VASUMA TALKS

Jimmy Guo

Meet Jimmy Guo as he explores food, creativity and identity, sharing his inspirations, process and how he moves between gastronomy, fashion and storytelling in Vasuma Talks.

Chef, creative and cultural observer - Jimmy Guo moves seamlessly between gastronomy, fashion and storytelling. Since his breakthrough in Sveriges Mästerkock, he has built a multifaceted career shaped by curiosity, taste and a constant drive to explore. We sat down with Jimmy to talk about creativity, identity and why expression, whether on a plate or through personal style, always starts with feeling.

In constant motion

Jimmy Guo doesn’t like to stand still. His days move between consulting, cooking classes, content creation and creative collaborations, often all within the same week.

“There are no typical days. It all depends on what’s in the calendar. I love the variation and the chance to keep learning.”

That openness has defined his journey from the very beginning. What started as a moment in front of the camera quickly turned into something much broader.

“It’s been intense, educational and a lot of fun. So many doors opened in a short time, and I said yes to anything that felt exciting. The challenge is finding your place. There are so many different directions you can take.”

"The hardest part is finding your place. There are so many directions you can take."

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Where it all begins

At the center of it all is food, but never in a narrow sense. For Jimmy, cooking is emotional, cultural and deeply personal.

“Food has always been a way to express love and care in my family. I also love that it’s where science, craft and creativity meet.

And working with your hands, there’s something very satisfying about that.”

His cooking is rooted in East Asian flavours, primarily Chinese, but shaped by a broader curiosity. Thai, Korean, Sri Lankan and Indian influences all find their way into his kitchen.

“There’s a misconception that Chinese food is greasy or unhealthy. That often comes from a very limited understanding of the cuisine. In reality, there’s a deep awareness of how food and health are connected.”

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A cultural expression

Jimmy’s perspective doesn’t stop at the plate. With a background in copywriting and fashion, he approaches food as part of something bigger.

“I see food as a cultural expression that exists in a certain moment in time. I’ve always kept my ear to the ground, taking in what’s happening around me. Not necessarily to follow it, but to react to it.”

That idea of reacting rather than following runs through everything he does.

"Food has always been a way to express love and care in my family. I also love that it’s where science, craft and creativity meet.”

Style in transition

“My style is constantly evolving, just like me. I’ve gone through different phases, but over time I’ve started to lean more towards something classic.”

Even so, his relationship to fashion remains deeply engaged.

“I consume fashion like it’s a sport. I watch shows, remember silhouettes and details - that’s usually where it starts for me.”

Details matter, but only when they feel natural.

“When I choose glasses, it’s important that you see me before you see the frames. They should harmonise with your face, but still add something.

Hair, shoes and glasses, they almost make the entire look. The rest can be simple.”

"My style is constantly evolving, but I’ve realised that the right details, like glasses, hair and shoes, are what really bring everything together.”

Moments that stay

When it comes to recharging, the answer is simple.

“The gym. Nothing makes me feel as good as training and a sauna.”

And while he hasn’t been eating out as much lately, food memories still play a big role.

“Shengjianbao at a market in Shanghai when I was a kid. To this day, it might be one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.”

An ongoing process

For Jimmy, everything comes back to expression, whether it’s through flavour, clothing or the way you carry yourself. It’s about instinct. About curiosity. About finding your own balance between influence and identity.

And maybe most of all, about never standing still.