Who has the best hummus?

[Tari]

I am on a hummus kick and was wondering where I could get some really good hummus.
Any recommendations?

[westsidegal]

although it's rarely mentioned here, i like the hummus served at shamshiri grill on westwood blvd.

[katkoupai]

Me too. :)

[lesupersteph]

I have only been to the Samshiri in Glendale but I love it.

[westsidegal]

are they related?
the shamshiri grill is in westwood.

[Quesera]

Moishe's in the Farmer's Market on 3rd and Fairfax.

[navystreet]

I second Moishe's. They have great hummus. Also like Sunnin and Carnival.

[Food Good]

I liked Zanku chicken, and Roro chicken on Sunset. Nice added olive oil on top.

[LJY]

One vote for Javan on Santa Monica in West LA!

[boutmuet]

The hummus at Zanku Chicken in Anaheim is quite good and they give you a lot of it with each order however they don't give enough pita bread. Two tiny pieces of bread.. come on.

[Das Ubergeek]

Skaf's Grill, 6008 Laurel Canyon (at Oxnard), North Hollywood.

[bodie]

amen to that!

[rds246]

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...

[debra]

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.

[RoxyGrl]

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

[liu]

RoxyGrl - I, too, like Mom's products. They also make a halvah that is the best I know.

[RoxyGrl]

Hmmm, tomorrow is Saturday and it's Farmer's Market day. I may have to try that!

[oilydal]

marouch!

[chica]

I like the ones at TJ's. I usually buy the package with four kinds, which includes tomato and garlic.

[wilafur]

not a fan of the hummus at tj's because it is not creamy. imo, good hummus needs to be creamy.

[smonkey]

i like their creamy mediterranean style hummus - it has the oil and pine nuts on top. i'm not crazy about their regular hummus.

[wilafur]

the olive oil w/ pine nuts version is the only one that costco carries.

[Tari]

This past week I also saw the red pepper one at Costco.

[hch_nguyen]

I second TJ's. Their garlic hummus is the best of the 4 kinds IMO.

[will47]

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.

[The Oracle]

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.

[will47]

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.

[hch_nguyen]

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.

[will47]

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.

[westsidegal]

gotta agree about tj's hummus.
poor, poor, poor.

[chow_rk]

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!

[PurpleTeeth]

My Fav is from Elat Market in Beverly Hills . I think it is on Olympic?

[westsidegal]

elat is on pico near robertson

[Kevin B]

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.

[will47]

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.

[Liquid Sky]

Agreed. Whole Foods' hummus tastes like nothing!

[westsidegal]

i'll have to try elat's.
must completely agree that whole foods and trader joe's are AWFUL.

[Faulkner99]

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.

[wilafur]

the sabra stuff rocks....for a mass produced product.

[collegedad35]

I used to love Sabra, until I look at the sodium content, too salty, 150mg in 28gr. I found Sadaf Hummus at a middle eastern grocery (think the name is Eltaybat) in Anaheim which has less sodium with the same quality or better.

[PurpleTeeth]

No the one I am thinking of is from the Deli Section and I understood made there.

[burratabelly]

The hummos from Elat Market deli section is excellent!!!

[Muhlyssa]

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.

[snoobie]

The variety of humus made by the company SABRA is wonderful.... I often find it at Kosher stores.

[wilafur]

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.

[mrchow511]

Yes. Sabra is an excellent brand that can be found in many places including Costco.

[coreyander]

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.

[Diana]

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.

[cuhri]

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!

[glutton]

I like the hummus at Gaby's on Venice Blvd in Culver City.

[highendhats]

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.

[bernardo]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/394055

[coreyander]

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).

[Tari]

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.

[westsidegal]

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.

[omotosando]

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.

[bulavinaka]

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...

[westsidegal]

on that subject, indo cafe at the intersection of national blvd. and national blvd

[LuigiOrtega]

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

[westsidegal]

it's worse.

