An activist, sommelier and chef, Torres was named Latin America’s Best Female Chef as part of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 and has now been recognised for her significant culinary contribution on a global scale.
She has become an instrumental figure in São Paulo’s culinary scene with her restaurant A Casa do Porco as well as casual Bar da Dona Onça, hot dog kiosk Hot Pork, lunch and sandwich shop Merenda da Cidade, and ice cream shop Sorveteria do Centro.
A Casa do Porco is famous for its inventive, no-waste, nose-to-tail pork menu and ranked number 12 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list.
Torres is also deeply involved in social activism projects, having worked with São Paulo’s government to train school cooks to help improve the nutrition of 1.8 million children in just four years.
During the pandemic, the chef engaged her community by mobilising thousands of Brazilian chefs and hospitality workers to pressure the government for vital financial support for the industry.
“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,” says Torres.
“I hope to inspire the next generation of female chefs and to continue to build a legacy for Brazilian gastronomy, alongside my community.
"To me, this award represents an important platform to bring visibility for education through and for food, which I consider essential for a fairer future in my country and around the world."
The award is the first of several to be revealed ahead of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards ceremony, which will be held at Wynn Las Vegas on the evening of 5 June.