Hummus.
I could happily eat hummus everyday. That creamy chickpea nectar is not only good for your health, it's good for your soul.
Well, my soul at least.
You know that question that people ask, usually in magazine interviews, a question that I find sometimes keeping me up at night, racking my brains- 'what would your last supper be?' That death row meal. I think mine actually might be the glorious hummus, teamed with its great friends: fresh bread, pickles and fiery white onion that I inevitably regret munching later on.
Perhaps it was in fact hummus that Jesus and his disciples dined on during the principal Last Supper, its origins are found in that part of the world after all.
First recordings of hummus were discovered in cookbooks from the 13th Century in Cairo and it is a significant part of cuisine across the Levantine world. 'Hummus' means literally chickpeas in Arabic.
It is a dish that has been enjoyed by ancient rulers and despots, spanning a milennia, so you know it has to be good and deserves respect.
Upon my nerdy food googling this morning, I learnt that tomorrow (May 13th) is World Hummus Day!
So it is only right that we celebrate this wondrous and ancient dish and with this post I share with you all my favourite spots to enjoy it in Berlin tomorrow.
Akroum
Though not found on the menu above the counter, their hummus is delicious and fresh. Just ask for hummus 'gemahlen' (ground).
€
Azzam
Just opposite Akroum on Sonnenallee, you'll find the famous Azzam. Busy and sometimes a little hectic, their hummus always hits the spot. I like to have it with the spicy potatoes.
€
Sababa
Gorgeous Israeli dishes, their hummus with aubergine is always a triumph.
€€
,Zula
Another Israeli restaurant, the hummus with mushrooms is my go to, but they have a variety of toppings to join their super creamy hummus.
€€
Kanaan
A perfect place to go in the Summer with their funky outdoor space in Prenzlauer Berg. A Palestinian and Israeli run restaurant, which just touches the soul. As well as the hummus, the Sabich with a Yemenite pastry is fantastic.
€€
Brunch at Refugio
This cafe is part of a Sharehouse for refugees and homeless in Neukölln. The cafe is run by volunteers and offers a weekend brunch with Levantine fare. The hummus is beautiful. Citrusy fresh, it will brighten up your heavy head on a Sunday.
€