375250 Mon Feb 26 17:28:58 -0800 2007 167 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2332057 I am on a hummus kick and was wondering where I could get some really good hummus. Any recommendations? Mon Feb 26 17:28:58 -0800 2007 12521 Tari 1 2332061 although it's rarely mentioned here, i like the hummus served at shamshiri grill on westwood blvd. Mon Feb 26 17:30:26 -0800 2007 2332057 11935 westsidegal 2 2337782 Me too. :) Wed Feb 28 10:36:31 -0800 2007 2332061 57689 katkoupai 2 2412630 I have only been to the Samshiri in Glendale but I love it. Thu Mar 22 18:10:46 -0700 2007 2332061 51098 lesupersteph 3 2413049 are they related? the shamshiri grill is in westwood. Thu Mar 22 22:02:00 -0700 2007 2412630 11935 westsidegal 1 2332070 Moishe's in the Farmer's Market on 3rd and Fairfax. Mon Feb 26 17:32:14 -0800 2007 2332057 10687 Quesera 2 2565477 I second Moishe's. They have great hummus. Also like Sunnin and Carnival. Sat May 12 23:01:44 -0700 2007 2332070 97324 navystreet 1 2332084 I liked Zanku chicken, and Roro chicken on Sunset. Nice added olive oil on top. Mon Feb 26 17:36:06 -0800 2007 2332057 11830 Food Good 2 2569055 One vote for Javan on Santa Monica in West LA! Mon May 14 14:26:11 -0700 2007 2332084 97025 LJY 1 2332115 Skaf's Grill, 6008 Laurel Canyon (at Oxnard), North Hollywood. Mon Feb 26 17:45:25 -0800 2007 2332057 10811 Das Ubergeek 2 2332280 amen to that! Mon Feb 26 18:45:15 -0800 2007 2332115 11731 bodie 1 2332196 I've never been myself, but my roommate swears by Shula And Esters. I'm not sure of the address, but its on Fairfax south of Melrose... Mon Feb 26 18:14:25 -0800 2007 2332057 72532 rds246 1 2332227 I really like the Hummus at the Pita Kitchen (cash only) on Van Nuys Blvd, 1/2 block south of Ventura Blvd. It's slightly different than most Hummus' I've had, thicker, richer --if that's possible, (it almost reminds me of the consistancy and luxuriousness of Peanut Butter, but not quite). You can also get the Hummos with super delish sauted, seasoned mushrooms on top which I highly recommend. Enjoy. Mon Feb 26 18:25:52 -0800 2007 2332057 13918 debra 1 2332720 I just licked the container on the roasted garlic hummus I got at the Pasadena Farmer's market. I think it was called Mom's? Soooo yummy Mon Feb 26 21:34:02 -0800 2007 2332057 17540 RoxyGrl 2 2679817 RoxyGrl - I, too, like Mom's products. They also make a halvah that is the best I know. Wed Jun 20 22:15:28 -0700 2007 2332720 14014 liu 3 2748428 Hmmm, tomorrow is Saturday and it's Farmer's Market day. I may have to try that! Fri Jul 13 18:31:40 -0700 2007 2679817 17540 RoxyGrl 1 2332847 marouch! Mon Feb 26 23:18:43 -0800 2007 2332057 73786 oilydal 1 2332879 I like the ones at TJ's. I usually buy the package with four kinds, which includes tomato and garlic. Mon Feb 26 23:50:30 -0800 2007 2332057 11006 chica 2 2334143 not a fan of the hummus at tj's because it is not creamy. imo, good hummus needs to be creamy. Tue Feb 27 11:33:44 -0800 2007 2332879 10704 wilafur 3 2339433 i like their creamy mediterranean style hummus - it has the oil and pine nuts on top. i'm not crazy about their regular hummus. Wed Feb 28 16:53:16 -0800 2007 2334143 57059 smonkey 4 2342361 the olive oil w/ pine nuts version is the only one that costco carries. Thu Mar 01 12:46:02 -0800 2007 2339433 10704 wilafur 5 2343670 This past week I also saw the red pepper one at Costco. Thu Mar 01 18:28:22 -0800 2007 2342361 12521 Tari 1 2332906 I second TJ's. Their garlic hummus is the best of the 4 kinds IMO. Tue Feb 27 00:33:08 -0800 2007 2332057 60842 hch_nguyen 2 2334382 Really? I think TJ's hummus is distinctly bad, both in terms of texture and taste. Of all of them, the "eggplant hummus" is the best, but still not amazing. I'd say avoid supermarket hummus unless you're really in a time crunch (if you are, the Cedars extra garlic hummus isn't too bad IMO). I like Zankou's pretty well (though their Baba Ganouj (Mutabul) is better). Eat a Pita (Pasadena) - not too bad. Sunnin - I don't remember, but I think theirs is pretty good. Tue Feb 27 12:27:19 -0800 2007 2332906 59830 will47 3 2334425 will47 - we have very similar tastebuds when it comes to TJ hummus. I kept trying flavors and the eggplant and black olive were the only ones that I would possibly get again. that said -- my favorite hummus is currently found at Cafe Santorini. Pita Pita (Colorado/Lake) used to have pretty good hummus, although, the last few times I tried it, the flavor seemed a bit off. Tue Feb 27 12:37:35 -0800 2007 2334382 12842 The Oracle 4 2334840 Oh - that's what I meant, not "Eat a Pita". I get the names mixed up all the time. Funny how hard it is to make good hummus - the recipe itself is fairly simple... but it takes some finesse and good quality ingredients (in the right proportions) to make really good hummus. Oh yeah - Casbah Café (Sunset and Hyperion) has pretty good hummus too, though the portions are small. And I'm really addicted to the hummus served as an appetizer at Nyala (Ethiopian), even though it's a different style from what might most people were used to. It's got a kind of earthy taste with a hint of black pepper. I'm not crazy about all the