Brazilian chef Manoella Buffara is one of the world’s pioneers in sustainable gastronomy. At Restaurante Manu, which she opened in Curitiba in 2011, she combines tradition and innovation using ingredients sourced from local producers. Selected as Latin America’s Best Female Chef in 2022 by Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, Buffara is also the recipient of prestigious awards such as the Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award and The Best Chef Awards.

Beyond the restaurant, she founded Instituto Manu Buffara, which aims for social transformation through food and education. Having participated in international projects from the Maldives to São Paulo, Buffara brings Brazilian cuisine to the world, defining the kitchen as “a space that honors culture, the planet, and humanity.