Tweet

Exciting news from Jad Youssef, the chef behind Reigate’s award-winning Lebnani restaurant and previously the founder of Yalla Yalla in Soho – one of London’s pioneering Lebanese street food spots.

Jad is now launching his first-ever cookbook, a celebration of soulful, simple Lebanese cooking, packed with 80 authentic family recipes, intimate stories, and stunning photography. From creamy hummus and crispy falafel to slow-cooked lamb and fragrant rice dishes, it’s all about food that brings people together.

“I’m a chef with a deep love for Lebanese cuisine, and over the years I’ve been fortunate to receive some lovely recognition for my work. One of my chicken liver dishes was featured in Time Out’s Top 100 London Dishes, and I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring a few MasterChef contestants along the way. I was also truly honoured to receive kind words from respected food critic Tamasin Day-Lewis.”

“Today, I’m based in Surrey where I run Lebnani, our family-run Lebanese restaurant. We’ve been lucky to receive a warm review from Jay Rayner, win Best Restaurant in Surrey from Muddy Stilettos in both 2021 and 2024, and were recently awarded an AA Rosette in 2025. But above all, what matters most to me is staying true to the recipes and traditions I grew up with, cooking with heart, and ultimately giving customers food they enjoy.”

Jad’s Kickstarter campaign launched yesterday to help fund the production of the cookbook, which is already 80% complete and scheduled for release in Spring 2026.

“Some of my earliest memories are of watching my mum roll vine leaves by hand in our Beirut kitchen and the quiet rhythm of her marinating olives. That quiet love and connection through food have stayed with me. For me, food is about more than just recipes – it’s about the memories and the people you share it with.”

“One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve heard over the years from friends, customers is that Lebanese food is too complicated to cook at home. That it takes hours, rare ingredients, or a grandmother whispering secrets over your shoulder to get it ‘right.’ I’m here to tell you, that’s simply not true. At its heart, Lebanese food is simple, seasonal, and soulful.”

Inside the book:

• 80 treasured family recipes

• Stunning photography from Beirut to the coast

• Intimate stories of food, family, and tradition

• Secret spice blends and time-honoured techniques

• A matte, embossed cover – perfect for gifts

“If there were ‘rules’ to writing a cookbook, they weren’t followed in this book. I just began to write and cook… I decided to put a personal story behind recipes and the inspiration behind them. Stories from my childhood, through college, cooking around the world all leading up to the present day.”

“This cookbook is designed to guide you gently, not overwhelm you. Think of it as having me right beside you showing you how to get that perfect char on your aubergine, how to balance lemon and tahini just right, how to serve up a table that makes people linger long after the last bite.”

“This Kickstarter isn’t just about making a cookbook. It’s an invitation to step into my world to celebrate the flavours I grew up in Beirut with, the stories behind them, and the community that’s helped shape it all.”

The Kickstarter goal is £11,000, with rewards including:

• First edition signed cookbooks

• Mezze nights hosted by Jad

• Exclusive chef’s table experiences

• Behind-the-scenes content

• A Digital Cooking Experience for you + 5 friends

“Whether you’re Lebanese, a lifelong lover of Middle Eastern food, or simply curious, I hope this book finds a place in your heart, as well as your home.”

“Let’s bring this to life. This cookbook is for everyone who’s tasted our food and said, ‘I wish I could make this at home.’”

Back the campaign now at: https://lebnani.co.uk
Follow the journey: @lebnaniuk