Best HUMMUS in the city?

[mmmGood]

Where can I find the best hummus in Manhattan?

[Oren]

No question about it... best hummus in the city is at, The Hummus Place. There is one on St. Marks between 1st ave and ave A, another on Macdougal between bleeker and west 3rd - cheap and great.. Man, im going their for lunch today

[foodie for life]

i absolutely agree. Hummus Place!

[Nick F.]

second.

[big o]

I didn't think Hummus Place's hummus was all that great.

[MM]

I must agree with big o, on this one. Maybe we cought an off night, or something, but both my boyfriend and I thought the hummus at 'Hummus Place' was quite bland. It was such a disappointment, because I was so looking forward to trying this place!

[big o]

Bland is the right word. The hummus I had tasted of nothing more than tahini. I appreciated all of the extra bits packed into my order (the pickles and whatnot), but the hummus itself could not have been more underwhelming. Especially after the chowhound raves.

I'll probably give them another shot at some point, but with better options closer to home(Hoomoos Asli, for one), it may be awhile.

[markz]

I second big o.
imo - Hummus place's hummus is bland. The best I've had was a Lebanese place in DC. Still looking for a similar experience in NYC.

[BillTotman]

The best I've had is in Baton Rouge: the Lebanese restaurant market is quite saturated and therefore competitive and therefore very well missed.

So, I'm looking for something similar to that in NYC.

[BillTotman]

I tried Hummus Kitchen's 'Chick Pea' hummus and it was most to my liking - that is: most like the hummus I 'cut my teeth' on while living in Baton Rouge.

Israeli hummus, as found at Hummus Place, is strong on tahini and I personally don't care for tahini that much.

The staff at Hummus Kitchen were also very friendly and in good spirits.

Their hummus was totally worth going many blocks out of my way.

Hope this helps.

[sugartoof]

Baton Rouge and hummus? What am I missing? Is there a community like in Dearborn, you're referencing?

Real hummus is meant to have some kick, from tahini or an acidic fruit.

"Israeli hummus" isn't really a style, unless you count toppings (sundried tomatoes and that kind of thing). In New York, we talk about "Israeli style", because as the middle eastern spots started to become generic, they were the first to feature hummus as a main course on menus, served with thicker pita instead of the cheap processed cardboard that had become standard. The appearance of Shakshouka on the menu at both Hummus Place, and Hummus Kitchen could indicate they could actually both be "Israeli style". That dish originated in Morocco and Tunisia, but it's crossed over in Israel and become like a national dish. Again, you would mostly see it on menus from Israeli owned establishments in NY, but now it's starting to pop up at less obvious places like Barbounia.

[BillTotman]

There is are several, very popular, Lebanese restaurants in Baton Rouge and the competition is high, which means high quality in return.

I don't know the history of Hummus. There are a lot of Moroccans in Israel and the tahini 'kick' you refer to is all I found while visiting Israel - it seems to be their preference - and it's neither what I'm used to nor what I prefer.

Perhaps someone else would like to know about Hummus Kitchen as well.

[sugartoof]

The better tahinis come out of Lebanon actually, and Israelis often use their imported stuff. Have you checked out Lebanese restaurant here in NY too?

Hummus Kitchen is actually Israeli.

NY Times listed them in a roundup of Israeli style places, and they feature Israeli root beer on the menu.

Hummus Place does have 2 different versions, one with extra Tahini, and one without. The St. Marks flagship location has really gone down hill either way.

[gargupie]

@Sugartoof? I'm actually planning to visit the St. Mark's Pl Hummus Place. When did you last visit? I used to frequent this location a lot. Why don't you like it anymore? And how about the MacDougal location?

[sugartoof]

It's been about 8 months since my last visit to Hummus Place on St. Marks; so maybe it's improved since?

I probably wouldn't go back, honestly. They remodeled, and opened up the space and the quality of food changed with it- the hummus was bland, and watered down, the pita wasn't fresh or warm. My friends I brought complained about their soup, dolma, and even the coffee.

I've never been to the MacDougal location, but it still attracts crowds when I pass by.

[gargupie]

Have you tried Hoomoos Asli? Again, I used to go there for my weekly hummus sandwich, but that was 2 years ago.

[sugartoof]

Not recently, but Hoomoos Asli used to be my spot for falafel too. The hummus alone is a bit dull. Haven't been there since they closed/reopened.

[NativeNewYorker]

Yummy, on 7th Avenue South and Bleeker.

