From Beirut to the kitchens of London, Hong Kong, and beyond, Chef Jad Youssef’s culinary journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for Lebanese food. Founder of Yalla Yalla and Reigate-based restaurant Lebnani, his mission has always been to share the warmth, flavours, and traditions of Lebanon with every plate he serves.

Growing up in Beirut, what are some of your earliest memories of food and cooking with your family? How did your mother’s approach to cooking influence your own culinary philosophy?

Growing up in Beirut, food was always the way we brought people together. My mother’s kitchen was filled with warmth and simple, authentic flavours. Whether it was a warm lamb fasoulia stew, a fresh mana’eesh with za’atar, or a classic fatté dish, everything was made with love and care. She taught me that cooking should be honest and come from the heart. That same philosophy is what guides everything I create today at Lebnani.

What made you decide to pursue a professional career as a chef, and was there a defining moment that solidified your passion for Lebanese cuisine?

Food has always been my passion, but it wasn’t until I saw the joy my cooking brought to others that I knew it had to be my life’s work. When I moved abroad and started missing the familiar tastes of home, it hit me: my food was more than just a meal. It was a way to reconnect with my roots, a connection to the place I come from. Growing up in a food-loving family shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. My father ran a pastry shop, and I spent my weekends learning the ropes. But it was my grandparents and aunties in the villages who truly taught me the art of making everything from scratch—whether it was hand-pressed extra virgin olive oil, homemade za’atar (a time-honoured blend that connects generations through the love of homegrown, aromatic spices), or my personal favourite, pomegranate molasses; a labour of love, capturing the essence of pomegranate in every drop. That’s when I realised, I needed to share these flavours with the world.

You’ve worked in some prestigious kitchens in Beirut, London, and Hong Kong – how have these experiences shaped your cooking style?

Each kitchen taught me something different. Beirut taught me intuition, London showed me the importance of technique, and Hong Kong helped me master balance. My years of experience have allowed me to bring a unique perspective to Lebanese classics – infusing them with a deeper understanding of flavours, but always staying true to the authentic taste and spirit of Lebanon. Each dish I create now carries the wisdom of those years, blending tradition with experience.

What challenges did you face when opening Yalla Yalla, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was overcoming people’s limited ideas of Lebanese food. We focused on authenticity, quality, and consistency, making sure every dish felt like home. Over time, the passion and love we put into our food won people over.

What inspired you to open Lebnani in Reigate rather than in London?

Reigate felt like the perfect place to create a warm, intimate space where people can connect over authentic Lebanese food. I wanted to offer something special in a community that values quality and tradition, away from the hustle of London

How do you balance traditional Lebanese flavours with modern dining expectations?

At Lebnani, we don’t try to reinvent the wheel. We cook the way it’s been done back home, from generation to generation. Every dish is made with the same ingredients, techniques, and love that have been passed down in Lebanese kitchens for centuries. For us, it’s about keeping things real – keeping those core flavours like baharat, tahini, sumac, pomegranate molasses, carob molasses, and orange blossom water at the heart of everything we do.

We want people to experience the authentic, bold tastes of Lebanon, just as you would if you were eating at my home in Lebanon. There’s no need for gimmicks; good food doesn’t need to be over-complicated. At Lebnani, we stick to the classics and let the flavours speak for themselves.

Your chicken liver mezze has received high praise – what makes it so special, and what’s the secret behind it?

The secret is in the marinade: pomegranate molasses, fresh herbs, and slow cooking. It creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making the livers tender and full of flavour. It’s a dish made with patience and love.

What do you think is the most underrated dish in Lebanese cuisine that more people should try?

Mujadara. It’s one of those dishes that’s often overlooked, but its simplicity is what makes it so special. A combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, it’s comfort food at its finest. What I love about it is that it’s incredibly versatile—the lentils change depending on where you are, whether it’s green, yellow, or brown. The dish itself varies from city to city, village to village, which speaks to the diversity and depth of Lebanese food. The richness comes from the caramelized onions, and when cooked properly, it’s a perfect balance of earthiness and sweetness.

Lebnani recently celebrated its fifth anniversary – congratulations! Looking back, what have been some of the most memorable moments or milestones for you and the restaurant?

The most memorable moments have been when people tell us our food reminds them of home. Achieving that connection with our guests is what makes all the hard work worthwhile. And the glowing reviews from food critics and customers have been an incredible milestone as well.

What’s next for Lebnani? Can we expect any exciting new dishes, events, or projects in the coming years?

We’re always looking ahead! In the coming years, I’m excited to introduce more creative interpretations of Lebanese classics, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. We’ll also be hosting immersive events like Lebanese food and wine pairings, as well as collaborating with guest chefs for special supper clubs. Additionally, we offer cookery classes where guests can learn to recreate some of our signature dishes at home.

For those looking to share the Lebanese experience with others, we also provide catering services, bringing the flavours of Lebnani to private events and gatherings. And, of course, we’ve launched gift hampers, available for nationwide UK delivery. No matter what’s next, our mission remains the same: to share authentic Lebanese food that tells a story and brings people together.

For more information on Lebnani, see here

11 Church St, Reigate RH2 0AA