Hummus - recipe, history, and where to find the best in Dubai

What is hummus?

Hummus is a cold snack or dip made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and high-quality olive oil. This smooth paste is usually served with pita bread, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with parsley or sweet paprika. Sometimes you’ll also find versions enriched with hot peppers, pine nuts, za’atar, and even chili.
Hummus is the quintessence of Middle Eastern cuisine - simple, healthy, and full of flavor. As a cold appetizer, it pairs perfectly with bread or fresh vegetables and makes for a complete meal that tastes great both warm and chilled.

Where does hummus come from?

Although its exact origin is a subject of dispute between Lebanon and Israel, most food historians agree that the dish, originating in the Levant - a region encompassing present-day Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, dates back hundreds of years, with the first written references to it coming from 13th-century Cairo.

In the past, hummus was a staple in Arab households, made primarily from cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon. Middle Eastern cuisine regarded it as a filling, protein-rich dish, and over time, hummus began to be exported to Europe and the U.S., gaining the status of a global symbol of healthy eating.

How to make hummus at home?

Homemade hummus is something truly worth making yourself - the difference in taste between store-bought hummus and that prepared from scratch is enormous. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that guarantees results like those from the best restaurant in Dubai:

Ingredients:

• 250 g dried chickpeas or 2 cans of chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons tahini paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• salt to taste
• ice-cold or cold water - until the desired consistency is reached
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika for garnish
• parsley and, optionally, pine nuts for serving

Preparation:

1. Soaking and cooking the chickpeas
   • If using dry chickpeas, cover them with plenty of water and let them soak overnight. The next day, drain them, cover with fresh water, and simmer until the beans are very soft. To speed up the process, you can add a pinch of baking soda and then reduce the heat.
2. Blending the ingredients
   • Add the cooked chickpeas, tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt to the blender bowl. Blend, gradually adding ice-cold water, until a smooth paste with the consistency of a spread forms.
3. Seasoning and serving
   • Taste and season with salt, lemon, or spices as needed. Transfer the hummus to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sweet paprika and parsley. If you want a more Middle Eastern touch, add a pinch of za’atar or pine nuts toasted beforehand in a dry skillet.

This method guarantees perfect hummus: creamy, with a slight nuttiness from the sesame seeds, balanced by the acidity of the lemon and the depth of flavor from the garlic and cumin.
What to eat hummus with? It’s best with pita bread, sandwiches, raw vegetables, or as a side to main dishes. Some people also like to enjoy it with za’atar or drizzled with olive oil as a cold snack.

Where to eat the best hummus in Dubai?

In this city, you’ll find some of the best places in the world to try this flavorful dish. Dubai blends tradition with modernity, and its restaurants offer both classic hummus and creative variations with additions such as grilled peppers, beets, or pistachios.

1. Al Mallah (Satwa)

This iconic spot has been around since the 1970s. Their excellent hummus is a tradition - creamy, served with pita bread and sprinkled with paprika and olive oil.

2. Zaroob (Sheikh Zayed Road)

A lively atmosphere and the street flavors of the Levant. The menu features not only classic hummus but also versions with hot peppers or za’atar. Everything is served with crispy pita fresh from the oven.

3. Abd El Wahab (Souk Al Bahar)

In an elegant setting overlooking the Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy perfect hummus, surrounded by olives, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with parsley, and served with warm bread. Their paste has a lighter color and an exceptionally smooth texture, revealing that they use soft chickpeas.

4. Operation: Falafel

A modern take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Here, hummus is a fusion-style dish - a creamy paste with the perfect consistency that tastes great with chili, za’atar, or grilled vegetables.

Summary

Hummus is more than just food; it’s a symbol of the culture, community, and flavors of the Levant. While you can easily buy it ready-made in a store, nothing beats the aroma of freshly made hummus at home, made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. And if you ever visit Dubai, try this dip at local restaurants - I guarantee that after the first bite, you’ll understand why this dish has won the hearts of people all over the world.

Questions and Answers

1. What is hummus made of?

Hummus is made from cooked chickpeas, blended with tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The mixture is seasoned with salt, cumin, and optionally paprika to create a creamy, aromatic spread.

2. Is hummus healthy?

Yes, hummus is very healthy because it contains plenty of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats from olive oil and tahini paste. As a result, it supports good digestion, provides a long-lasting feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. It’s also an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians.

3. How much does hummus cost in Dubai?

The price of hummus in Dubai depends on the location - at local restaurants, you’ll pay an average of 10-25 AED for a serving of classic hummus served with pita bread. In upscale establishments or hotels, the price can reach as high as 40-50 AED, especially if the hummus is served with toppings such as meat, vegetables, or pine nuts.

4. Is hummus vegan?

Yes, hummus is fully vegan because it is made exclusively from plant-based ingredients - chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It contains no animal products, making it a perfect fit for vegan and vegetarian diets.