supermarket brands with weird stuff in them. Good hummus with olive oil, paprika, and olives on top is perfect as far as I'm concerned. Tue Feb 27 13:53:32 -0800 2007 2334425 59830 will47 3 2335812 hmmm....I didn't like Zankou's hummus for the taste and texture...haha...I don't like olive oil in my hummus, and, texture-wise, I like TJ's because it seems a little more substantial, less creamy if you will. Tue Feb 27 18:06:07 -0800 2007 2334382 60842 hch_nguyen 4 2337919 Well I was talking about olive oil ON the hummus when it's served, not in it, though there's often some small amount of olive oil in the hummus too. Wed Feb 28 11:04:24 -0800 2007 2335812 59830 will47 3 2666411 gotta agree about tj's hummus. poor, poor, poor. Sat Jun 16 12:27:12 -0700 2007 2334382 11935 westsidegal 2 3296054 I agree! TJ's beats Costco and Whole Foods versions hand down. My faves are Garlic and Spicy at TJ Also, hummus at Janet's Mediterranean Cusine (in Duarte) is not bad at all! Mon Jan 14 21:01:36 -0800 2008 2332906 155329 chow_rk 1 2333055 My Fav is from Elat Market in Beverly Hills . I think it is on Olympic? Tue Feb 27 05:10:43 -0800 2007 2332057 59001 PurpleTeeth 2 2333686 elat is on pico near robertson Tue Feb 27 10:06:58 -0800 2007 2333055 11935 westsidegal 3 2341714 I'll second Elat. Wonderful hummus that is a fraction of the price at Whole Foods (grainy and flavorless IMO) or Trader Joe's (dreadful). The bonus is all the other stuff in the Deli counter. Thu Mar 01 10:34:50 -0800 2007 2333686 20858 Kevin B 4 2342131 I'm glad someone agrees (re: Whole Foods). Their hummus (the store brand / deli one) is some of the worst around IMO, at least the stuff I've tried from there. Thu Mar 01 11:57:59 -0800 2007 2341714 59830 will47 5 2343264 Agreed. Whole Foods' hummus tastes like nothing! Thu Mar 01 16:10:49 -0800 2007 2342131 11923 Liquid Sky 4 2343273 i'll have to try elat's. must completely agree that whole foods and trader joe's are AWFUL. Thu Mar 01 16:13:32 -0800 2007 2341714 11935 westsidegal 4 2566684 I think Elat carries the Sabra brand. Is that the one you guys are talking about? www.sabra.com They also sell this at Costco. Sun May 13 17:28:45 -0700 2007 2341714 89354 Faulkner99 5 2569810 the sabra stuff rocks....for a mass produced product. Mon May 14 19:11:53 -0700 2007 2566684 10704 wilafur 5 2804289 No the one I am thinking of is from the Deli Section and I understood made there. Wed Aug 01 13:30:43 -0700 2007 2566684 59001 PurpleTeeth 1 2333063 Odd recommendation from me, I love the one at Newsroom Cafe on Robertson. It's served with a bunch of grilled veggies and a delish flat bread. My favorite one from Trader Joes is the Meditarrian one. It's in a larger container than the others, topped with pine nuts, olive oil and herbs. Pairing that with their pita chips is my favorite new snack. Tue Feb 27 05:14:27 -0800 2007 2332057 10278 Muhlyssa 1 2333369 The variety of humus made by the company SABRA is wonderful.... I often find it at Kosher stores. Tue Feb 27 07:16:55 -0800 2007 2332057 42560 snoobie 2 2334154 they sell large containers of sabra hummus at costco. i have 2 sitting in my fridge at all times. =) imo, sabra has some of the best mass produced and prepackaged hummus out there. Tue Feb 27 11:35:06 -0800 2007 2333369 10704 wilafur 3 2335323 Yes. Sabra is an excellent brand that can be found in many places including Costco. Tue Feb 27 16:01:40 -0800 2007 2334154 76365 mrchow511 2 2565139 I vastly prefer 'fresh' hummus to that at the grocery store, but Sabra's roasted garlic hummus is by far the best pre-packaged hummus out there. They have an olive flavor, too, that I quite like. Sat May 12 18:47:39 -0700 2007 2333369 91742 coreyander 1 2333375 I like the hoummus from the italian /middle eastern Deli on Riverside in Sherman oaks. I also like the varieties they serve at tempo and the Cedar Cafe. Tue Feb 27 07:18:28 -0800 2007 2332057 11201 Diana 2 2750041 I'll second the Italian Middle Eastern Market & Deli at Riverside & Fulton. The Haddad family makes everything fresh. Tabouli is killer too. If this family ever moves, I'm moving with them! Sat Jul 14 15:12:27 -0700 2007 2333375 111815 cuhri 1 2333384 I like the hummus at Gaby's on Venice Blvd in Culver City. Tue Feb 27 07:22:32 -0800 2007 2332057 13350 glutton 2 2564947 I agree re: Gaby's hummus. The location in Venice on Washington Blvd is good too. For the best packaged hummus, there is a vendor at the Larchmont Farmer's Market on Sundays that has the best packaged hummus I've ever had...can't remember the name though. Sat May 12 16:40:29 -0700 2007 2333384 98197 highendhats 3 2565470 http://www.chowhound.com/topics/394055 Sat May 12 22:50:01 -0700 2007 2564947 12380 bernardo 2 2565146 Yay, I knew someone would mention Gaby's! They have consistently awesome hummus and baba gannoush, at least at the Culver City location where I have been (Venice Blvd btwn Motor and Overland). Sat May 12 18:50:32 -0700 2007 2333384 91742 coreyander 1 2333473 Yesterday I stopped off at Kings Kabob on Sawtelle and Sepulveda and got an order of hummus and pita bread. It was the first time trying it there. It was pretty good but I know that there