Bonnie & Wild has revealed the latest restaurant to be added to its roster, ran by a BBC chef.
Julie Lin, who is a regular on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, has opened her latest concept, Tacos Lah, which she says “explores the unexpected connections between the cuisines of Malaysia and Mexico”.
Launching last night at a VIP showcase at Bonnie & Wild, Tacos Lah reimagines Mexican street food through the lens of Lin’s Malaysian heritage, with the two food cultures sharing similarities like bold flavours, dried chillies and vibrant herbs, despite being on different sides of the world.
Lin said her new Tacos Lah project is a natural evolution of her culinary journey, which has drawn on her experience growing up between cultures.
“I’ve grown up with fusion cuisine all of my life. Food makes me feel connected to a place,” she said.
“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.”
Malaysia’s complex spice pastes, fragrant herbs and street food culture sit comfortably alongside Mexico’s rich traditions of corn, chillies and regional cooking, creating a menu rooted in both culinary histories.
The menu includes sambal pork tacos with pineapple salsa, slow-cooked lemongrass beef birria served with a richly spiced dipping broth, and a prawn tostada inspired by the nostalgic flavours of prawn toast.
Lin 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.”
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.”
Tacos Lah is the latest in a slew of new openings for Bonnie & Wild after it welcomed Italian deli Eusebi earlier this month and pasta and New York pizza bar Flùr in April.
