For Jad Youssef, cooking began at home in Beirut, where his mother’s kitchen and father’s pastry shop shaped his love of flavour and family. The youngest of six, he grew up believing food should always be shared. After training professionally and building his career from Oslo to London, he founded Yalla Yalla in 2009, gaining cult status and media acclaim, including Time Out’s “100 Best Dishes in London” for his chicken liver mezze. He now runs award-winning Lebnani in Reigate with his wife Aga, praised by Jay Rayner for its “gloriously zingy Lebanese flavours,” AA Rosette recognised and Be Inclusive Hospitality winner. His cookbook, Lebnani, shares 84 heartfelt family recipes.

"Sawda Djej is a dish I grew up with simple, fast, and full of heart. The sizzle of garlic, the richness of chicken livers, and that final touch of pomegranate molasses create a deep, sweet-sour flavour that instantly feels like home. It's humble Lebanese comfort food, meant to be shared, scooped up with bread, and enjoyed with pickles on the side, food made with memory, care, and tradition."