is better out there. I liked the hummus here better than the hummus at Zankou. Tue Feb 27 07:46:31 -0800 2007 2332057 12521 Tari 2 2666419 the food at kings kabob is really horrible--all of it. if you liked the hummus there, you will LOVE the hummus almost anywhere else. Sat Jun 16 12:29:29 -0700 2007 2333473 11935 westsidegal 3 2666446 Re Kings Kabob - how can a restaurant be at Sepulveda and Sawtelle, since the two streets run parallel? I have never heard of this place. From what westsidelegal says, it sounds like another one of those horrible minimall Middle Eastern restaurants that litter the Westside. Sat Jun 16 12:42:01 -0700 2007 2666419 27951 omotosando 4 2679886 Sepulveda and Sawtelle meet in Culver City. The intersection is adjacent to the Toys "R" Us and Pier One stores...The only town where parallel streets could ever intersect would be Culver City... Wed Jun 20 23:07:40 -0700 2007 2666446 64003 bulavinaka 5 2686592 on that subject, indo cafe at the intersection of national blvd. and national blvd Fri Jun 22 23:51:00 -0700 2007 2679886 11935 westsidegal 5 2748081 For what it's worth Sunset BLvd intersects a bunch of streets it is also parallel to. Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc. My vote goes to Zanku Fri Jul 13 16:00:20 -0700 2007 2679886 63897 LuigiOrtega 4 2680371 it's worse. Thu Jun 21 07:16:17 -0700 2007 2666446 11935 westsidegal 5 2682786 There is no way that King Kabob could be worse than Dunya's in the minimall at Olympic and Westwood. The most I would grant you is that it might be just as bad. Thu Jun 21 18:06:30 -0700 2007 2680371 27951 omotosando 6 2686589 i never even thought about trying dunya's because when i'm in that area i gravitate to the gormeh sabzi served at shamshiri grill. from what you say, this is a good thing. still, it's hard to conceive of anything worse than king kabob falafal sandwich. Fri Jun 22 23:48:49 -0700 2007 2682786 11935 westsidegal 7 2689517 I didn't eat falafel for YEARS because the only place I'd had it from was King Kabob -- I thought I just didn't like falafel, turns out that King Kabob makes falafel balls that are good only for ballast. Sun Jun 24 14:45:46 -0700 2007 2686589 10811 Das Ubergeek 8 2749457 you are being kind to them. Sat Jul 14 09:51:32 -0700 2007 2689517 11935 westsidegal 1 2333598 Sunnin on Westwood Blvd. has great hummus. I'm also real big on the Whole Foods hummus these days - although it is a different taste and consistency than other hummus out there. And, I also second the rec. for Shamshiri Grill on westwood. You can't go wrong with any of these! Tue Feb 27 08:20:13 -0800 2007 2332057 13981 foodseeker 2 2343139 I agree, Sunnin's is pretty good. Hummus is all over the map these days, but I prefer Lebanese style. Of course, the only way to really get great hummous is to make it yourself! Thu Mar 01 15:34:04 -0800 2007 2333598 17914 EREDSON 1 2333657 I like the hummus at Sunnin and at carnival in sherman oaks. I like very smooth hummus and I thought these were the best .... Tue Feb 27 09:57:07 -0800 2007 2332057 13971 tigercactus 2 2336240 Second the rec for Carnival... the hummus freaks in my family swear by it. Good take-out for parties too. Tue Feb 27 20:57:16 -0800 2007 2333657 15572 Emme 3 2364044 Agreed, for my money it doesn't get any better that Carnival. Nice and creamy, with a splash of olive oil and parsley. Wed Mar 07 19:35:10 -0800 2007 2336240 69693 anothernotch 1 2334082 Surprise, surprise, the old hummus debate resurfaces. Enjoy another 44 posts at: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/328259 Tue Feb 27 11:20:58 -0800 2007 2332057 12380 bernardo 2 2346560 Very useful. Thanks for posting the link. :) Fri Mar 02 13:49:36 -0800 2007 2334082 57689 katkoupai 1 2334086 there's a relatively new israeli place in the valley (i believe less than 6 months old) that i highly recommend -- "The Hummus Bar." the menu is pretty limited -- about 6 different variations of hummus (fool, mesabacha, mushrooms, eggplant, etc.), shakshuka, israeli salad, soup, and a couple other items. there are no meat items. eveything i've had has been top notch. i've eaten at most places listed above. IMHO, the hummus at this place is in a different league. it's not quite like some of the famous places in israel (e.g., abu hassan aka ali karavan), but it's getting there. unfortunately, they don't have a website, but here are the basics: The Hummus Bar 18743 Ventura Blvd Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 344-6606 it's a little west of reseda blvd, in the same strip mall as kushi-yu. they're open every day (including saturday), but they close early on fri. (i believe about 4:00 p.m.) Tue Feb 27 11:21:33 -0800 2007 2332057 38365 arkestra 2 2334146 hmmm, I wanna try it! Thanks! Tue Feb 27 11:33:58 -0800 2007 2334086 11201 Diana 2 3022389 I agree Specialized and small menu, but the hummus is delicious. I've tried the chickpea and the fava bean. Also a soupe du jour often good. Wed Oct 10 12:56:22 -0700 2007 2334086 42768 maggielyn 1 2335184 Cafe Bravo in Glendale on Glenoaks Blvd. Very creamy and smooth. Tue Feb 27 15:28:48 -0800 2007 2332057 67520 L.A.Hound 1 2335275 The hummus