joy of cooking, and she actively employs those who have been released, offering them a second chance.
“I could have easily gone down the same path. It’s my duty to help them. I want to tell them, ‘You are valuable, just as you are.'” Her words echo a message of redemption, not only for those she helps but for her own past. Torres’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, with passion, determination, and a commitment to serving others, one can truly rise to the top and create a better future for oneself and for the world.
