Janaina Torres Rueda

About

Brazilian chef and restaurateur known for her innovative approach to traditional Brazilian cuisine and for her commitment to social causes. She is also known for serving as a guest judge on the Brazilian television show Top Chef Brazil and for being the chef and owner of the restaurant A Casa do Porco.

Before Fame

She started selling her mother's clothes door-to-door when she was 11 years old. She sold food from a street cart when she was 12 years old. Her first significant venture was O Bar da Dona Onça, opened in 2008 in the iconic Copan Building in downtown São Paulo. This establishment became a cultural landmark, offering traditional Brazilian dishes with a modern twist. She opened A Casa do Porco in 2015.

Trivia

She earned the title of American Express Icon in 2020. She was recognized as The World's Best Female Chef in 2024. She is known for her commitment to "democratic fine dining" by offering high-quality cuisine at more accessible prices.  Her nickname "Dona Onça" (Lady Jaguar) is inspired by her tattoo of jaguar spots running up her left arm.

Family Life

She grew up in a working-class neighborhood. Her grandmother was a Spanish immigrant. Her mother worked as a cook in a local nightclub, which sparked her interest in the culinary arts. She was married to chef Jefferson Rueda, who is the father of her two children. She and Jefferson separated in 2021 but maintained a professional partnership.

Associated With

She guest judged on Top Chef Brazil along with Ailin Aleixo and Emmanuel Bassoleil.