Best tabouleh and best pita bread too.

[melon]

I thought Yummy was good too, but the guys working there were so overbearingly macho I wasn't sure I could go back.

[M]

Kalustan's

[Lily]

I am obsessed with Cedar's hummus sold in a multitude of flavors at whole foods. The garlic lovers flavor is outstanding!

[Ike]

Among store-bought brands, I much prefer Sabra hummus to Cedar's. An Israeli co-worker turned me on to Sabra. He says it's the only brand available in the U.S. that tastes authentic to him. After tasting that, going back to any of the other brands is difficult for me. It's a bit expensive, but worth it. They have it at National Wholesale Liquidators on Broadway just north of Houston on the mezzanine with some other food. I've seen it at Fairway too, but with less of a selection of flavors. I've also seen it at a ShopRite in Nutley NJ (so maybe they have it at the ShopRite in Brooklyn too), where it's oddly more expensive than at NWL. That's peculiar because usually ShopRite has the best prices on everything.

As for eateries, I've gotta go with the Humus Place. My two Israeli co-workers like it too. They say it's the best in the city but that it would only be average in Israel. Caveat: Haven't tried Hoomoos Asli yet.

[ICE_Student]

Hummus Place all the way!!! It isn't bland it's just not filled with additional flavors like roasted garlic or red peppers like the store bought brands.

[jungirl]

Moustache, 2 locations, east vill and west vill on bedford. they also bake their own pita. their tabouleh and baba are both superb and go well with a plate of hummus and a basket of pita. STEER CLEAR of the falafel. somehow they manage to screw that up

[julesj66]

I love the hummus @ Moustache and the fresh baked pitas and I also enjoy Hummus Place as well!

[michele cindy]

I still like Mamouns a lot. I like my hummus lemony and garliky. I much prefer Mamouns over Hoomus on Lafayette too. + it is a real bargin.

[juliehf]

I would definitely say SABRA is the best store brand. i too have an Israeli connection who only buys Sabra. It's very authentic tasting, and authentically presented with chickpeas and olive oil garnishes.

[janejane]

I found that the hummus sold at the Blue Ribbon Bakery Shop -- the shop, not the bakery/restaurant -- to be the best I've ever had in New York. and the only exception to better hummus would be in Israel! It had real texture and flavor, perfectly thick and scoopable (not a word, I know), with a complex spicy flavor.

Also, though this is already a thread of its own, I found Yummy Schwarmy to be absolutely awful, and wouldn't recommend its hummus to anyone.

[chinaplate]

Two things: First, there are two types of hummus loving people (I think). The rich and creamy lovers and the more chunky garlicy and lemony lovers. Hummus Place (and Chickpea ... another of my favorites) caters to the rich and creamy.

Second, you might try the Hummus Foul (over the Hummus Tahini). Really interesting and more complex.

[snoopee]

as native israeli who has lived here for over 8 years, i've accepted i just can't find REAL hummus in this part of the world... UNTIL i've discovered the Hummus Kitchen (http://www.hummuskitchen.com) located on 9th ave. between 51st and 52nd.
it's smoother and more flavourful than anything i've tasted here, each swipe with the pita packs a flavour punch. i can't get enough. DEF try it for yourselves, you'll see...

[TipsyMcStagger]

Hummus Kitchen is opening on the UES...2nd and 84th.

Looking forward to it!

Tipsy

[FoodieFemme]

Kashkaval on Upper West

[hungrycomposer]

Hummus Place - I usually get the hummus fava, and the eggplant side is quite delicious. Not bland, but made throughout the day, so it always tastes fresh.

[hungryinmanhattan]

We like the Hummus Place at Amsterdam and w74th.

[BluPlateSpec]

I'll second the Hummus Place too but a new, interesting store bought one is the Edamame one at Trader Joes.

[Jess321]

Just tried the TJ's edamame hummus for the first time a few weeks ago, it's great! It's very light and airy, almost like a mousse. I'm a big fan of Pita Joe's hummus (14th and 5th ave, SW corner), they sell it to-go also for pretty cheap, and also pitas to go along with it! (white and wheat!)

[gutsofsteel]

Oh come on now, that's not hummus. The word hummus means chick pea.

[Jess321]

The TJ's hummus tastes like a combo of real hummus and edamame puree...not sure what the ingredients are exactly.

[Ghummus]

The one in Brooklyn is the best in NY area
Hummuspint.com

[gutsofsteel]

The best humus in NYC is at Mabat, on E 7th near Kings Highway in Brooklyn.

