Hummus, a blend of chickpeas and tahini, is an iconic Mediterranean dish that pretty much everyone needs to experience. It’s almost always paired with fresh pita bread and explosive flavour. So, if you want to find a literal slice of the Mediterranean but can’t escape the city, make your way to any of the places on this list and let your taste buds take their dream vacation. [Image credit: iStock.com/Anna Pustynnikova]
Al Salam handles the classic hummus and pita, which is great in flavour, portion-size, and price – but that’s not all. They have the added bonus of being a deli, which means you hummus-lovers-on-the-go can pop in for a second, pick up a heap of hummus, and race back out again. But, if you feel like you’ve got a few minutes to spare, feel free to take a seat and order shawarma or kebob platter with ample sides of rice, garlic dip, fatoush salad, and – of course – hummus and fresh pita bread.
The sign outside the restaurant reads “Authentic Turkish Cuisine,” and that description could not be more accurate. Sofra receives consistent reviews raving about the warm space, the relaxing wine cellar and the smell of garlic that lulls patrons into a calm sense of security before their palates are ravaged with flavour (in the best way possible). Be sure to precede any meal with Sofra’s delicious hummus served with fresh flat-baked pita bread.
Hummus. Hummus everywhere. They’ve got it in salad. They’ve got it in platters. Get it as an appetizer with the ever-classic pita bread. Smother a kebab with it. Smother it with chicken or beef shawarma, if you’re feeling frisky. And, cap off your evening with shisha from the hookah bar while enjoying live music. La Shish Taouk will not disappoint.
Koutouki Taverna may only be open for dinner in the evenings, but in those few hours a day, they pack in plenty of flavourful Greek cuisine dining experiences. The restaurant looks like it’s been plucked right off a Mediterranean coastline, with its classic architecture and iconic blue and white palettes, and the food has that same authentic look (and taste), as well. Although Koutouki only has one hummus option (the classic chickpea and tahini dip with pita bread), the price and flavour of the appetizer still make Koutouki a great destination in the search for delectable hummus.
Looking for hummus with a side of Mediterranean ambiance? Co Co Di features an extensive Greek and Lebanese menu (with favourites from Italy peppered in) and a side of Turkish music and belly dancers for entertainment. Co Co Di’s hummus comes with a lemon twist and a special, top-secret dressing. It strikes a great balance between sweet and savoury, and comes with fresh pita and assorted pickles.