BBC One’s Julie Lin has launched a new dining concept, Tacos Lah, at Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild.
The kitchen officially opened following a VIP launch event and introduces a menu that explores the connections between Malaysian and Mexican cuisine through a series of dishes inspired by both culinary traditions.
Lin, a regular contributor to BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, described the concept as an extension of her own culinary journey and multicultural upbringing.
The menu combines Mexican street food formats with ingredients, flavours and techniques associated with Malaysian cooking. Dishes include sambal pork tacos with pineapple salsa, slow-cooked lemongrass beef birria served with a spiced dipping broth and a prawn tostada inspired by prawn toast.
Other menu items include salt-and-chilli potato smilies, reflecting what Lin describes as a balance between serious flavour and playful dining.
Commenting on the launch, Lin said: “I’ve grown up with fusion cuisine all of my life. Food makes me feel connected to a place.
“Despite Malaysia and Mexico being geographically miles apart, there are so many similarities in the way both countries approach flavour. The deep respect for dried chillies, acidity, smoke and punchy seasonings is incredibly inspiring as a chef.”
She added: “I’m deeply in love with my Malaysian roots, and this feels like a really exciting opportunity to explore the incredible range of ingredients found across Mexico and Malaysia and respectfully bring them together.
“Tacos Lah is about finding common ground through food and creating something that tells a story. And brings a smile to people’s faces.”
According to Lin, the concept aims to highlight existing culinary connections rather than create fusion dishes for novelty, drawing on similarities including the use of chillies, herbs, spice blends and street food culture.
Ryan Barrie, Managing Director of Bonnie & Wild, said: “We’re so excited to have Julie Lin join us within Bonnie & Wild. Her Tacos Lah, celebrating Malaysian and Mexican cuisines, is simply brilliant. Julie’s presence is a fantastic new addition to the incredible line-up of award-winning chefs and entrepreneurs operating within our Scottish Marketplace.”
Lin has built a reputation for showcasing East and South-East Asian influences through her restaurants, broadcasting work and writing, while championing Scottish produce and hospitality. Tacos Lah represents her latest project and explores themes of heritage, identity and cultural connection through food.
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