at Alcazar in Encino is good, especially the Hummus Alcazar with garlic and chili and topped with fava beans. Tue Feb 27 15:51:55 -0800 2007 2332057 10568 Jwsel 2 2808917 Finally made it to Alcazar for the first time and because I like spicy foods, ordered the hummus with chili. Although I like spicy foods, I found the chili flavor distracting. However, I could tell that beneath the chili, the hummus was very well made. Next time I'll go for the pure stuff. I wish Alcazar was closer to where I live. Thu Aug 02 17:10:56 -0700 2007 2335275 27951 omotosando 1 2335485 So long as we are prepared to declare that Zankou is not a "chain", which I believe would in fact be unfair, my answer is Zankou. By the way, it's sooo easy to make yourself if you have a food processor. I think I'll go buy one. Tue Feb 27 16:40:30 -0800 2007 2332057 26510 gadflier 2 2337916 don't get the cheapie kind, i did and it doesn't work well. my oster blender does a better job, but still the smoothness is nowhere near the smoothness of the shamshiri grill hummus. Wed Feb 28 11:04:20 -0800 2007 2335485 11935 westsidegal 2 2340396 There are several Zankou sites now, so I would presume that they would at least be considered a local chain, but then it would be a chain none the less. Wed Feb 28 22:43:47 -0800 2007 2335485 77080 justagthing 1 2335613 The lebanese kitchen in Pasadena has a pretty decent one (it's the one thing they seem to do consistently well), and Zankou is good in a pinch, but wildly inconsistent depending on location. But I guess it depends on what type of hummus you prefer. Tue Feb 27 17:08:30 -0800 2007 2332057 15848 ozzygee 1 2337974 If you're in the South Bay, try Hummus Factory in El Segundo at Grand and Standard. Very very good hummus in several variations. Note that they're closed weekends. http://www.thehummusfactory.com/ Wed Feb 28 11:17:16 -0800 2007 2332057 70047 Dav 1 2337996 In SGV, I like the hummus at Mediterranean Cafe in Pasadena and Wahib's in Alhambra Wed Feb 28 11:20:20 -0800 2007 2332057 14558 Ernie 2 2338052 Yum. I just read more about this place. I have to try it. :) Mediterranean Cafe (626) 793-8844 273 Shoppers Ln Pasadena, CA 91101 Wed Feb 28 11:31:51 -0800 2007 2337996 57689 katkoupai 3 2338306 It is very good and reasonable. They also have good chicken shawarma Wed Feb 28 12:27:06 -0800 2007 2338052 14558 Ernie 4 2346409 It's definitely on my list of places to go. Thanks. :) Fri Mar 02 13:17:30 -0800 2007 2338306 57689 katkoupai 4 2359674 Ernie, I did finally try Mediterranean Cafe. It was delicious. Thank you for the rec. I had the veggie combo plate with the following selections: tabouleh, dolmeh, hummus and babaghanoush. All that, plus a bottle of Karoun's yogurt drink (and the two pitas that come with the meal) for about $9. It was so good, I ate the whole thing (I usually have left overs, but not this time). I only wish the pita was warm. One thing I appreciated was the parking-- there's a whole lot back there off of Del Mar at Lake. Made it more convenient for me to take my time and enjoy the meal (as opposed to 1 hour street parking in other areas of Pas). Thanks for the information on this place. :) Tue Mar 06 16:56:05 -0800 2007 2338306 57689 katkoupai 5 2360565 I'm very glad you liked it and thank you for taking the time to report back :) Tue Mar 06 23:09:43 -0800 2007 2359674 14558 Ernie 1 2339128 I really love the hummus at Sunnin that is topped with strips of filet!!! Wed Feb 28 15:35:44 -0800 2007 2332057 78122 Drehound 1 2339172 I like the hummus you can get at Whole Foods -- v basic but makes it easy to doctor it up at home (pesto or hot chili-flakes, cumin heated up in a little olive oil) Wed Feb 28 15:45:03 -0800 2007 2332057 78552 bite bite 1 2339252 I like the hummus at Magnolia on Sunset Wed Feb 28 16:03:18 -0800 2007 2332057 16677 quinntran 1 2339430 What? No votes for Sunin (on Westwood)? That place rocks... Wed Feb 28 16:51:56 -0800 2007 2332057 74451 vinosnob 2 2339594 There are several votes for it (Sunnin) above. Everyone else spelled it right, so maybe that's why you didn't see them. Wed Feb 28 17:41:19 -0800 2007 2339430 59830 will47 3 2339657 Tisk tisk, so shoot me! Wed Feb 28 17:55:50 -0800 2007 2339594 74451 vinosnob 4 2341029 That's "tsk tsk"... *duck* Sunnin's OK... but what's with the meat on the hummus? ICK. Thu Mar 01 08:03:38 -0800 2007 2339657 10811 Das Ubergeek 5 2341679 ooh, I kinda like that..or pine nuts or sauteed mushrooms Never been to Sunnin, but have had it at other places. Thu Mar 01 10:26:39 -0800 2007 2341029 11201 Diana 1 2339958 In LB, Open Sesame used to be good but too crowded a space, haven't been in a while though Wed Feb 28 19:33:29 -0800 2007 2332057 12380 bernardo 2 2340398 if you like the smooth style with olive oil, then go for it. I myself, like a bit more texture. Homemade is the best. Wed Feb 28 22:45:01 -0800 2007 2339958 77080 justagthing 3 2566805 I did a homemade version and added a little soy sauce - wow did it "kick it up a couple of knotches - BAM!" Umami adds a whole new dimension to whirled (chick)peas... Sun May 13 18:55:11 -0700 2007 2340398 64003 bulavinaka 4 2568341 The stuff on top of Shamshiri's