Mineko Kato is a celebrated Japanese pastry chef currently leading the dessert department at Faro in Tokyo. Known for her innovative culinary philosophy and commitment to sustainability, Kato was recently awarded the title of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef in 2024.
The Biography
Mineko Kato was born in Japan, the daughter of Japanese diplomats. She spent her childhood in the United Kingdom, Thailand, and Italy. After university, she began her career as an assistant art director for Vogue Italia. However, her true passion lay in pastry, and she chose to hone her culinary skills, gaining valuable experience in the kitchens of renowned European restaurants, including Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana in Modena, Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia in Milan, and Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence.
In 2018, Kato decided to return to Japan and joined the team at Faro, located on the tenth floor of the iconic Shiseido building in Ginza. Faro, an Italian restaurant known for its use of Japanese ingredients, holds a Michelin star and a Green Star for sustainability. Kato's philosophy is reflected in her creations, which are predominantly plant-based and carry a strong message of environmental respect.
Kato’s cuisine is characterized by a strong commitment to sustainability and the use of natural ingredients. She often uses ingredients sourced from elderly farmers living in remote villages, helping to preserve traditional and sustainable practices.
In 2024, Kato was named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, cementing her status as one of the world’s top pastry chefs. Her culinary philosophy aims to create desserts that are not only delicious but also convey important messages about the future of food.
