Interview with Daniel Ruse, Sheherazade: „We want every visit to Sheherazade to create the feeling of being together.”

The story behind Sheherazade

How did Sheherazade come to life? What inspired you to introduce Lebanese cuisine to Romania?

Sheherazade was founded in 2010 with the ambition of bringing the authenticity of Lebanese cuisine closer to the Romanian public. Behind the concept was a team with extensive experience in Lebanese gastronomy, giving us the confidence to create something truly authentic and distinctive.

At the time, Sheherazade was among the first Lebanese restaurants to open in a shopping centre in Romania, which presented both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. We were inspired by the richness of Lebanese flavors, its deep-rooted culinary traditions, and the renowned hospitality that defines its culture. Our goal has always been to offer guests an authentic dining experience in a modern, welcoming setting.

Why did you choose the name Sheherazade ? What does it represent for you and for the restaurant’s identity?

When we chose the name in 2010, we wanted it to instantly evoke the atmosphere of the Orient. Sheherazade is an iconic name that recalls the world of Eastern tales, charm, hospitality, and the rich cultural heritage of the region. It felt like the natural choice for a restaurant dedicated to introducing the authentic flavors of Lebanese cuisine to Romania while offering guests a complete cultural experience that goes far beyond the food itself.

Over the years, what has changed and what has remained true to Sheherazade’s philosophy?

Over the past 16 years, we have continuously strived to improve and evolve. We have consistently enhanced the quality of our dishes by sourcing increasingly fresh and flavorful ingredients, as new suppliers have enabled us to raise our standards even further. At the same time, we have refined and adapted our menu to meet the evolving expectations of our guests.

What has remained unchanged is the philosophy that has guided us from day one – a commitment to serving authentic, high-quality Lebanese cuisine while creating an enjoyable experience for every guest. Customer satisfaction continues to be our highest priority – from the presentation and flavour of each dish to the quality of our service and the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurants.

Lebanese Cuisine

For someone who has yet to discover Lebanese cuisine, how would you describe it in just a few words?

Lebanese cuisine is a harmonious blend of freshness, Mediterranean flavors, and genuine hospitality. It’s known for its colorful, well-balanced dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients enhanced by carefully selected spices. It is the perfect choice for those who appreciate food that is light, wholesome, and full of flavor.

What is the one ingredient Lebanese cuisine simply couldn’t do without?

It’s difficult to choose just one, as the true essence of Lebanese cuisine lies in the combinaton of several key ingredients. At its heart are fresh vegetables and herbs, aromatic spices, and staples such as chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon, all of which give Lebanese dishes their unmistakable flavor.

Equally important are the grilled meat dishes – chicken, beef, lamb, and young lamb – prepared with a simple approach that allows the quality and natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.

What truly makes Lebanese dining unique, however, is the tradition of mezze – a selection of small dishes placed at the centre of the table and shared with family and friends, turning every meal into a moment of connection, conversation, and celebration.

Is there one dish that best represents the spirit of Sheherazade? Why?

If we had to choose one dish that truly captures the spirit of Sheherazade and the authenticity of Lebanese cuisine, it would be Tabbouleh. It is much more than a salad – it is one of the defining symbols of Lebanese gastronomy, showcasing the freshness of its ingredients, the balance of its flavors, and the simplicity that lies at the heart of this cuisine.

While hummus is the dish most associated with Lebanon around the world, for the Lebanese themselves, Tabbouleh is the recipe that best reflects their culinary identity and traditions.

What is your guests’ favorite dish, and which one would you love to see more people discover?

The most popular dish on our menu is hummus. Made with chickpeas, tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil, it is loved for its smooth texture and perfectly balanced flavor. It is one of our most frequently ordered dishes and, for many guests, their first introduction to Lebanese cuisine.

At the same time, we would love to see more people discover Tabbouleh, one of Lebanon’s most iconic dishes. It beautifully captures the essence of Lebanese cuisine through its fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and the perfect balance between simplicity and vibrancy.

Sheherazade @ Băneasa Shopping City

Why Băneasa Shopping City? 😊

Choosing Băneasa Shopping City was an exciting challenge for us. A restaurant located in a shopping centre operates differently from one on a high street, and we wanted to prove that an authentic Lebanese dining experience could thrive in this setting as well.