hummus and baba ganouj has an unusual savory flavor. I think it's just herbs and pine nuts w/ olive oil. Mon May 14 11:13:56 -0700 2007 2566805 59830 will47 4 2569671 only in america! no bubble gum flavoring too? Mon May 14 17:44:31 -0700 2007 2566805 15114 epop 5 2570043 I hope no one from Trader Joe's reads your post - they just might try to pull it off... Mon May 14 20:48:52 -0700 2007 2569671 64003 bulavinaka 5 2570180 when celebrity chefs cross the line it's "fusion cooking", when unheralded hounds do something unusual it's heresy, aye? Mon May 14 22:02:33 -0700 2007 2569671 12380 bernardo 6 2666393 that's funny. so much fusion is confusion. but it all depends upon the execution, the ingredients. sure, a hummus with roasted peppers is allowed but it better be fabulous. + none of the store bought ones are. i recommend having it homemade at a traditional kitchen and then people will understand. Sat Jun 16 12:17:12 -0700 2007 2570180 15114 epop 1 2340348 Been a while since I've been, but in the Valley - Van Nuys, the Hye Armenian Market near Burbank and Kester...Olive Fresh Garden market on Oxnard near Whitsett (No. Hollywood) had a deli section both with great hummous! Wed Feb 28 22:15:15 -0800 2007 2332057 15170 Local 2 2341033 Olive Marketplace also has fantastic babka bread in the back, on the shelf immediately next to the bakery display case. Thu Mar 01 08:04:11 -0800 2007 2340348 10811 Das Ubergeek 3 2341111 Olive Mkt. has so much good stuff...babaganouj,, olives, tourshi...i loved wandering the aisles but sadly no longer work out in that part of town...need to do more exploring of Armenian markets in Pasadena area for similar. I find the market at Washington/Allen (World Market? forget the name) is satisfactory, but not near the variety and the hummous has only been so-so. There's a produce mkt. on Washington...perhaps? Thu Mar 01 08:22:07 -0800 2007 2341033 15170 Local 1 2342604 i love the one at nyala (ethiopian restaurant on fairfax). it's not lemony at all and has some other flavor in it... cumin maybe? i don't know, but i love it. Thu Mar 01 13:29:27 -0800 2007 2332057 10383 arifa 1 2342919 Best Downtown hummus goes to Shawarma Kitchen... Semi smooth, creamy with olive oil. They also have a side dish of hummus topped w/ shawarma. A short review here: http://gridskipper.com/travel/food/shawarma-kitchen-hummus-the-way-it-was-meant-to-be-223906.php Thu Mar 01 14:36:58 -0800 2007 2332057 12077 weebie 1 2343140 Not sure if they're even still in business, but I used to swear by the hummus from Bezjian's market on Santa Monica Bl. Nice olive selection, too. And the good Armenian string cheese. Hmm, maybe I need to make a trek back to the old neighborhood. Just looked it up on Yahoo, they're evidently still there (but I thought it was further east near Barnsdall Park)... Bezjian's Grocery Incorporated (323) 663-1503 4725 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Thu Mar 01 15:34:13 -0800 2007 2332057 71286 ruddy 1 2345412 Had a great edamame hummus from Whole Foods. Love most types. This felt a bit lighter, but with good GARLIC. Bruce Fri Mar 02 09:53:19 -0800 2007 2332057 78935 bbirch 1 2361165 3 restaurants come to mind with the really creamy hummus i've had in israel: - sunnin - aroma cafe in encino - marouch a far far far cry from the trader joe's version. and to get that kind of texture at home, yeah, go with Sabra brand. Wed Mar 07 07:42:11 -0800 2007 2332057 36533 tannazie 1 2362066 Skaf's & Sunnin are the best I've had. Zankou in Van Nuys is good, not great for me. Wed Mar 07 10:51:28 -0800 2007 2332057 25166 alexfood 2 2565415 one more vote for skaf's..they make hummus beautifully. Carnival on woodman best for killer lentil soup... LB Sat May 12 21:54:38 -0700 2007 2362066 98230 limaboy 1 2363514 Tried Sunnin's hummus the other day. It was tasty -- creamy with a nice balance of lemon and tahini. I personally prefer my hummus less tart but this was a good representative of that style. Wed Mar 07 16:38:51 -0800 2007 2332057 18466 a_and_w 2 2569249 Have to add that I've since tried the hummus at Sham, which is excellent -- better imo than Sunnin. Mon May 14 15:21:40 -0700 2007 2363514 18466 a_and_w 3 2748030 Interesting. I finally made it to Sham. I didn't hate the hummus, but I didn't love it either. I found it to have too much tahini and not tart enough. I often crave hummus, but just didn't find the Sham hummus crave-worthy. Fri Jul 13 15:48:29 -0700 2007 2569249 27951 omotosando 4 2749422 Thanks for reporting back! Yes, as I mentioned, I'm partial to less tangy versions of hummus. The olive oil and warm chickpeas on top are a nice touch, imo. I'm not sure I'd describe it as crave worthy, either, but I do prefer it to Sunin's. Truthfully, I'm still looking for a place in LA that has hummus I find "crave worthy." Have you tried Sham's moutabal, which is like baba ghanoush at some places? I would definitely describe that as crave worthy. Sat Jul 14 09:35:05 -0700 2007 2748030 18466 a_and_w 1 2412618 Soumarelo has the best Hummus also they have Pepermus .it's the best give it atry Thu Mar 22 18:02:23 -0700 2007 2332057 85147 HIDOC 1 2564894 The Hummus Factory in El Segundo... 