Lebnani - A journey through family, food & the flavour of Lebanon

Jad Youssef (Author)

In 2009, Youssef founded Yalla Yalla in Soho, one of London's first Lebanese street food restaurants, expanding to Fitzrovia and Shoreditch in the following years. The restaurant received wide critical attention and achieved a cult following. After time in Hong Kong, Youssef and his wife Aga returned to the UK to open Lebnani in Reigate, Surrey, in 2020. The restaurant was named Best Restaurant in Surrey by Muddy Stilettos in 2024, an AA Rosette in May 2025 and in October Be Inclusive Hospitality winner of the Middle Eastern Food Award. Jad has also appeared at Meatopia, Taste of London and Taste of Hong Kong, on BBC's Masterchef and worked with Miele amongst many more. “In these recipes, Jad offers more than flavour - he shares his experiences and warmth. This book is true celebration of Lebanese home cooking, grounded in memories and full of heart. Yalla, let’s cook from it. " Sami Tamimi "Each page has intention and the recipes get to the heart of Lebanese cookery in a way I have never seen before." - Melissa Thompson "Lebnani is a beautiful personal journey into the heart of Lebanese cooking, culture, and community. A thrilling book of fresh, inviting, soul-nourishing recipes that I can't wait to cook from." - Gurdeep Loyal In Lebnani, celebrated chef Jad Youssef invites readers to experience the warmth, generosity and soul of Lebanese cooking through recipes passed down through generations of his family. In his debut book, Jad returns to the dishes and memories that shaped his life in Beirut and beyond, celebrating Lebanese food as it is truly lived and eaten. Featuring 84 authentic recipes from his family’s kitchen in Lebanon and his award-winning restaurant Lebnani in Surrey, the book reveals secret spice blends, time-honoured techniques and beloved family dishes that bring people together around the table. Chapters echo the rhythm of daily life - Lebanese Mornings, Mezza at Home, Tabkha (everyday meals), Mashawi (grills), Sandwiche (street wraps), Helweyet (sweets) and Namlieh (the pantry) - reflecting the meals and moments that shape Lebanese identity. Family stories are woven throughout, tracing how food sustained Lebanese families through conflict, change and celebration. From gathering wild za’atar to mornings spent collecting trays of freshly baked mana’eesh, Jad’s memories root Lebanese cuisine in gratitude, connection and resilience. With evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, Lebnani offers a rich portrait of a culture where food, memory and family life are deeply intertwined.