We saw Băneasa Shopping City as a place where people with different lifestyles come together, making it the ideal destination to introduce Lebanese cuisine to a broad and diverse audience in an accessible and welcoming way.

How does Sheherazade complement the community and lifestyle of Băneasa Shopping City’s visitors?

That diversity has been both our greatest challenge and our greatest opportunity. Every day, Băneasa Shopping City welcomes people with different lifestyles, schedules, and expectations – business professionals, families, group of friends, teenagers, and guests stopping by before and after a movie. We’ve adapted our offer to ensure that everyone enjoys a memorable dining experience, and I’d like to believe we’ve succeeded.

That means we are prepared for every occasion. If you only have 30 minutes, we’ll make sure you’re served quickly. If you’re on your way to the cinema, we can recommend light yet flavorful dishes. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’ll find plenty of options on our menu. And if you’re dining with your family, we offer dishes that everyone can enjoy – including younger guests – from Shish Taouk, tender grilled chicken breast and thigh skewers, to grilled Halloumi, to Arrayes, a grilled flatbread filled with melted cheese.

At the same time, for those looking to slow down and savor the experience, Sheherazade offers a true journey through Lebanese cuisine – from an array of mezze and fresh salads to warm appetizers and authentic charcoal-grilled meat dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. We want every visit to reflect the occasion and the company you’re with, without ever compromising on flavor or hospitality.

What have you noticed about the people who choose to dine at Sheherazade? Are they looking for a new culinary experience, or do they return for their favorite dish?

Lebanese cuisine is no longer unfamiliar to the Romanian public, and we see that reflected in our restaurants. Many of our guests return time and again for the dishes they already know and love, but it’s equally rewarding to see how open they are to exploring new flavors with every visit.

I believe that’s one of the greatest strengths of Lebanese cuisine: it’s incredibly rich and diverse, so there’s always something new to discover, no matter how many times you dine with us.

Which dish would you recommend to someone visiting Sheherazade for the very first time, and why?

For a first visit, I would recommend a classic trio: hummus, Tabbouleh, and warm, freshly baked flatbread. Together, they capture the true essence of Lebanese cuisine and offer the perfect introduction to its flavors.

To complete the experience, I would then suggest one of our grilled dishes – whether lamb, beef, or chicken. These are iconic recipes found in every authentic Lebanese restaurant and are a wonderful way to experience the quality, tradition, and distinctive flavors of the cuisine. Often, after the first visit, guests come back to discover the rest of the menu.

What is the greatest compliment a restaurant can receive?

"We've never had a better dish anywhere in the world than the one we had here. Everything was exceptional."

If you could describe the Sheherazade experience in just one word, what would it be?

Community. In Lebanese culture, a meal is about much more than food – it’s about people. Dishes are meant to be shared, conversations naturally unfold around the table, every gathering becomes an opportunity to connect. We want every visit to Sheherazade to create exactly the feeling of being together.

In Lebanese culture, it’s often said that hospitality begins before the food reaches the table. How do you bring that philosophy to life in every experience you create at Sheherazade?

For us, hospitality begins the moment someone walks through our doors. We want every guest to feel genuinely welcomed and to enjoy not just a meal, but an authentic experience.

Our guests are greeted with sincere warmth, and our team does much more than simply take an order. They introduce the dishes, explain the concept of mezze, and help guests discover a balanced combination of flavors tailored to their individual tastes and preferences.

We believe that true hospitality is about attention to detail, genuine care, and a sincere desire to turn every visit into a memorable experience.

In a place where people come for shopping, relaxation, and quality time together, what role do you think the dining experience plays?

I believe the dining experience is what completes and gives meaning to a day spent at a destination like Băneasa Shopping City. A great meal transforms a simple shopping trip into a more complete experience, giving people the opportunity to take a break, reconnect, and enjoy quality time together.

Often, it’s the shops that attract people to a shopping centre, but it’s the restaurants that encourage them to stay longer and create lasting memories. We’re proud to be part of those moments and to contribute to the overall experience that visitors enjoy at Băneasa Shopping City.