304 E Grand in El Segundo... Hummus to die for.. clean and awesome food especially the falafel and the grape leaves!!! Must try!! :) Sat May 12 16:13:45 -0700 2007 2332057 98188 tkerio 1 2564937 ZANKOU Sat May 12 16:36:43 -0700 2007 2332057 89391 pstark 1 2566140 While most people probably associate Magic Carpet on Pico with that fabulous melawach, I think the hummus there is about the smoothest and silkiest I have had in L.A. (though I have not tried every place mentioned in this thread and will clearly need to do so!). I tend to find most of the supermarket concoctions, such as the deservedly criticized Whole Foods version, too rough and chunky and surprisingly flavorless. Sun May 13 11:31:13 -0700 2007 2332057 59753 Epicure 2 4989873 Didn't Magic Carpet go out of business? So sad... Sun Aug 30 05:08:10 -0700 2009 2566140 13350 glutton 1 2566665 In central OC we like the hummus (and other stuff) at Avo's (across from the Performing Arts Center) Sun May 13 17:18:20 -0700 2007 2332057 85849 thebaron 2 2570051 Believe it or not, Doug Arango's on Melrose in WEHO has a Mediteranean Plate for Lunch that has grilled Chicken Breast, Tzaziki Sauce, Olives, Rstd Peppers, Tabouli and a really great Hummus. They serve it with a fresh baked to order piping hot pita that is out of this world. It is lunch only however, as I have never seen it on the dinner menu Mon May 14 20:52:14 -0700 2007 2566665 57374 JSny 1 2666151 There is new place in the Valley with absolutely the best Hummus in the Southland. Its called the Hummus Bar, at 18743 Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana This is a no nonsense hummus joint. The menu is vegetarian. Its quite upscale as these types of restaurants go. The best thing to get is Hummus Mesabacha or Hummus with Foul Its hard to say why, but the hummus is much better than in any other place i tried Sat Jun 16 10:18:55 -0700 2007 2332057 105773 Fineshmecker 2 2666232 Stay away from those awful places in Tarzana.... yuck!!! the owners are all SCUM Try Carnival in Sherman Oaks or as mentioned Shamshiri in Westwood!!! Sat Jun 16 10:57:55 -0700 2007 2666151 101159 barcelona 3 2666605 "those awful places in tarzana"? what and who are you talking about?! you need to be very careful when you make statements like that. you don't mention any place by name, but the fact you posted a reply to a comment referencing hummus bar suggests you are talking about that place (presumably, among others). if you were not referring to that specific place, you should clarify. if you were referring to that place, and assuming you think it's appropriate to refer to the owners as "scum," you should be more specific. i do not believe most readers feel very enlightened when they read a post that puts down a place because the owners are "scum." in the interest of full disclosure, i have no connection to hummus bar. i do not know the owners, though i believe i have spoken to them during a couple visits to the place. i've always found them, as well as the other people working there, to be extremely nice. (i also happen to think they make the best hummus in the city, but that is beside the point.) Sat Jun 16 14:16:59 -0700 2007 2666232 38365 arkestra 3 2693089 Which awful places? Who are you insulting? calling owners Scum without an explanation is a bit much. Mon Jun 25 16:09:52 -0700 2007 2666232 11201 Diana 1 2666241 The hummus at Le Petit Greek on Larchmont is very good. But do yourself a favor and also get the torama, which is waaaaaaaay better than any hummus I ever had. Sat Jun 16 11:00:57 -0700 2007 2332057 105785 fergusmccool 1 2666249 I prefer the Lebanese style with more of a kick, as I grew up with my mom's (born and raised in Beirut) hummous. In my humble opinion: Best - Sunnin - Mandaloun - Marouch - Lebanese Kitchen (hit or miss) Ok - Mediterrenean Cafe - Carousel - Zankou Pasadena (hit or miss) - Sahara - Blue Pyramid Worst - Whole Foods - Trader Joe's - Pita Pita - Soumarelo --- Haven't Tried Yet - Moishe's - Elena's Greek Armenian Cuisine - Papa Cristos C & K Importing - Shamshiri Grill - Pistachio Grill - Hummus Bar - Magic Carpet - Sofi Greek Restaurant & Garden - Golden Fish - Spitz - Falafel-Arax - Good Times Pita Kitchen - Bezjian's Grocery - Westwood Burgers & Falafel - Skaf's Grill - Wahib's - Cafe Bravo - Javan - Shula & Esters - Shish Kabab & Falafel (Pasadena) - Doug Arango's - Sabra (brand) - Hummus Factory - Elat Market - Avo's - Alcazar - Kings Kabob - Haifa's - Cafe Dahab - The Great Greek! - Shawarma Kitchen - Gaby's - Olive Marketplace - Casbah Café Sat Jun 16 11:02:51 -0700 2007 2332057 103188 adevejian 2 2666405 Wow, that was comprehensive. Thanks! P.S. I like Sunnin and Gaby's for hummus, although I don't like the food at either place. I like the food at Moishe's and the hummus is okay, but I don't think as good as the hummus at Sunnin and Gaby's. I seem to remember that Cafe Dahab was okay, but not memorable. I thought the hummus at Shamshiri was gritty and flavorless. The stuff at Zankou in West L.A. doesn't even taste like hummus to me. I agree that Whole Foods is bad. Never tasted a packaged hummus that I liked. Haven't