Meet Jujumao, the 14-year-old TikTok star redefining culinary artistry. Learn how he blends creativity and cooking, captivating millions with his unique recipes and innovative style.
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Jujumao
Manila, Philippines: Meet Juri Imao, better known as Jujumao, the rising star of TikTok’s cooking scene.
At just 14, he captivates over 4.5 million followers with his quick and creative cooking videos.
Despite coming from a family of celebrated artists—his grandfather is a National Artist, and his father is a respected visual artist—Jujumao has chosen to pursue his passion in the kitchen.
A Fortunate Start
Jujumao’s journey on TikTok took off almost immediately.
“When I first started, my early videos clicked with viewers,” he recalls.
This rapid success motivated him to focus on quality, pouring time and energy into visually engaging content.
Inspired by his grandmothers, both passionate cooks, Jujumao found his culinary calling.
He shares, “I did not want to follow in my parents’ footsteps. I wanted to carve my path in cooking.”
A Day in the Life
His daily routine is no small feat.
Jujumao often takes up to eight hours to nail the perfect one-minute video.
Even with a small team to help, he stays hands-on to ensure every clip meets his high standards.
With experience as a commis chef and a real estate agent, Jujumao brings a unique mix of skills, collaborating with culinary stars like James Beard Award winner Erwan Heussaff.
Innovating the Culinary Scene
Not only does Jujumao keep up with the latest food trends, but he also creates his own.
His viral chicharron guacamole video marked a turning point in his career. He is now experimenting with medieval cooking, a fresh idea in short-form content.
His inventive recipes, like flavored calamares that stay crunchy even after reheating, showcase his skills.
He also shares tips: “For omurice, the secret is all in the angle when you flip the pan.”
Navigating Challenges
However, it could be smoother sailing.
Jujumao is open about the challenges he faces behind the scenes.
From kitchen accidents to technical glitches, creating content is more challenging than it looks.
“Sometimes you cut yourself or slip on oil,” he admits, acknowledging the unpredictability of his work.
Despite these hurdles, he finds joy in the journey, celebrating successes and setbacks.
With plans for a food stall franchise and a restaurant pop-up to highlight his take on Filipino dishes, Jujumao is continuously pushing the boundaries of food content.
Through his passion and dedication, Jujumao shows that success can come from following your heart—no matter where that path leads.
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