[omotosando]

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.

[westsidegal]

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.

[Das Ubergeek]

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.

[westsidegal]

you are being kind to them.

[foodseeker]

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!

[EREDSON]

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!

[tigercactus]

I like the hummus at Sunnin and at carnival in sherman oaks. I like very smooth hummus and I thought these were the best ....

[Emme]

Second the rec for Carnival... the hummus freaks in my family swear by it. Good take-out for parties too.

[anothernotch]

Agreed, for my money it doesn't get any better that Carnival. Nice and creamy, with a splash of olive oil and parsley.

[bernardo]

Surprise, surprise, the old hummus debate resurfaces. Enjoy another 44 posts at:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/328259

[katkoupai]

Very useful. Thanks for posting the link. :)

[arkestra]

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
[phone]

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.)

[Diana]

hmmm, I wanna try it! Thanks!

[maggielyn]

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.

[L.A.Hound]

Cafe Bravo in Glendale on Glenoaks Blvd. Very creamy and smooth.

[Jwsel]

The hummus at Alcazar in Encino is good, especially the Hummus Alcazar with garlic and chili and topped with fava beans.

[omotosando]

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.

[gadflier]

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.

[westsidegal]

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.

[justagthing]

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.

[ozzygee]

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.

[Dav]

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/

[Ernie]

In SGV, I like the hummus at Mediterranean Cafe in Pasadena and Wahib's in Alhambra

[katkoupai]

Yum. I just read more about this place. I have to try it. :)

Mediterranean Cafe
[phone]
273 Shoppers Ln
Pasadena, CA 91101

[Ernie]

It is very good and reasonable. They also have good chicken shawarma

[katkoupai]

It's definitely on my list of places to go. Thanks. :)

[katkoupai]

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. :)

[Ernie]

I'm very glad you liked it and thank you for taking the time to report back :)

[Drehound]

I really love the hummus at Sunnin that is topped with strips of filet!!!

[bite bite]

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)

[quinntran]

I like the hummus at Magnolia on Sunset

[vinosnob]

What? No votes for Sunin (on Westwood)? That place rocks...

[will47]

There are several votes for it (Sunnin) above. Everyone else spelled it right, so maybe that's why you didn't see them.

[vinosnob]

Tisk tisk, so shoot me!

[Das Ubergeek]

That's "tsk tsk"... *duck*

Sunnin's OK... but what's with the meat on the hummus? ICK.

[Diana]

ooh, I kinda like that..or pine nuts or sauteed mushrooms Never been to Sunnin, but have had it at other places.

[bernardo]

In LB, Open Sesame used to be good but too crowded a space, haven't been in a while though

[justagthing]

if you like the smooth style with olive oil, then go for it. I myself, like a bit more texture. Homemade is the best.

[bulavinaka]

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...

[will47]

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.

[epop]

only in america! no bubble gum flavoring too?

[bulavinaka]

I hope no one from Trader Joe's reads your post - they just might try to pull it off...

[bernardo]

when celebrity chefs cross the line it's "fusion cooking", when unheralded hounds do something unusual it's heresy, aye?

[epop]

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.

[Local]

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!

[Das Ubergeek]

Olive Marketplace also has fantastic babka bread in the back, on the shelf immediately next to the bakery display case.

[Local]

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?

[arifa]

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.

[weebie]

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/sh...

[ruddy]

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
[phone]
4725 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[bbirch]

Had a great edamame hummus from Whole Foods.
Love most types. This felt a bit lighter, but with good GARLIC.

Bruce

[tannazie]

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.

[alexfood]

Skaf's & Sunnin are the best I've had. Zankou in Van Nuys is good, not great for me.

[limaboy]

one more vote for skaf's..they make hummus beautifully.
Carnival on woodman best for killer lentil soup...
LB

[a_and_w]

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.

