Filip Poon enters the room with an aura of confidence and curiosity—two qualities that have taken him from his parents’ kitchen in Malmö to becoming one of Sweden’s most influential food personalities. But behind his success lies a story that is both heartwarming and inspiring.
“I was allergic to almost everything as a child,” Filip says with a smile, adding:
“Nuts, eggs, cheese—even breast milk. While the other kids got cereal with milk, I had to make do with cereal, water, and sugar. It was a struggle, but thankfully I outgrew it.”
Filip fondly remembers how, as a teenager, his parents gave him a food budget and tasked him with cooking the family meals. It was there that his fascination with the world of food began.
“I became a bit of a food nerd,” he says with a laugh, adding:
“It wasn’t just about cooking—it was about logistics—planning groceries and experimenting with different flavors. It really gave me a solid foundation for my future career.”
Despite his love for cooking, Filip had another dream: to become a doctor. But life had other plans. Following a friend’s tip, he applied in 2015 to Sweden’s MasterChef—a decision that changed everything.
“I barely knew what the whole TV thing entailed, but when Leif Mannerström called one of my dishes one of the best in the show’s history, I realized I was on the right path,” Filip says, adding: “It opened so many doors, and I am forever grateful for that.”
After the competition, Filip began working at some of Stockholm’s top restaurants through Markus Aujalay and later became part of the Swedish Culinary Team that won gold at the 2016 Culinary Olympics in Germany. But it was when he noticed the lack of Swedish chefs on YouTube that the next chapter began to take shape. Filip started his own YouTube channel, and the rest is history.
“At first, filming myself was pretty awkward and stiff,” he admits with a laugh:
“But I had the passion and drive. The process of writing scripts, creating angles, and editing really sparked my creativity. It suited me perfectly.”
Today, Filip Poon has hundreds of thousands of followers across his social channels, a solid career in the restaurant industry behind him, and a bright future ahead—and he is only 29 years old. Filip sees his role as a creator as much more than entertainment—it’s a chance to make a difference.
“I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on people through my channel,” he says, adding:
“Teaching people to cook is life-changing. By sharing over a thousand meals a year, I have a powerful opportunity to help someone create something that is both delicious and healthy.”
Looking to the future, Filip is focused on continuing to educate and inspire.
“I want to use my platform to teach about food and drink. My strength lies in giving my viewers something valuable to take away—whether it’s a new technique or a simple Asian dish.”
With a mix of passion, hard work, and a desire to make a difference, Filip Poon has not only built a career but also a movement that brings people together through food. And Filip’s journey has only just begun.
By: Rebecca Hyde-Price Aggestam
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