Hummus in Dubai: the best places to scoop up everyone’s favourite humble chickpea dish
We love hummus here in Dubai. Chickpeas mashed to within an inch of their lives, mixed with some tahini, lemon juice and garlic then served with pitta or tanoor bread, it’s finger food at its finest.
Being one of the Middle East’s most food-centric cities, it’s hardly surprising Dubai embraces the cuisines of its fellow Arabian nations.
And whether you believe it was invented in Egypt or the Levant, hummus is undoubtedly one of the most unmistakable dishes from the MENA region.
As simple as this delectable dish sounds, it’s really easy to get it wrong – as we’ve found out to our cost before.
So where do you go if you want some amazing hummus in Dubai? Here’s your answer…
For the best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Dubai click here.
Al Nafoorah
A thing of sheer beauty, the dining room of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s lovely Levantine restaurant is the type of place in which you can provide a classy date night but not worry about licking some mezze off your fingers (at least while the waiter’s back is turned). The hummus here is as remarkable as the décor and while your vegetarian friends might plump for the traditional or Beirut-style offerings, some like it hot (and meaty). In that case, order a portion of the ‘Hummus Bel Lahama’ and the addition of minced lamb and pine nuts will have you screaming for seconds.
From Dhs50. Open daily 1pm-11pm. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/zabeel-saray-al-nafoorah (04 453 0444).
Arabian Tea House
The venue formerly known as the Basta Art Café has been a lynchpin of the historic Al Fahidi district for as long as we can remember (well, since 1997). One of those rare places where you can eat Emirati food in a venue that’s as ‘oldy worldy’ as you could ever hope for, this place ticks many a box. Not least with its wholesome hummus. The presentation here is key. And when you have some floral fine china that’s laden with premium purée in the shape of a delicate flower, it’s difficult not to feel the love.
Dhs29. Open daily 7.30am-11pm. Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, arabianteahouse.com/ (04 353 5071).
Awtar
For fans of music festivals or the odd circus or two, Awtar’s design won’t be lost on you. However, the aim is less Glasto, more gastro here and the menu is as entertaining as the live music and belly dancing on offer every night. Speaking of bellies, keep your own from rumbling by tucking in to some of the fine hummus that comes either in the form of a traditional version or a Beirut-style creation that brings some parsley to the palate. Awtar provides a little twist with some sesame paste. Leave the Big Bird suit at home, as this will be right up your street.
From Dhs30. Open Mon-Sat 7.30pm-2am. Grand Hyatt Dubai, Umm Harair 2, www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/middle-eastern-restaurant-in-garhoud-awtar (04 317 2221).
Babel
When it comes to a culinary night out, La Mer seems to have all the options covered. Superb setting, cracking views and a range of restaurants to suit every mood. Perhaps its shining light is Babel, a seafood specialist that’ll have you instantly hooked. The joy of choosing your fish dish, and how you have it cooked, is one rarely surpassed. But when it comes to the finer details, such as the entrées, Babel speaks our language. Its trio of hummus choices are anything but ordinary, the traditional version being one of the finest we’ve tried. But add in some chopped parsley (Beirut, or in this case, Istanbul-style) or a pesto option lifted with some walnuts and you’ll get a hint of why Babel is so beloved.
From Dhs29. Open daily noon-midnight. La Mer, Jumeirah 1, www.babelrestaurant.com/branch/index/babel-dubai (04 419 0220).
Foul w Hummus
Hugely unassuming and wonderfully welcoming, this Al Barsha hangout is one of those hidden gems you always love to unearth. From its moniker, you’d expect the specialities to be spot-on and even if you’re not a foul fan (how could you not be?) put it this way, we’ve never thought of combing it with hummus let alone realised what we’ve been missing out on. The traditional version is well worth the visit. But by bringing both dishes together in an almost perfect harmony, we can only but wonder why Foul w Hummus isn’t a bigger deal than it surely should be.
Dhs18. Open daily 8am-2am. Rose Garden Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha, (04 395 7767).
Mama’esh
‘Authentic Palestinian street food’ – now there’s a phrase you sadly won’t hear every day. Given how many pals from Palestine we’ve had the pleasure of making during our time here in Dubai, we’re shocked still how niche Mama’esh appears to be. While the manaesh are the prime commodity here (the dugga and za’atar delights especially moreish), the hummus varieties they rustle up are more than worthy of mention. Veggie or meat-eater, you will be equally indulged. Laden with pomegranates and pine nuts, these dishes really are a treat. Considering it only arrived in Business Bay in 2015 yet now has eight brilliant branches, Mama’esh is a marvel everyone should embrace.
From Dhs19. Open daily 7am-1am. Various locations including Bayswater Tower, Business Bay, www.mamaesh.com/ (600 548 287).
Somewhere
You can’t get much more trendy than by having a slot on The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, but Somewhere is somewhat suitable for this prime position considering how cool a concept it is. All marvellous marble-countered and black tile-walled, you’d be forgiven for thinking that if you didn’t have a lifetime membership to the Dubai Hipsters’ Club you wouldn’t be welcome here. Thankfully, that’s not the case. And Somewhere’s ‘Hummus Bar’ has treats worthy of anyone’s attention. The ‘Original’ offering is great in itself and the beetroot beauty is absolutely à la mode. Give it some guacamole and you’ll have the gait of a catwalk queen. But try the Black Angus Beef version and you’ll be strutting until the cows come home.
From Dhs33. Open Sun-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Sat noon-1am. Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, www.instagram.com/somewhere (04 329 5182).
The Hummus House
Given hummus is in its name, you’d hope this place would get that cracking chickpea creation bang on. Luckily, or more likely skilfully, it totally has. This Jordanian-inspired JLT joint has much to admire, not least the charmingly unfussy nature of its team. It truly is hard to pick our favourite from the menu of hummus delights here but the carrot and coriander version is a refreshing take on a classic, while there’s something to be said about taking it up a notch or two with the joyous jalapeño option. Spice is the variety of life. Or something like that…
From Dhs18. Open daily 9am-9pm. Lake Shore Towers, Cluster Y, JLT, www.instagram.com/hummushousedxb/ (04 242 6611).