[sugartoof]

Since this thread was bumped, it's worth noting that the Hummus as Hummus Place on ST. Marks has really declined since their remodel.

[hungryrussian2000]

Hummus Place hummus is the best I've had in the city, though I haven't yet tried Mimi's or Hummus Kitchen.

I've been to the three downtown locations many, many times and have found that the one on McDougal is best, followed by St. Mark's and 7th Avenue, respectively

[gargupie]

I haven't been back, but that was my favorite hummus restaurant. What happened to the hummus then?

[villager21]

Taim - 222 Waverly Place

I'm also a native Israeli and this gets my stamp of approval

[Eat Me]

Snack in Soho has amazing hummus.

[Mr Porkchop]

I like the lamb and pine nut topped hummus at Gazala's Place, the Israeli/Druze restaurant in Hell's Kitchen.

[jahg]

Sahadis in Brooklyn Heights

[Cuse]

I'm no hummus expert, but can anyone tell me where I can get the kind with oil (and some olives) on top? I had it that way at this little place in Inwood called Terra Cafe (now long gone, sadly, was excellent) and have never been able to find a replacement. Is Hummus Place like that?

[sugartoof]

It's traditionally served spread on a plate, with a pool of olive oil, and paprika or some spice on top. Olives are just another way to shake things up, the same way you see the various toppings even in packaged Hummus.

Mimi's Humus in Ditmas Park does it right, as do many other places. Hummus Place didn't use oil the last time I was there, but they used to. Hoomas Asli does it.

[Cuse]

Ah, thanks. Yes, think there was paprika, too. I didn't know if the oil was traditional or not. I do know that it made it taste a lot better (to me), though.

[hungryinmanhattan]

We have not been in a while. When we went, there was oil, etc, so maybe it has changed. That would be sad.

[Sloth]

Hummus place was very good especially for the price. (And the Eggplant appetizer was really good too). However, AVOID the Sangria. I've encountered Cinnamon in Sangria before and it is SOOOOO wrong. However, this one tasted like Penicillin...at least the one around 74th and Broadway did. I am just glad we got a small caraffe because it was practically undrinkable.

[gargupie]

I realized they've raised the prices as well. But then again, I went there over a year ago.

[BluPlateSpec]

Still a really inexpensive place. Go there for the lunch special, $7. 95 for a main dish and appetizers, great deal.

[brooklynkoshereater]

I echo the pro-Sabrites - Sabra makes some amazing hummus choices - Hummus with garlic, hummus with pine nuts, hummas with roasted red pepper, and a spicy option. I think there's also a sun dried tomato flavor.

[taxigourmet]

I second the votes for Hummus Place, Gazala Place (btw the pita here is the best I've tasted in the city) and Hummus Kitchen (if you're having a crazy craving, try their 4 varieties of hummus for 8.95 - it's plenty for 2 people although you may have to ask for more pita). I'm a fan of tahini so I dig Kalustyan's version, too. Pick-a-Pita on 8th Ave near 40th St has excellent hummus as well. Perfect if you're getting on or off the bus at Port Authority.

[t19103]

Had excellent hummus with fava and egg yesterday. Definitely the best I have had in a long time. The place to beat though is Hummus Asli. I am still in awe after trying hummus there once years ago. I don't know what they are up to now.

[gargupie]

I love the hoomoos at Hoomoos Asli and yes, Hummus Place's hummus ful is da best since the last time I went. How many pita did you get? i heard they've been really 'frugal' with only one? It used to be two to each hummus entree.

[healaeats]

I'm going to plug Damascus Bakery, right next to Sahadi's, on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. It's not cheap, but its hummus is tops in my book (as well as a lot of the other stuff they have there--kibbeh, spinach pies, etc), the guy that runs the place is really friendly, but business-like (and proud of his stuff--he'll insist his hummus is the best). It's a great place to go if you're picking up stuff for a party.

I LOVE Taim, but I've never ordered the hummus--I pretty much can't go there WITHOUT ordering their red pepper falafel sandwich, which is more or less out of this world. Cannot recommend enough.

[Nova2791]

I like Sahadi's a LOT. Their hummus is really rich, creamy and delicious- unlike anything else I've ever had!

I also like the hummus at Zaytoons, a restaurant in Brooklyn. I know of two locations- one on Smith Street and one on Myrtle Ave. Their hummus is more traditional, very very tasty! They are also very reasonable.