Chapter 4

Julie Lin

Respected and innovative chef @JULIELINCOOKS never stops looking for inspiration. Her courageous story is one of constant experimentation and taking a chance on something new - and it's this entrepreneurial spirit that's carrying her forever onwards.

Jump to Serves
Woman holding a cup and smiling in a casual setting
Two people sitting at a table in a casual setting, in a restaurant.
INTRODUCING

Julie's Story

Julie Lin’s deep-rooted love for food started from an early age by being inspired by her Mum’s Malaysian cooking at home, then hosting her own dinner parties. And she said she got so much inspiration and joy from these, she realised that it could become her profession too.

Julie got working in various kitchens across Glasgow, then moved on to doing street food events where there’s still that social, more interactive element she craved. She felt privileged to work with some of the best female head chefs in Glasgow, and it was their influence that led her to open her first restaurant in 2017, and her latest adventure Ga Ga, which has been thriving since its doors opened at the end of 2021.
Two women walking past a store with a visible logo on a city street.
Three people in a convenience store with 'Instant Foods' sign above.
Two women standing in a freezer aisle of a grocery store.
Three women in a store, two of whom are shopping and one is working at a checkout counter.

Never Stop

Being Inspired

Julie Lin is a now a renowned chef who never stops looking for inspiration. Her journey has taken her from teaching music to street food events to becoming one of Scotland’s most respected and innovative cooks. It’s this thirst for discovery, being brave and adventurous that means she always wants to try new things. And for Julie Lin, she knows that food can open doors and open up conversations you’ve never had before.

Simply trying something new in the kitchen or adding a different ingredient can transform a traditional dish into something else entirely. Her story is one of constant experimentation and taking a chance on something new – and it’s this entrepreneurial spirit that’s carrying her forever onwards.

Adventurous Spirit

"You look for a feeling when you drink something. Food can open up doors and open up conversations you’ve never had before. The most adventurous thing is to try and have the fullest, longest life with loads of amazing people around you. For me there is true adventure in that."

Two women hugging in a garden with a picnic table and food.
Group of people sitting around a wooden picnic table outdoors, enjoying a meal.
Her Signature Style

Is always evolving

Inspired by her Malaysian heritage, her love of travel and the way her Mum adapted her family recipes to what was available in Scotland, Julie has created something truly unique. By combining Malaysian cooking with a dash of Scottish flair, Julie's style is adventurous, constantly evolving, and is a reminder of how her mum remains a true inspiration.

Making food and sharing it with friends and family is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things anyone can do. Julie Lin is not only inspired by their reactions and how much they enjoy trying new things, but it’s also a way to show her love for the people that surrounds her. Adventure can come in many forms.
Serve One

Cameron Highlands Highball

Tea is a huge part of Julie's Malaysian heritage, and this delicious highball is inspired by tea culture in the Cameron Highlands tea growing area.

Ingredients

35ml Ben Lomond Scottish Gin
2 dash Orange bitters
70ml Jasmine tea from the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia
Rapscallion ginger soda (top with)
10ml Sugar syrup
Garnish with loopy orange peel

Method

Build all ingredients into a highball glass with ice and garnish with a loopy orange peel.

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Two people at a bar clinking glasses with drinks in front of a well-stocked bar.
Person pouring a drink into a glass with a bottle of Ben Lomond Gin on a table.
Two people at a bar with drinks in a casual setting
Serve 2

Vivid Horizon Punch

Finding the perfect combination of ingredients in her cooking is what keeps Julie curious. And it’s this sense of adventure that enabled her to create the Vivid Horizon Punch, a cocktail inspired by the memories of the views and vast skies of her travels – and of living life to the fullest. Julie pairs this punch with Nyonya Tamarind Prawns to create the perfect combination of complementary Malaysian flavours.

Ingredients

To make one litre punch bowl...

150ml Ben Lomond Raspberry and Elderflower Gin
40ml Hibiscus syrup
20 Mint leaves
40ml Lemon juice
50ml Campari
Lemon soda (top with)

Method

Add a big handful of ice to a punch bowl, add all ingredients, throw in some lemon slices and serve with a ladle.

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Cocktails with lime and mint garnishes on a wooden table outdoors.
Bottle of Ben Leonard Gin with a punch bowl and ingredients on a wooden table outdoors.
Julie's Recipe

Tamarind Prawns

Ingredients

6 shell on tiger prawns

2tbsp tamarind pulp concentrate

1 tsp diced garlic

3 tbsp dark soy sauce

4 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

Lime juice to taste

Garnish with crispy fried garlic

Method

Begin by mixing, dark soy, sugar, salt and lime juice and set aside.

Put 2 tbsp oil in a wok, heat it up till hot. Add in the garlic and fry for a few seconds.

Then add prawns and fry on each side for a minute.

Now add in the tamarind marinade and allow to fry off till it's sticky and coating the prawns.

Serve immediately, garnished with crispy fried garlic and lime wedges.

Three women enjoying a meal outdoors at a table with food and drinks.
Diverse food platter with shrimp, vegetables, and drinks on a wooden table.
Woman preparing food outdoors at a table with greenery in the background
Woman in a green and white golf outfit standing next to a golf cart with clubs on a golf course.
Woman in a green and white golf outfit standing next to a golf cart with clubs on a golf course.

Next Chapter

Mia Baker

Golf Content Creator, Presenter & Children's Author