tried most of the other places, but would love to make a hummus tour of L.A. Sat Jun 16 12:22:21 -0700 2007 2666249 27951 omotosando 3 2666457 Yeah, the only things I order at Sunnin are Hummous (2 larges), Tabouleh, & Fried Cauliflower. The rest is just ok. I'm curious about Gaby's now, thanks. And I'm planning on making a hummous tour myself, haha. Sat Jun 16 12:48:51 -0700 2007 2666405 103188 adevejian 4 2666482 Now I will have to try the fried cauliflower at Sunnin. The cabbage salad is pretty good - I just don't like the cooked food. Sat Jun 16 13:01:22 -0700 2007 2666457 27951 omotosando 4 2666541 Far from gourmet y'know, but Gaby'sr probably works for us because we don't expect much from a tent on a busy corner with traffic whizzing by, yet the appetizers and especially the hummus are much better than expected, and service pretty friendly if not efficient. Anyway, savor the funky ambience and graze some tasty appetizers. Life is good at Venice & Motor.. Sat Jun 16 13:43:38 -0700 2007 2666457 12380 bernardo 4 2688205 I went to Gaby's today. Food awful as usual (overcharred, tough, poorly spiced lamb kabob). Hummus pretty good as usual, although I still think I would give the edge to Sunnin's hummus. Sat Jun 23 20:20:58 -0700 2007 2666457 27951 omotosando 5 2691475 Agreed, best to stick to the appetizers. Mon Jun 25 09:46:13 -0700 2007 2688205 12380 bernardo 5 3116370 Finally tried Gaby's and I'm sad to say (as I now live close by) that it was pretty underwhelming. Mon Nov 12 00:41:29 -0800 2007 2688205 103188 adevejian 6 3119395 Maybe it's the lack of competition for that sort of chow in CoCC but I agree they've been going downhill of late. When packaged stuff (Mom's products) at Certified Farmers around town beats the pants off of supposed fresh at sit downs, well then, 'nuff said. Mon Nov 12 19:33:48 -0800 2007 3116370 12380 bernardo 6 3296030 I agree. I was not impressed with Gaby's hummus. Mon Jan 14 20:49:10 -0800 2008 3116370 12521 Tari 2 2679876 If you like Lebanese Hummous with a kick, get thee to Alcazar for the Hummous Alcazar with garlic, parsley and chili pepper (and it has fava beans in the center). Wed Jun 20 23:02:22 -0700 2007 2666249 10568 Jwsel 2 2748464 My parents were in town visiting recently and wanted to grab some lunch. Unfortunately we were pressed for time otherwise i'd have opted for Sunnin but we ended up going to Zankou (Pasadena) because they are fans of their chicken and the beef shawarma. I had some hummous and found it to be incredibly bland.. I even tried augmenting the dip by placing the lemon juice of my tabouleh and the garlic sauce included with the chicken into it.. but.. to no avail. I'd now move it from the 'Ok' section of my list to the 'Worst' Fri Jul 13 18:47:01 -0700 2007 2666249 103188 adevejian 3 2748477 Yes, the hummus at Zankou is awful. It may look like hummus, but it does not taste like hummus. Fri Jul 13 18:53:42 -0700 2007 2748464 27951 omotosando 1 2679791 As a public service announcement, I am posting to never buy the "Meza Artisan" brand of hummus available in the supermarket. I never buy supermarket hummus, but I was at Ralph's and saw this brand, which I had never seen before, and got snookered by the "Artisan" on the label. Three hours after having some of this hummus, it is still repeating on me, with a very vile chemical aftertaste. Wed Jun 20 22:01:01 -0700 2007 2332057 27951 omotosando 2 2679993 never say never. or but. jk. but stick to homemade or a couple of the best places in LA, like alcazar or carousel Thu Jun 21 01:03:42 -0700 2007 2679791 15114 epop 1 2683019 I live in the Irvine area and love the hummus at Caspian (a Persian restaurant) at the 5 fwy and Culver. It melts in your mouth with their homemade bread. Thu Jun 21 19:39:58 -0700 2007 2332057 69347 Kaisgraham 2 2683085 I wish I knew more about regional Persian cuisine, why some Persian restaurants don't even offer hummus and why the breads are so different at each. I adore Sangak, for example, but it's hard to find in restaurants,so what gives? Thu Jun 21 20:10:06 -0700 2007 2683019 12380 bernardo 3 2685994 hummus isn't persian. it is as persian as pizza is thai. sangak is a persian bread, one of the classics. some have it sometimes. some don't like it b/c it is whole wheat, i think. not every french restaurant serves boiillabaise Fri Jun 22 17:08:17 -0700 2007 2683085 15114 epop 1 2685862 The Tribe 40 Spice hummus that you can buy at Gelson's is damn good for store-bought hummus. Fri Jun 22 16:20:14 -0700 2007 2332057 66535 teach 2 2688199 I've tried this hummus since Gelson's is where I do most of my shopping, and the only thing that I will say about it is that it is not as awful as the "Meza Artisan" brand of hummus proffered at Ralph's. Sat Jun 23 20:15:10 -0700 2007 2685862 27951 omotosando 1 2686485 Believe it or not, I picked up some hummus to go at Clementine in Century City and it was fantastic! Fri Jun 22 22:03:05 -0700 2007 2332057 13296 Sandra W 2 2688170 I've tried the hummus at Clementine and didn't like it at all. Sat Jun 23 20:00:02 -0700 2007 2686485 27951 omotosando 1 2688349 I love the humous at Tempo Bar and Grill in Encino, in