Helena Rizzo: The Creative Force Behind Maní

Helena Rizzo is one of Brazil’s most celebrated and innovative chefs, known for her ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating dishes that honor Brazilian roots while embracing contemporary techniques. As the chef and co-owner of Maní, a Michelin-starred restaurant in São Paulo, she has gained international acclaim for her delicate, artful, and ingredient-driven approach to cuisine.

From Architecture to the Culinary World

Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1978, Helena Rizzo originally pursued architecture before discovering her true passion for food. She worked in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens, including El Celler de Can Roca in Spain, where she trained under the Roca brothers, refining her skills in avant-garde cuisine. This experience deeply influenced her approach, but her love for Brazilian ingredients brought her back home.

In 2006, she co-founded Maní, a restaurant that would become one of Latin America’s most acclaimed dining destinations, earning 1 Michelin star and a spot among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Maní: A Vision of Contemporary Brazilian Cuisine

At Maní, Rizzo reinterprets Brazilian ingredients through a modern, minimalist lens, often using techniques like fermentation, dehydration, and textural contrasts to enhance natural flavors. She seamlessly blends her European training with the diverse, vibrant flavors of Brazil, creating a menu that is as imaginative as it is deeply rooted in tradition.

Signature Dishes at Maní

• Gnocchi de mandioquinha com tucupi – A cassava-based gnocchi served in a tangy, Amazonian tucupi broth.
• Brazil nut milk moqueca – A plant-based, refined take on Brazil’s iconic seafood stew.
• Pineapple with cachaça foam and Brazilian herbs – A refreshing, citrusy dessert that embodies Brazil’s terroir.

Awards & Recognition

Helena Rizzo’s culinary artistry has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:

• World’s Best Female Chef (2014) – The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
• Maní: 1 Michelin Star and consistently ranked among Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants
• Named Chef of the Year in 2023 by The Best Chef Awards
• Judge on MasterChef Brazil, further cementing her status as one of the country’s most respected culinary figures

Beyond the Kitchen: A Commitment to Creativity & Sustainability

Beyond her work at Maní, Rizzo is an advocate for sustainable gastronomy and indigenous Brazilian food culture, often collaborating with local farmers and producers to highlight native ingredients. She also champions female leadership in the culinary world, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of chefs.

Final Thoughts

Helena Rizzo’s ability to blend artistry, technique, and Brazilian heritage makes her one of the most influential figures in contemporary Latin American cuisine. At Maní, each dish is a story of tradition and innovation, making it an essential dining experience for anyone exploring Brazil’s luxury culinary scene.

Would you like to include a personal dining experience at Maní to make this bio even more engaging?