The New Glasgow: how food professionals and shaping the city. Julie Lin, Chitra Ramaswamy, Fariya Sharif and Dr Noby Leong, in conversation with Torgi Squire

Saturday, August 01 2026, 4pm - 5pm, at City Halls, 100 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NQ

 

Part of PLACE AT THE TABLE: food, drink and Scotland’s identity

A festival from the Oxford Cultural Collective, Glasgow Life and The University of Glasgow

£8.22 per ticket (including booking fee) – follow link to book

 

A diverse community of young and creative chefs and food writers are shaping the restaurant scene and culinary culture of Glasgow. Contributors to this panel will consider the role of food professionals in shaping the wider reputation and character of the city. Can they help Glasgow become defined by a distinctive, inclusive culture.

 

Julie Lin, television presenter and chef, published her first book, Sama Sama, in 2025, to much acclaim. Through her writing and broadcasting, she celebrates her Malaysian and Scottish heritage. Julie previously owned a Michelin-listed restaurant, GaGa, in Glasgow.

Chitra Ramaswamy, is a journalist and author. Currently the restaurant critic for the Scottish edition of The Times, she has received numerous of accolades, including the Saltire Society Non-fiction Book of the Year, for The History of a Friendship.

Fariya Sharif, co-founded Parveen’s Canteen in 2022, with her sister Sahar. Located in Glasgow’s southside, Parveen’s was an affordable, community-focused vegetarian restaurant specialising in Pakistani cuisine. They closed Parveen’s in 2025 and are laying plans for a new venue to open later this year.

Noby Leong is a scientist, food writer and broadcast. He is the host and producer of Satay? Okay!, a podcast that explores the historical and personal stories behind Malaysia’s cuisines. Noby is also a past winner of an OCC scholarship.

Torgi Squire is a Scottish educator and digital creator whose content explores culture, identity and personal development through humour and real-life perspectives. His work has gained international attention for highlighting modern Scottish identity.