the Valley. Awesome Mediterranean food all around. NOT the new Gaby's Express on Washington and Lincoln in Venice, tastes like watery paste. Sat Jun 23 21:48:48 -0700 2007 2332057 107523 tango90291 2 2691674 I couldn't bring myself to read this whole thread, but the best hummus I've had recently I bought at the grocery store. It was called "sabra" I believe, and I tried the pine nut version (they also have a version that's called "greek" which I have not yet tried). It was very good, nice consistency and proper flavor. And as far as tastes go, I agree with those comments I skimmed above about TJs hummus--one of the few places they have failed. Give sabra a chance, especially considering it's pretty cheap and you can have it at home and eat it at your leisure. Mon Jun 25 10:34:42 -0700 2007 2688349 92482 voodoochild 3 2693095 You should have probably read the whole thread. Sabra is well represented already! Mon Jun 25 16:11:34 -0700 2007 2691674 11201 Diana 4 2697804 Historically the principal rag on Sabra products on this site has not been flavor or consistency, but that they contain preservatives (Mon Dieu!). For those obsessed with all natural but looking for packaged convenience, I've suggested as alternatives Mom's products, available in Certified Farmers Markets throughout the Southland. Most hounds who've tried Mom's agree that they rock, especially their artichoke hummus. Tue Jun 26 20:13:28 -0700 2007 2693095 12380 bernardo 5 3022139 Oooh! I LOVE Mom's!!! I love her Magic Sauce!!! Wed Oct 10 11:50:32 -0700 2007 2697804 11201 Diana 1 2698188 i am going with Habayit on Pico in West La Tue Jun 26 22:54:10 -0700 2007 2332057 108205 girlflorida 2 2698238 Interesting how opinions diverge. I find the hummus at Habayit nothing special. Tue Jun 26 23:32:11 -0700 2007 2698188 27951 omotosando 3 2748042 I think the chumus at the Hummus Bar - specifically the chumus ful (with fava beans) - is the best I've had in America, period. Tastes like Israel. On the Westside, I think Haifa (Pico by Robertson) has the best. Their chumus ful is good too. Any of the Israeli imported chumuses (Sabra, Miki) beat the pants off the stuff you buy in a regular supermarket. Every Persian/Israeli/Kosher market on Pico or on Fairfax has them. And ditto on Habayit - like the food, but their chumus is just ok. Fri Jul 13 15:51:44 -0700 2007 2698238 111404 2ndAvenue 4 2749442 Thank you for these tips -- I love Israeli hummus too! I will say, though, that I actually like Habayit's hummus. Nothing revelatory, but more sweet than tart, which I prefer. Sat Jul 14 09:41:25 -0700 2007 2748042 18466 a_and_w 4 3022141 Problem with Hummus bar is that they close Sundown Firday and aren't open at all Saturday! Wed Oct 10 11:51:15 -0700 2007 2748042 11201 Diana 1 3022094 I believe Fountain of Health Hummus in Kroger is the best Hummus. The traditionnal one and the roasted garlic are incredibly tasty. But unfortunately I couldn't find this brand in NYC. Anyone knows where in NYC I can find it? Thanks Wed Oct 10 11:40:06 -0700 2007 2332057 133607 Saminto 1 3022748 We love the hummus at the Mediterranean Garden Grill restaurant on Foothill Blvd. in Monrovia. Wed Oct 10 14:27:22 -0700 2007 2332057 11822 Michelle 1 3099573 BRAVO at 1135 w. Glenoaks in Glendale has worth a detour hummus - not too oily and smooth - this place is no frills (and the prices reflect that) who needs ambiance with such moist and perfectly seasoned (chicken) kabobs. MAROUCH on 4905 Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood has Hommas and Fool Maddamas (seasoned fava beans) - that never fails! Tue Nov 06 08:11:35 -0800 2007 2332057 104925 whycook 2 3598207 Went to Lebanese Kitchen on Washington in Pasadena for lunch today. I have to say that of all the hummus I have tasted (straight) this is by far the best. It is buttery and smooth. I had their baba ganouch, which I prefer over hummus, It was pretty good all though it wasn't quite smoky enough for me. Tue Apr 15 18:40:30 -0700 2008 3099573 98631 Fru 1 3895907 whole foods carrys one called Cedars, man this stuff is good I love it Wed Jul 23 18:14:48 -0700 2008 2332057 212604 zcmosz 1 4989788 i also love the hummus at wahib's in alhambra. very creamy. their food is quite good. best lentil soup i've ever had. Sun Aug 30 01:39:01 -0700 2009 2332057 1105647 reflection 1 4990345 At this point, Alcazar Express in Westwood is my pick for best hummus on the Westside. Sun Aug 30 10:27:13 -0700 2009 2332057 18466 a_and_w 2 4991556 Mme Zoe, who has a serious hummus addiction, approved of the hummus at Alcazar while I was chomping on the lamb's tongues - really delicious. They have a great menu, charming and quite atmospheric room, warm service and attrocious parking. Sun Aug 30 19:56:08 -0700 2009 4990345 12655 ZoeZ 1 5017226 I recently tried California Mediterranean Grill by Amer's Falafel, on Ventura Blvd. in Encino. The food was generally good, but I thought the hummus was amazing: very creamy and smooth. I even got some to go at the end of my meal. Has anyone else tried this place, and how would you rate it? http://www.amersfalafel.com/ Wed Sep 09 14:04:10 -0700 2009 2332057 1102769 TragicSandwich