[a_and_w]

Have to add that I've since tried the hummus at Sham, which is excellent -- better imo than Sunnin.

[omotosando]

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.

[a_and_w]

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.

[HIDOC]

Soumarelo has the best Hummus also they have Pepermus .it's the best
give it atry

[tkerio]

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!! :)

[pstark]

ZANKOU

[Epicure]

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.

[glutton]

Didn't Magic Carpet go out of business? So sad...

[thebaron]

In central OC we like the hummus (and other stuff) at Avo's (across from the Performing Arts Center)

[JSny]

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

[Fineshmecker]

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

[fergusmccool]

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.

[adevejian]

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

[omotosando]

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.

[adevejian]

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.

[omotosando]

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.

[bernardo]

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..

[omotosando]

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.

[bernardo]

Agreed, best to stick to the appetizers.

[adevejian]

Finally tried Gaby's and I'm sad to say (as I now live close by) that it was pretty underwhelming.

[bernardo]

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.

[Tari]

I agree. I was not impressed with Gaby's hummus.

[Jwsel]

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).

[adevejian]

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'

[omotosando]

Yes, the hummus at Zankou is awful. It may look like hummus, but it does not taste like hummus.

[omotosando]

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.

[epop]

never say never. or but. jk.

but stick to homemade or a couple of the best places in LA, like alcazar or carousel

[Kaisgraham]

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.

[bernardo]

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?

[epop]

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

[teach]

The Tribe 40 Spice hummus that you can buy at Gelson's is damn good for store-bought hummus.

[omotosando]

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.

[Sandra W]

Believe it or not, I picked up some hummus to go at Clementine in Century City and it was fantastic!

[omotosando]

I've tried the hummus at Clementine and didn't like it at all.

[tango90291]

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.

[voodoochild]

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.

[Diana]

You should have probably read the whole thread. Sabra is well represented already!

[bernardo]

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.

[Diana]

Oooh! I LOVE Mom's!!! I love her Magic Sauce!!!

[girlflorida]

i am going with Habayit on Pico in West La

[omotosando]

Interesting how opinions diverge. I find the hummus at Habayit nothing special.

[2ndAvenue]

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.

[a_and_w]

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.

[Diana]

Problem with Hummus bar is that they close Sundown Firday and aren't open at all Saturday!

[Saminto]

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

[dancers13]

I totally agree! Love the "Fountain of Health" red pepper hummus, their traditional variety, and their BABA GHANOUJ (smoky and delicious, yum!) Even love their unique oval container. Easily obtained at Ralph's, but check the expiration date. They seem to get boatloads at once - and often they put them on sale for $1.99/container. I've tried all the store varieties, and this is by FAR, the most consistently tasty! I always freak out if the store runs low...had to endure some periods when I had to wait weeks for the next batch to arrive!

[Michelle]

We love the hummus at the Mediterranean Garden Grill restaurant on Foothill Blvd. in Monrovia.

[whycook]

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!

[Fru]

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.

[zcmosz]

whole foods carrys one called Cedars, man this stuff is good I love it

[reflection]

i also love the hummus at wahib's in alhambra. very creamy. their food is quite good. best lentil soup i've ever had.

[a_and_w]

At this point, Alcazar Express in Westwood is my pick for best hummus on the Westside.

[ZoeZ]

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.

[TragicSandwich]

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/

[PomsMoms]

I know it's an old post, but I have to include a vote for Al Hamra Halal Cafe in Redondo Beach. Super creamy, not tart (more tahini?), good garlicky flavor, and just overall wonderful. It's pretty much been the only thing I've enjoyed eating post-wisdom tooth surgery, and still not sick of it going on day 5. :D

[robbie 11]

went there it was gritty

[Servorg]

Where is there?

[Ollie]

Babafoods.com Found them @ Temecula farmers market. They also sell their products @ Costco. But as you know, Costco will limit your choices. Best bet is to buy directly from baba foods.