Sixteen-year-old Minko Tsurugi works as an apprentice chef at Kissuisō Inn. She arrived after pursuing culinary training against her parents' wishes, with Tōru Miyagishi accepting her despite her lack of a high school diploma. Minko initially displays a cold, tsundere personality, showing sharp hostility towards Ohana Matsumae after Ohana mistakenly uprooted Minko's cultivated garlic plants. This incident prompts Minko's recurring catchphrase "die" directed at Ohana. She later nicknames Ohana "Hobiron," derived from a Vietnamese dish she finds repulsive and as an abbreviation for a Japanese phrase of extreme rejection. Beneath her abrasive exterior, Minko demonstrates underlying consideration. She is exceptionally popular among male peers, frequently receiving but outright rejecting confessions, her focus intensely fixed on Tōru due to deep romantic feelings stemming from his support of her career.

Minko undergoes rigorous training under Tōru's strict mentorship, enduring frequent scoldings and verbal criticism without complaint, often defending him against others' critiques. Her culinary skills are developing; she makes mistakes, especially when distracted by personal concerns. She views Ohana as a kitchen rival due to Ohana's natural talent and Tōru's praise, leading to persistent friction. Over time, Minko gradually warms toward Ohana, evolving from hostility into a vitriolic but genuine friendship, facilitated by shared living space and Ohana's persistent efforts. Nako Oshimizu, nicknaming her "Minchi," acts as a stabilizing influence. Minko experiences jealousy when Tōru shows attention to other girls, particularly Ohana, for whom he develops feelings. In a pivotal moment, Minko prioritizes Tōru's happiness by encouraging Ohana to date him, yet resolves to continue her own one-sided affection.

In the film "Home Sweet Home," Minko assists in managing a power outage crisis at Kissuisō to ensure guest comfort, demonstrating her integration into the team. Her growing camaraderie is shown when she collaborates with Ohana to deliver a homemade bento to Nako, despite residual tsundere tendencies.

Minko has dark-brown hair typically tied in a ponytail with bangs swept to the right and shoulder-length strands framing her face, complemented by dusty-brown eyes. She prefers practical attire like cheap short-sleeved shirts, reflecting her no-nonsense demeanor, though she demonstrates a capacity to "clean up nicely" in formal wear. Her given name combines the kanji for "people, nation, subjects" (民) and "child" (子), while her surname means "crane" (鶴) and "come" (来).