Swilipino began as a creative identity and food project by Tintin Jonsson in 2018—a photographer turned chef in search of a new creative outlet and a deeper understanding of her dual heritage. Organically turning it into a catering and event business based in London, Tintin cooks Filipino-inspired dishes through the lens of her Swedish-Filipino background. She often draws from the southern Philippines, where her mother is from, blending traditional flavors with Swedish nostalgia to create what she playfully calls “frankenfood.”

Her cooking is a celebration of connection—an exploration of the shared threads between cultures, rather than the divides. Instead of dwelling on the confusion that dual identity can bring, she embraces it with a “full cup” mentality.

Tintin also spent years working as a development chef at the East London favorite My Neighbours the Dumplings, where she honed her skills in dumpling-making— which she has lovingly woven into the Swilipino identity.

Cartoons and animation are Tintin’s biggest sources of inspiration, and that joy and color shine through in her food. Expect big flavors, saturated colors, and definitely more chili than you’d typically find in traditional Filipino or Swedish dishes—because she likes it hot!