Sama Sama Format: Hardback

More than a cookbook, Sama Sama celebrates all parts of Julie’s mixed Malaysian heritage through 90 recipes that are "authentically in-between."

In Malay, sama sama (“same same”) is a way of saying “you’re welcome” to reinforce the idea of togetherness and equality in this everyday exchange. From successful restaurateur and TV presenter Julie Lin, Sama Sama celebrates all parts of Julie’s identity (Malaysian, Chinese and Scottish) with heartwarming stories of food and self-discovery, reminding us that food is the thread that ties us all together.

Through 90 delicious recipes, Julie encourages you to test your palette, adjust recipes to your liking and broaden your ideas of authenticity. Rather than lengthy recipes and complex processes, her “agak-agak” style is about cooking with soul, creating accessible dishes with explosive flavors, such as Chile Crisp Puttanesca, Steak au Sichuan Poivre and Kaya Croissant-and-Butter Pudding.

Julie Lin is a Malaysian-Scottish chef, writer, TV presenter and restauranteur. Julie has a successful restaurant in Glasgow, GaGa, Michelin recommended and named Best Restaurant in Scotland in 2022. Some of her recent work includes regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen, featuring on The Hairy Bikers Go Local and hugely popular Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, as well as cooking for Judi Dench on Country File. Julie has also contributed to several publications including the Guardian, Observer, BBC Food and Vice. She has a Substack and accompanying podcast, Use Your Noodle, on which she shares recipes and anecdotes from her week. In 2024, Julie was named Food Influencer of the Year at the Golden Chopsticks Awards and was named Women of Influence’s Woman to Watch.